Monster moto shield + Arduino +Pololu 12V, 29:1 Gear Motor Encoder hardware problem

electronic enthusiasts!

I am trying to build a balancing robot with two wheels, using the polulu gear motor as mentioned above. In order to have a strong motor driver,the monster moto shield is used in this project. Here is the components and datasheets which is used.

Components

Li-poly RC Battery 2800mah 11.1V 35C.

Arduino saint smart

2x Pololu 12V, 29:1 Gear Motor w/Encoder 

Monster moto shield

Now, back to the issue.. Well, the first problem I encountered was my motor driver. It keeps getting hot after a while, whenever I use it ( I run 2 motors through 1 driver). And the most frustrating part is that the motors can stop for a while, and then restart again ( suspect a hardware reset here). Is there any way this can be solved?, I have checked the datasheet for the monster moto driver but can't understand whether the components are already on the PCB boad or I manually have to add new components like resistors, capacitors and etc. Would be glad if you guys directed me on this issue.

Secondly, The other problem I have is that the motors are going fast CW and slow CCW whenever I reverse direction. I have also seen other ppl getting the same problem as I do and wonder why this happen. Could it be that the cables are to small for the current flow ?

Should I add external components ? Then which components should I use in order to subdue this problem?

Here are some pictures in order to clarify the problem. Mostly using cables to connect inputs and etc. I would be glad if you wonder something and want me to post more information.

Code

  http://pastebin.com/TZTDxCit

pictures:

regards, Volkan

 

 

code
Your motorGo routine is hurting. direct is not properly decoded. Follow code for direct = 0, 3, 4.

About the monster moto shield

I bought it from ebay (china) and not from polulus website.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-VNH2SP30-Stepper-Motor-Driver-Module-30A-Monster-Moto-Shield-Replace-L298N-/291525348516?hash=item43e043cca4

My arduino is powered through a USB cable from the computer. I use seperate batteries to power the motor shield. After some research, I think the H-bridge is shutting off due to my CURRENT SENSING threshold in the code(not sure though).

Could it be that the chinese version of the monster moto shield isnt working well ?

Conclusion

Don’t buy this cheap chips from china, they are useless… My motors stalling current is 5A , and 2x motors will be a current of 10A, I have to get thicker cables. And before you buy screw terminals, check the awg size (pot hole).

 

 

Regards, ozzmanli