Hi, could I power a motor connected to a L298N motor driver with the Arduino UNO R3’s 3.5 volt power source?
Thanks, Jcoop920
Motors need either battery pack or wall wart power. An UNO is neither.
No.
It has no such power source.
If you meant 3.3V, that cannot provide enough power for a motor.
L298 is very old and inefficient design. You will need a power source of at least 5.5V to power a 3.5V motor, and, of course, enough current for the motor.
Do you understand the relationship between voltage, current and power?
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The following may save you some problems and $$$
Gil's Crispy Critter Rules for Processor Hardware:
- Rule #1: An Arduino is NOT a Power Supply!
- Rule #2: Never connect anything inductive (motors, speakers) directly to an Arduino!
- Rule #3: Avoid connecting or disconnecting wires while the power is on.
- Rule #4: Do not apply power to any pin unless you are certain of what you're doing.
- Rule #5: Do not exceed the maximum voltage ratings.
- Rule #6: Many Arduinos cannot power transmitters directly.
- Rule #7: Before powering your project, take a break and double-check the wiring. then do it again!
LaryD’s Corollaries:
- Coro #1: When starting out, add a 220Ω resistor in series with both input and output pins to protect against shorts.
- Coro #2: Invest in a Digital Multi-Meter (DMM) to measure voltages, currents, and resistance.
Note: Violating these rules can turn your Arduinos into crispy critters. For optimal performance, keep your wires under 25 cm (10 inches).
Additional Tips:
- The L293 motor driver, though common, is inefficient as it can lose around 3V as heat when driving both legs of a motor. Consider using a motor driver with MOSFET outputs to reduce heat loss and conserve battery power.
- For more on powering Arduino boards, explore this guide: Powering Alternatives for Arduino Boards.
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