Hobby DC motors are small, versatile electric motors commonly used in DIY projects, model trains, RC cars, and robotics. They offer hobbyists the ability to create custom motion systems and mechanisms for various applications, ranging from simple to projects.
A DC motor shield is an add-on board that interfaces with a microcontroller, such as an , to control one or more DC motors easily. It typically includes motor driver , connectors for motor connections, and sometimes additional features like voltage regulation or current sensing. This shield simplifies the process of controlling DC motors in projects by providing a convenient and reliable between the microcontroller and the motors.
DC motors require additional circuitry for speed and direction control and generally provide higher compared to continuous servos. Continuous servos, on the other hand, are controlled directly by a control signal (e.g., PWM), simplifying control. They provide continuous rotation at variable speeds in both directions, but typically have lower and less precise control due to their simplified control method. They are particularly suitable for applications requiring continuous rotation, such as robot wheels and rotating displays.
DC motors can be controlled using either digital (0 to 1) or analogue (0 to 1023) output signals sent along the pins. A digital write of 1 means % power, while a digital write of 0 means 0% power. An analogue write of results in 50% power, allowing for varying levels of speed and control in projects involving mechanical motion.