DC motors- finding batteries

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

hi,

I purchased 2 DC motors (12V, 1.8 amps). I bought a 2 amp motor shield to connect these two DC motors. In purchasing a battery, should I go for 2 ah or 1.2 ah?

thanks!

2

Hi swimfre2010,

Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. The amp hour rating on a battery should directly affect how long your robot will run (greater capacity relates to more stored energy). It can also affect the discharge rate. For example if a battery is rated for 3C continuous discharge and you have a 1.2Ah battery, it means the battery can continuously provide a maximum of 3x1.2A = 3.6A. If you have two motors connected to the battery each drawing 1.8A continuously, your will be pushing the limits of the battery.

Hope this helps,