RB-Ard-17

Let me start by saying I am a complete newbie.

I thought the system worked a little more “plug and play” than it obviously is and was going to try putting something together for a commercial application if I can make it work (if I went commercial I’d likely try to have the electronics manufactured but I’m trying to make a prototype). I didn’t read things closely when I puchased this Arduino Dual Motor Shield Kit and did not realize I had to assemble it. As a rookie I found the assembly instructions not very useful…Carlos at the RobotShop was more helpful. Attached is a picture of my complete project. If anyone is familiar with this kit and can make comments, I’d appreciate it. I soldered everything except the chips…I figured they would make enough contact that I could leave them loose for now. I wish they included a female connector strip for the motor connections but alas, I ask too much.

Again I was expecting more plug-and-play so now I have to learn more on stepper motors because I am beginning to believe the stepper motors I got will not run off this kit (when attached to an Arduino Uno board).

Besides looking and commenting on the attached picture, I’d appreciate if anyone has a good website or book that can be a technical resource for newbies on stepper motors.

One other question: I learned that capacitors have a + and -. I see how it is marked on the cylinder capacitors…how is it indicated on the small blue ones? I saw no telling markings.

Thanks

You will need to solder all the components for the device to work, only mechanical contact is not enough.

Also, electrolytic capacitors (the cylindrical ones) do have a polarity. They have a stripe on their bodies thet signifies “-” in general. They might have other markings as well.

The ceramic capacitors (blue or beige in general) do not have a polarity.