I'm currently attempting to use the L293D motor shield for future needs but only one side (the M3 and M4 side) will work. If I put any motor on the M1 or M2 side, the whole thing stops working. I am a little scared to try anything as if I add a motor onto the M1/M2 side then the L293D LED starts blinking instead of being constant and I don't know if it will short circuit. I am thinking it could either be an issue with the M1/M2 IC but I have never used this before so I have no idea. I am using a 9V power supply and the L293D is jut connect to an Arduino UNO. The code should make all the motors turn on simultaneously. Thanks in advance!
Hopefully, not a 9V smoke alarm battery. Make sure that the power supply can provide at least 2 Amperes, preferably more.
The ancient, very inefficient L293D can handle only very small, low current motors. You will have far less trouble if you buy a modern, efficient motor driver. Pololu has the best selection.
Let me just ask, does a coles alkaline+ 9v battery class as a smoke alarm battery? Also my motors are 3V - 6V motors and I don’t really have access to anything less ancient than a L293D
If it looks like this, it is totally unsuitable for motors. Use 6xAA batteries instead.
If it works at all, the L293D wastes nearly half the battery power as heat. I recommend the DRV8835 for small motors. Buy the real thing at Pololu or look for a cheaper imitation on eBay or Amazon, and hope that you don't get a fake.
