Motors And Microcontrollers 101

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnWJki-zwsE]

[Humberto] from NerdKits sends in the newest addition to their excellent collection of videos. This video goes over the basics of DC motor control with microcontrollers. They begin by showing nine experiments and observations that can be done by the average hacker with a multimeter, motor, LED, and jumperwire. Using the results from these they show how to model and calculate the properties of a motor. Lastly, it shows how to control a motor using PWM. They have supplemental text and demonstration code for an ATmega168 on their website.

7 thoughts on “Motors And Microcontrollers 101

  1. The flyback diode is really a good point.

    Though, I think I don’t need it if the
    micro-controller powers the motor using a smooth
    transition from the off state. Am I right?

  2. mrx – If you’re just turning the motor on, you don’t need the diode. However, the first time you turn it off could also be the last time because the switch is damaged. This means you might not be able to turn it on a second time. (Notice that I didn’t say anything about what’s doing the switching.)

    Very nicely done videos!

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