Hello,
I am totally new to robotics. I just bought a beaglebone black, and would like to be able to build a small ‘car’ robot.
So I am thinking of buying a beginner chassis like this one : robotshop.com/eu/fr/chassis- … nt-v2.html
If I got it right, the chassis already comes with two motors.
So now, what do I need to control the motors from the beaglebone black?
In a book I found, I was suggested to use two Pololu #1372 Simple Motor Controller 18V7 (Fully Assembled). But I can not find those on this website I think, and hard to find in Europe/France online.
What alternatives do I have please?
I would like to be able to easily test the controllers from my PC as well. The good thing with the Pololu #1372 Simple Motor Controller 18V7 is that they are USB enabled…
Please help 
and consider that I am a total beginner !
Thanks a lot
Hi,
Yes, the RB-Spa-646 chassis does come with two motors.
The Pololu motor controller you speak of can be found here [RB-Pol-119], but we do not currently have it in stock in Europe. We do have in stock a slightly more powerful version of the same device [RB-Pol-155].
You can also check all of our brush motor controllers here.
The Pololu controller accepts USB input directly, so you can connect it to the BeagleBone via USB. You will also need a power source (battery pack or wall adapter), the motors themselves and your choice of programming language.
Also, the controller you selected as well as the alternative suggested can be connected to your computer since they accept USB input.
Since you are new to robotics, we recommend that you have a look at our lessons “How to Make a Robot” available here.
Sincerely,
Sébastien,
Thanks for your help. I have now received the magician châssis and the two pololu controllers.
I have connected one of the motor to the controller and connected the 4 x1.5 V to the controller. I downloaded the pololu drivers and control center. The controller is recognized, so is the battery but the motor would not start !
What am I missing? Please see attached link.
Link
Thanks !
Hi,
From what we can see in your picture, the setup seems ok. Since this issue is beyond the first level support we usually offer, we recommend that you contact the manufacturer of the controller directly to determine if there is extra or steps required.
Sincerely,
Thanks for your reply !
I will contact Pololu as suggested.
and consider that I am a total beginner !