Picking a Motor Driver

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1

I want to build a very small bogie rocker rover and was wondering if the

DF Robot PPM 2x3A DC Motor Driver (RB-Dfr-808)

could handle

6(2x3) of the Pololu 298:1 Micro Metal Gearmotor, stall 1.6A (RB-Pol-64)

Using the Pololu 32x7 wheels, could this setup power 3 motors on each channel?

If no:

same question for the Scorpion Mini Dual 6.5A 6V to 28V R/C DC Motor Driver (RB-Rop-19)

Thanks!

2

Hello @Moloxeya and welcome to the forum!

The Pololu 298:1 Micro Metal Gearmotor has the following specs:

  • Nominal Voltage: 6V
  • No Load Current: 0.12A
  • Stall Current: 1.6A (~0.4A continuous)

The DFRobot PPM 2x3A DC Motor Driver

  • Input Voltage: 7~12V
  • 3A current continuous drive capability
  • 6A peak current protection

The Scorpion Mini Dual 6.5A 6V to 28V R/C DC Motor Driver

  • 6.0V to 28V battery voltage
  • 6.5A continuous current
  • 8A peak current

As you can see both motor drivers are able to handle the continuous current of 3 motors combined (~1.2A) as well as the stall current (4.8A), however, the first driver works between 7-12V while the motors operate at 6V nominal and the second driver can operate at 6V. Using a higher-than-rated voltage will result in proportionally higher current draw, speed, and torque, and could negatively affect the lifetime of the motor, however, in this case, the difference isn’t much so you can use either one of your options.

Finally I suggest checking out the DC Motor Controllers Comparison List in case you want to give a look at other options and I also recommend checking the “Choosing a Motor Controller” tutorial.

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