n00b questions on powering Genuine Motor Shield and Tamiya Gearbox

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Hi all.

I have Arduino Genuine Motor Shield with Arduino Uno and Tamiya Gearbox with two DC motors. I need external power source for this setup. Right now I'm thinking of a standard AC adaptor (don't want to charge batteries every 5 minutes during the development).

  1. What voltage and amperage of AC adapter do I need? Motor shield allows for 5V to 12V and 2A per channel.
  2. Does motor shield has any voltage regulator? Motors in Tamiya Gearbox allows for max 1.5 - 3V (1.5V Recommended). What if AC adapter outputs 5V? Will that fry my motors?
  3. I guess that powering Motor Shield will also power Arduino Uno board, right? Can I still use USB cable plugged into Arduino Uno along with AC adapter plugged into Motor Shield? During development I need USB cable to upload new codes.

Thanks in advance!

  • Pon
2

Hi,

I would suggest that you power the motors from two or four rechargeable AA Batteries. Modern rechargeable batteries will last an hour or more of constant running.

When I am developing I power my Arduino through USB with the motors on separate AA Battery power.

For running I power the Arduino from a 9v battery and the motors are again on their own AA Battery power. This is a pretty standard way of doing things.

Duane B

rcarduino.blogspot.com