Introduction to Motor Control w/Arduino

Want to learn how to make things spin and move? Come learn how to add motors to your next project and control them with an Arduino! We are going to cover the basics of motors, drivers, and control code to make things move. This is an intermediate workshop and will cover controlling brushed DC motors and hobby servos.

We will cover motor fundamentals, motor characteristics, brushed DC motor basics, electronic control, and hobby servo control. The workshop will focus on open loop control methods with application to speed and position control. Closed loop control, Brushless DC, and stepper motors will not be covered during this session. If you are interested in those topics, check back for the Advanced Motor Control Workshop!

By enrolling in the workshop you will receive the Adafruit Motor Shield, brushed DC motor, two servos, stepper motor, and battery pack with batteries included! WOW! You will need to bring your own laptop and Arduino for the session. Additionally, you will need to be familiar enough with the Arduino to program it by yourself and blink an LED.

NOTE: Students will need to bring their own laptops, Arduinos, USB and power cables. If you have any questions about your system compatibility or capability, please drop us a note: classes@hackpittsburgh.org

Parts provided to participants to use and take home:

• Adafruit Motor Party Pack, http://adafruit.com/products/171
• Potentiometer, http://adafruit.com/products/356
• Battery pack, DigiKey BC4AAW-ND
• 4x AA batteries

Parts participant must bring with them to the class:

• Laptop and power cable
• Arduino (must support Arduino shields)
• Necessary USB cable

Tools available on loan for use during the class:

• #00 Philips Screw Driver
• Diagonal Cutters
• Super glue

Where: HackPittsburgh shop 1936 5th Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (around back on Watson).

If you have any questions please contact classes@hackpittsburgh.org