Sorry, Peter, I do not know how much voltage and current the motors actually need. I got the kit with absolutely no instructions, or info on the motors. I built the kit using the pictures from the link I posted and followed all the instructions regarding installing the motor shield and uploading the code. I don't have a meter to test the battery voltage when the motors are switched on. I just assumed that the recommended 4 cell battery pack would suffice. I have a 10 cell pack I could try out but I wasn't sure if that would be too much voltage for the shield or Arduino.
For the record, Paul, All my batteries are brand new, Duracell, and not from my smoke alarm. I said I was new to Arduino and electronics, that does not make me and idiot. I appreciate any help I can get but I'd prefer that if you have no support to offer then you go patronise somebody else, cause I can't be arsed with that crap. I just want to build my robot.
The 9v battery powers the Arduino no problem, why would I need to change that?
What about using a 10 cell pack for the motors?