I have model trains powered by a power supply:
Input 120VAC 60Hz
Output 15VDC, 19VAC GK4 Gc
Total Output 18VA
and I want to connect several Motor Controllers to an Arduino any suggestions either specific or generic would be appreciated?
Thank you Coleman for your response.
Unfortunately I cannot answer many of your questions. The information I can tell you is that I am running an n-scale (small train set, 12V motors i believe). I have the layout wired into 10 seperate circuits at any given time 0-3 locomotives could be in one circuit. Only one power supply will power a circuit but I may have multiple powering the whole layout if i need to do so. I was hoping that by giving the information on the power supply I could find out what the maximum current it could produce and plan for it as the motor setup is very dynamic. The other item I should mention is that train sets would be prone to shorts.
As to communication method I would like any method that allows me to attach multiple motor controllers (10+ Motors) to an arduino. On closer inspection to the sight I found several PWM motorcontrollers could be run by an arduino. I am open to any other suggestion but must note that my computer will be connected while the system is running.
I Hope this can clarify some of your questions.
Hi kernal,
Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. The choice of motor controller depends on the motors you are using. Can you provide the specifications?
]Nominal voltage/:m]
]Current at peak efficiency (or stall current)/:m]
]Communication method you would like to use/:m]
]Numberof motors (if you have several different motors, include the specs for each and how many of each you are using)/:m]Sincerely,
The easiest way to run several motor controllers is using I2C. If your total power is 15V and a maximum of 18A, then (in theory without knowing more) you can use smaller motor controllers. The Arduino has a few PWM pins, but to know if it is enough, you need to determine how many motor controllers you want to connect. I2C allows for many.