Physical Computing and DC Motor Control

Abstract

Controlling a DC motor is quite easy using an Arduino. Th ere are various ways to interact with a motor besides using an electric switch. Also, you can easily replace the conventional electromechanical relay with a suitably chosen transistor, allowing the speed to be controlled by software. Th is chapter will explore various ways of controlling a DC motor using conventional electromechanical switching by a relay, as well as solid state control using a transistor. Also, the conventional method of varying speed using a potentiometer will be investigated, along with a force sensitive resistor. Both the potentiometer and the photocell can be categorized as physical computing input devices. Th erefore, I’ll present a discussion in this chapter as well. I’ll apply the electronic concepts discussed in the previous chapters in this unit along with the new items to be discussed. I’ll also explain additional remix techniques in electronics prototyping and software development in this chapter. Th e required parts are listed following and pictured in Figure 4-1.