Getting Started With DC Motors -- A Few Questions

Support Motor controllers/drivers and motors
1

I had a few questions to help me get started using DC Motors.

  1. Is the RPM cited the maximum RPM? Can the RPM be changed using less current?

  2. What exactly do I need to control such motors? Can I just use an Arduino and a battery, or do I need another controller?

2

Hello.

The RPM shown on our website is the maximum speed (under no load) at a specific voltage. Greater speeds can be achieved by increasing the voltage supplied to the motor, but this will decrease the life of the motor. The speed is generally controlled by changing the supplied voltage or by pulse width modulating the voltage using a motor driver or motor controller.

To drive the motors, you will probably need a motor driver or motor controller. Our “Motion Control Modules” explains the difference between a motor driver and motor controller and links to categories for each.

- Grant