Product Details
Embarking on a robotics project? The first hurdle is getting a motor to spin. You'll soon find that even motors with the same part number can have different speeds due to voltage, environment, and manufacturing variances. So, it's crucial to figure out how fast your motor is going. The best way to start is by adding an encoder wheel and an optical or magnetic counter. As the motor rotates, the encoder wheel spins, and the counter detects each passing spoke, allowing your microcontroller to count and measure speed. If you want to take it a step further, adding a second counter enables you to determine both speed and direction! Wiring can be a hassle, but this motor simplifies things. It comes with a magnetic wheel and two pre - attached hall effect sensors. This small, 'standard' N20 - sized motor is a breeze to use. Supply 4.5 to 6V DC (nominal) to the white and red wires, which connect to your motor driver. You can use an H - bridge to PWM these for speed adjustment and direction control. Connect the blue wire to your microcontroller's ground pin and the black wire to 3 - 5V DC, matching your microcontroller's voltage (check the motor markings as colors aren't standard). Then, read the hall effect outputs on the yellow and green wires. We've got an Arduino example sketch that can be adapted to other languages. Just interrupt on one of the encoder pins, count the time since the last interrupt, and multiply by 14 counts per revolution and the gear ratio. This DC motor has a 1:50 gear ratio, runs on 6V nominal power, and draws about 100 mA (200 mA when stalled). The gear ratio won't affect current draw but does change torque and RPM. Check below for no - load/rated/stall current, RPM, and torque across different ratios!
Using this motor is quite straightforward. First, make sure you supply 4.5 to 6V DC power to the white and red wires. Connect these wires to your motor driver and use an H - bridge to control the speed and direction. Remember to match the voltage when connecting the black wire to your microcontroller. Just look at the markings on the motor as the wire colors aren't standard. When it comes to the blue wire, connect it to the ground pin of your microcontroller. Then you can read the hall effect outputs on the yellow and green wires. If you're using an Arduino, we have an example sketch for you, and it can be changed to work with other languages too. As for maintenance, keep the motor clean and free from dust. If it gets dirty, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it. Also, check the connections regularly to make sure they're secure. When not in use, store the motor in a cool, dry place. And always be careful with the current, as stalling the motor can cause it to draw more current (200 mA) than normal (100 mA).
