I then found a more simpler guide to follow that basically have the same schematic but uses less wires. But still the Motor isn't responding. I tried a different transistor and diode that came with the ARDX package from oomlout.com but still nothing happens. I also tried using different resistors such as 2.2 kOhm, 560 Ohm and 270 Ohm but nothing happens. Overview | Arduino Lesson 13. DC Motors | Adafruit Learning System
Now I'm thinking that the DC Motor is broken. But how can I test that in the most simplest way without frying my Arduino?
Is it safe to wire the Motor directly to Arduino like in this screenshot to test if the Motor isn't broken?
The connections in the picture goes to the 5V pin and GND pin.
Ok..... first of all, before connecting something to a power source (regardless of arduino output or power supply etc)..... look up the specifications for power output of the source. How much power can it put out? That is, at a particular voltage, how much current can be produced by that source?
This will tell you whether the source is capable of providing the required power to whatever device you're trying to power up.
In this case, your arduino output probably doesn't have enough output power to drive your DC motor. It is kind of like trying to use a tiny battery to start your car motor. It can't provide enough power to do anything.
And.... to test a DC motor..... have available a variable voltage DC power supply (aka bench power supply)...one that can output relatively large amounts of power. Use a DC bench power supply to test your motor....to see whether it works. Always start off with very small voltage....then slowly and gradually increase the voltage until something spins. Also can be good to have a current meter in series with the motor to keep an eye on the current going into the motor.
To drive the motor, the arduino's low powered signal must be fed into a power module (like a relay device or power amplifier device) that can supply enough power to the motor.
VDC
Thanks you all I will put those items on my shopping list at a later stage.
But tomorrow I was thinking of acquiring a cheap power supply for a quick test. Does this one look ok to you guys?
Voltage (VDC) = 12
Current (mA) = 5.000
Effect (W) = 60,0
Or should I look for a PSU that have a maximum of 1.000 mA like how this guide wrote? I didn't see them mention a limitation so I wanted to go big if that is ok? http://playground.arduino.cc/Learning/WhatAdapter
60 Hz vs. 50 Hz
Also another thing I ordered my Arduino UNO from USA but live in Europe. As I understand USA uses 60 Hz and Europe uses 50 Hz. Do I need to worry about this frequency thing so I don't accidentally fry my Arduino when I plug it into the wall?
Froglet:
Also another thing I ordered my Arduino UNO from USA but live in Europe. As I understand USA uses 60 Hz and Europe uses 50 Hz. Do I need to worry about this frequency thing so I don't accedentally fry my Arduino when I plug it into the wall?
The arduino itself requires DC voltage, so that's ok. The arduino usually doesn't come with an mains-powered power supply, so you should be ok.
In general sharing power rails between a motor (or any highly inductive load) and any sensitive electronics
(logic or analog) is a recipe for destruction of the sensitive electronics. Never do it.
This probably isn't related to the present problem but to prevent future puzzles put a substantial snubber across the motor terminals. I use .47 mfd in series with 200 ohms.
