Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Carter05 on August 21, 2008, 08:24:33 PM

Title: DC Motors
Post by: Carter05 on August 21, 2008, 08:24:33 PM

I will be getting the Axon soon and I want to be able to use DC motors. From what I understand I need an "H-Bridge" to run the motors. Is there a good cheaper place to buy these? I've also seen motor controllers like the saber tooth which seems kinda pricey, do they offer a lot of performance compared the cheaper controllers or a simple H-Bridge? Basically, what's the best solution for hobby robotics.

Title: Re: DC Motors
Post by: Admin on August 22, 2008, 08:44:54 AM

How much voltage and current do your motors require?

If you require ultra cheap, don't mind doing your own wiring and schematic reading, and aren't using powerful motors:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=DGUS,DGUS:2006-11,DGUS:en&q=motor+driver+IC

The L293 is also very popular.

ps - The PWM code for the Axon, although posted, is still in beta version.

Title: Re: DC Motors
Post by: ArcMan on August 22, 2008, 04:07:51 PM

Also take a look at my favorite - the LMD18200.

Title: Re: DC Motors
Post by: Rebelgium on August 23, 2008, 02:18:32 AM

If you want to go cheap, get yourself a L293 or the more powerfull L298.
And make your own board. (search before you ask "how?")
You can easily find schematics...

If you're not up for making you're own board you'll have to buy one...more expensive, but it'll work the first time ;)

Title: Re: DC Motors
Post by: reefat on August 23, 2008, 02:42:39 AM

I prefer Futurlec (http://www.futurlec.com/) as they have a wide range of semiconductor devices for very cheap price.
I bought L293D H-Bridge IC for only $2.90. Check this out http://www.futurlec.com/cgi-bin/search/qty_price.cgi?part_no=L293 (http://www.futurlec.com/cgi-bin/search/qty_price.cgi?part_no=L293)