How to Use Maker Driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Maker Driver (MAKER-DRIVE), manufactured by Cytron, is a compact and efficient motor driver designed for controlling DC motors in DIY electronics projects and robotics. It provides an easy-to-use interface for hobbyists and professionals to control motor speed and direction with minimal effort. The Maker Driver is particularly well-suited for low-power motor applications and is compatible with microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other development boards.

• Robotics projects requiring precise motor control
• DIY electronics projects involving DC motors
• Automated systems such as conveyor belts or small vehicles
• Educational kits for learning motor control and electronics

The following table outlines the key technical details of the Maker Driver:

The Maker Driver has a simple pinout for easy integration into your projects. The table below describes each pin:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VM pin to a power source (3.6V to 9V) and the GND pin to ground.
2. Motor Connections: Connect the DC motors to the Motor A+/- and Motor B+/- terminals.
3. Control Signals:
   • Use AIN1 and AIN2 to control the direction of Motor A.
   • Use BIN1 and BIN2 to control the direction of Motor B.
   • Provide PWM signals to PWMA and PWMB to control the speed of Motor A and Motor B, respectively.
4. Microcontroller Interface: Connect the control pins (AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, BIN2, PWMA, PWMB) to the GPIO pins of your microcontroller.

• Ensure the power supply voltage is within the specified range (3.6V to 9V).
• Do not exceed the maximum current rating of 1.6A per channel.
• Use appropriate heat dissipation methods if the driver operates near its maximum current for extended periods.
• Double-check all connections before powering the circuit to avoid damage to the driver or motors.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to control two DC motors using the Maker Driver:

// Define control pins for Motor A
const int AIN1 = 2;  // Direction control pin 1 for Motor A
const int AIN2 = 3;  // Direction control pin 2 for Motor A
const int PWMA = 5;  // PWM speed control pin for Motor A

// Define control pins for Motor B
const int BIN1 = 4;  // Direction control pin 1 for Motor B
const int BIN2 = 7;  // Direction control pin 2 for Motor B
const int PWMB = 6;  // PWM speed control pin for Motor B

void setup() {
  // Set motor control pins as outputs
  pinMode(AIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(AIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWMA, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWMB, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Rotate Motor A forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);  // Set direction
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128);    // Set speed (128 = 50% duty cycle)

  // Example: Rotate Motor B backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);   // Set direction
  digitalWrite(BIN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 192);    // Set speed (192 = 75% duty cycle)

  delay(2000);  // Run motors for 2 seconds

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(PWMA, 0);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 0);

  delay(2000);  // Wait for 2 seconds before repeating
}

1. Motors Not Spinning:

   • Ensure the power supply is connected and within the specified voltage range.
   • Verify that the control signals (AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, BIN2, PWMA, PWMB) are correctly configured.
   • Check motor connections to the output terminals (Motor A+/-, Motor B+/-).

2. Overheating:

   • Ensure the current drawn by the motors does not exceed 1.6A per channel.
   • Use a heat sink or active cooling if the driver operates near its maximum current for long periods.

3. Erratic Motor Behavior:

   • Check for loose or incorrect wiring.
   • Ensure the PWM signals are stable and within the correct frequency range.

Q: Can the Maker Driver control stepper motors?
A: No, the Maker Driver is designed for DC motors only. For stepper motors, use a dedicated stepper motor driver.

Q: Is the Maker Driver compatible with 12V motors?
A: No, the maximum input voltage for the Maker Driver is 9V. Using a 12V motor may damage the driver.

Q: Can I use the Maker Driver with a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the Maker Driver is compatible with Raspberry Pi. Ensure you use appropriate GPIO pins for control signals and provide a 3.3V logic level.

Q: What is the PWM frequency range supported by the Maker Driver?
A: The Maker Driver supports PWM frequencies up to 20kHz, which is suitable for most applications.