DIY Arduino Motor Shield

Today, I’m going to show you how to make an Arduino motor shield (driver) at a low cost. It works splendidly, its posses almost all the characteristics of the original Arduino motor shield. It’s almost considered as a clone. The original Arduino motor shield has the same motor driver chip (L298), the only difference with it, is the package type, my project contains the vertical version of the chip L298 (with a “N”).

Arduino Motor Shield

Structure:
It’s controlled using 4 PWM pins. The connections are: 11&10 for the R-Motor and 6&5 for the L-Motor. With the help of eight fast recovery diodes (1N4937) it shows a very fast response of stopping/ braking, that’s why I’m going to use it for the national SUMOBOT competition.

What Is A Motor Shield?
A motor shield is a circuit that drives different loads such as motors, lights and etc… The Arduino Board (Microcontroller) itself isn’t designed to operate high current loads, that’s why we use motor shields, it is a circuit that is controlled by your arduino board to drive high power accessories.

Cost:
It only cost me P363.75 (Converted: $8.87)! The prices would decrease to P262.50 (Converted: $6.40) if I sticked to the original plan, since it’s for competitional purposes, I substituted  some parts with a higher rate of response.

About The Guide:
The guide includes the datasheet, schematic diagram, PCB layout, Arduino test files and etc…. All you need is an hour and the 6 step instructable.

Specs:
____________________________________________________
Voltage Range: 5- 50 volts
Current Range: 2-4 Amperes
Power: 25w @75°C
Working Temparature: -40°C to 150°C
Board Compatibility: Arduino Uno
Motor Outputs: 2 Motors (Left & Right)
Possible Robot Movements: Left, Right, Forward, Backward & etc..
PWM Pins: [12&11]  [6&5]

The PCB layout is my original design, it was created using Fritzing Softwareplease ask for permission if anyone is willing to modify and republish it.

Step 1: Parts & Materials

I bought my parts in ALEXAN, a local electronic store with tons of branches (Only Found In The Philippines). Everything is cheap there, the links that I gave is only an alternative for online purchases. My real price list and spending is a lot different and cheaper. If you live in the Philippines, you can buy in DEECO, Alexan, E-Gizmo or Raon.

Parts:
L298N Motor Driver Chip
7806 Regulator Chip 
1N4937 Fast Recovery Diode
1 Ohm ¼ watt Resistor
Screw Terminal Blocks
PCB Board (Regular or Photo-positive)
Male or Female Pins (Used to connect to Arduino)
– Heatsink (Bought or DIY)
Schematic Arduino Motor Shield
7806 Regulator Chip = (Substitute: 7805- 7809)
1 Ohm ¼ watt Resistor = (Substitute: Up to 10 Ohms)

1N4937 Fast Recovery Diode = (Substitute: 1N4007 or 4148)

Step 2: PCB Making

In this step, I will show you the schematic diagrams, datasheets and PCB layouts. Just download the files below. If you don’t know how to make a PCB, please visit my other instructable guide “DIY Customized Circuit Board (PCB Making)“. I used a Photo-postive PCB board instead of the traditional toner transfer. The photo-postive PCB is a bit rare in the U.S. that’s why some should stick with the toner transfer method. Also don’t forget to drill holes on them :)))

In making the photo-positive PCB, it’s better to stay in a dark area and have a 10W fluorescent lamp beside you, also use a kitchen timer to set a 5 minute alarm for counting the exposure time.

[box color=”#985D00″ bg=”#FFF8CB” font=”verdana” fontsize=”14 ” radius=”20 ” border=”#985D12″ float=”right” head=”Major Components in Project” headbg=”#FFEB70″ headcolor=”#985D00″]- L298N Motor Driver Chip
7806 Regulator Chip 
1N4937 Fast Recovery Diode
1 Ohm ¼ watt Resistor
Screw Terminal Blocks
PCB Board (Regular or Photo-positive)
Male or Female Pins (Used to connect to Arduino)
– Heatsink (Bought or DIY)7806 Regulator Chip = (Substitute: 7805- 7809)
1 Ohm ¼ watt Resistor = (Substitute: Up to 10 Ohms)

1N4937 Fast Recovery Diode = (Substitute: 1N4007 or 4148)[/box]
For more detail: DIY Arduino Motor Shield

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation and engineering. My writing style is clear and simple, and I am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and am able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.

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