SparkFun Ardumoto - Motor Driver Shield

The SparkFun Ardumoto Shield is a robust dual-motor controller for Arduino. Engineered around the L298 H-bridge, the Ardumoto can power two DC motors with a capacity of up to 2A per channel. When paired with an Arduino, this shield serves as an excellent controller platform for RC vehicles and small autonomous robots. It is user-friendly with control signal LEDs and offers flexibility for advanced users.

The Ardumoto Shield draws its power from the same Vin line as the Arduino board. It comes with blue and yellow LEDs that indicate the active direction. All driver lines are safeguarded from back EMF through diode protection. The L298 is a two-channel motor driver, enabling it to independently drive up to two motors. This makes it ideal for any two-wheel-drive vehicle. Each channel on the L298 can supply up to 2A to the connected motor. However, the actual current available to your motor is also contingent on your system’s power source.

Please note that the Ardumoto does not come with screw terminals or stackable headers. These need to be purchased separately.

Get started with your SparkFun Ardumoto Shield by referring to the user guide. For further technical information, consult the schematic, Eagle Files, Hookup Guide, and the Datasheet (L298). You can also access the GitHub repository for more resources.

Watch the video tutorial to understand the functionalities and capabilities of the SparkFun Ardumoto Shield in detail.