Motor Shield won't power on fans

[astronaut7]

Hi,

I am trying to control these fans using a motor shield on my Uno. However I can get no life in them without plugging it in with the power source (I tried plugging one in with the power supply, then it works and goes full power).

This is the code I have tried testing it with:

#include <AFMotor.h>

AF_DCMotor motor1(1);
AF_DCMotor motor2(2);
AF_DCMotor motor3(3);
AF_DCMotor motor4(4);

void setup() {
  motor1.setSpeed(255);
  motor2.setSpeed(255);
  motor3.setSpeed(255);
  motor4.setSpeed(255);

}

void loop() {
  motor1.run(FORWARD);
  motor2.run(FORWARD);
  motor3.run(FORWARD);
  motor4.run(FORWARD);
}

Do you have an idea on how I can get closer to get it running?

[Paul_KD7HB]

@astronaut7

However I can get no life in them without plugging it in with the power source (I tried plugging one in with the power supply, then it works and goes full power).

You are confusing us! IF you don't power the controller with 12 volts, how do expect the motors to operate?

[astronaut7]

Hi Paul,

I am sorry for the confusion!

The controller is powered at all times, what I meant is if I put in the wires from the fan with the wires from the power supply. Here's a picture of it:

[Wawa]

Those computer fans can't be reversed, and the reverse voltage that an H-bridge can output could damage the fans.

Connect the positive wire from the fan to one motor output,
and the negative fan wire to fan supply negative (ground).
Change positive fan wire to the other motor output if it doesn't run.

You should of course use a mosfet to control these fans, not an H-bridge motor shield.
Leo..

[bitherder_57]

You should look up the info on those fans. Just looked at th website for EZDIY. the fans they featured appear to use brushless D/C motors. They also sell their own speed controller for them. I am just making an educated guess here but the fans probably have their own controller and sending PWM power to them won’t work.

PC Component | Cooling Gaming RGB Gear | EZDIY-FAB