So I'm currently building a robot that will follow a line. It is powered by a combination of an arduino Mega microprocessor, a Pololu QTR-8RC sensor array, and an Ardumoto motor controller. I am able to run the ardumoto and arduino chip, or the Sensor array and Arduino chip, but I am unable to power both at the same time. I need some help.
Currently, The Arduino chip is being powered by a 9V battery. I have the 5V output from the arduino connected to the Vcc on the Sensor array, and the ground form the sensor array connected to the arduino's ground port. Then, I have a 9V batter connected to the Ardumoto's VIN input. Then, The Ardumoto and Arduino's VIN ports are connected. The problem I am having is that is seems that either the ardumoto can be powered, or the Sensor Array can be powered, but not both at the same time. Help me please.
So I'm currently building a robot that will follow a line. It is powered by a combination of an arduino Mega microprocessor, a Pololu QTR-8RC sensor array, and an Ardumoto motor controller. I am able to run the ardumoto and arduino chip, or the Sensor array and Arduino chip, but I am unable to power both at the same time. I need some help.
Currently, The Arduino chip is being powered by a 9V battery. I have the 5V output from the arduino connected to the Vcc on the Sensor array, and the ground form the sensor array connected to the arduino's ground port. Then, I have a 9V batter connected to the Ardumoto's VIN input. Then, The Ardumoto and Arduino's VIN ports are connected. The problem I am having is that is seems that either the ardumoto can be powered, or the Sensor Array can be powered, but not both at the same time. Help me please.
You'll get your 9v (if that is the best voltage for you) but you will also get a lot more current.
I honestly only learned this recently. I recommend you read the wikipedia article on batteries.
Start here List of battery sizes - Wikipedia and explore from there. I learned more about battery powering projects in the 30 minutes I spend reading this and the related articles then I had known combined for years.
Sorry about the cross post. The motors I'm using are these: Pololu - 100:1 Micro Metal Gearmotor HP 6V, which use 80 mA free run and 1.6 stall. So I need a better battery with a higher current? Also on a side note, what is the different between free-run amperage and stall amperage?
what is the different between free-run amperage and stall amperage?
One is where it is running without any load, the other is when these is so much load the motor stops. In practice the motor's current can be anywhere between the two, depending on the load.
Can you recommend a battery that will provide enough voltage and current for my needs (w/the 2 80mA motors) that is reliable? Preferably available from amazon, but other places are fine as well. Thanks
So I am planning on getting something like this:
(Tenergy 7.4V 2600mAh Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery 31004 - Tenergy)
It is a 7.4V battery, rechargeable, that can provide 4.4 Amps of power. Will this be enough power to power my motors, and will the motor shield (the Ardumoto) be able to handle the voltage and amperage? if not, are there any alternative battery supplies/motor controller combo's that will work for me
The motors should be just fine with that voltage and amperage. The Ardumoto seems to work fine until you reach 18 volts, where it tends to go up in smoke, so you should be perfectly fine with your 7.4 V battery.
