How to Use Adafruit Motor, Stepper & Servo Shield: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit Motor, Stepper & Servo Shield is a comprehensive motor control shield designed for use with the Arduino platform. This shield allows users to control up to 4 DC motors, 2 stepper motors, or 2 servos simultaneously. It is an ideal choice for hobbyists and engineers working on robotics, automation projects, or any application requiring motor control.

• Robotics
• CNC machines
• Automated equipment
• Art installations

• Operating Voltage: 5V to 12V DC
• Logic Voltage: 3.3V or 5V (matches Arduino logic level)
• Motor Driver: TB6612 MOSFET drivers with 1.2A per channel (3A peak)
• Servo Channels: Up to 2 servo motors
• Stepper Motors: Up to 2 (unipolar or bipolar) with single coil, double coil, or interleaved stepping
• DC Motors: Up to 4 DC motors with speed control

1. Mounting the Shield: Carefully align the shield's pins with the headers on the Arduino UNO and press down to seat the shield.
2. Connecting Motors:
   • DC Motors: Connect the motors to the M1, M2, M3, and M4 terminals.
   • Stepper Motors: Connect the stepper motor coils to the M1/M2 and M3/M4 terminals.
   • Servo Motors: Plug the servo connectors into the S1 and S2 pins.
3. Power Supply: Connect an external power supply to the shield to power the motors. Ensure the voltage matches the requirements of your motors.
4. Programming: Upload the appropriate code to the Arduino to control the motors.

• Power: Do not power high-current motors directly from the Arduino's 5V pin.
• Heat Dissipation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the shield to prevent overheating.
• Motor Ratings: Check the motor specifications to avoid exceeding the shield's current limits.
• Shield Stacking: If stacking other shields on top, ensure they do not interfere with the motor shield's functionality.

#include <Adafruit_MotorShield.h>
#include <Wire.h>

// Create the motor shield object with the default I2C address
Adafruit_MotorShield AFMS = Adafruit_MotorShield(); 

// Connect a stepper motor with 200 steps per revolution to port #2
Adafruit_StepperMotor *myMotor = AFMS.getStepper(200, 2);

void setup() {
  AFMS.begin();  // Create with the default frequency 1.6KHz
  myMotor->setSpeed(10);  // Set the speed to 10 rpm
}

void loop() {
  myMotor->step(100, FORWARD, SINGLE); 
  delay(500);
  myMotor->step(100, BACKWARD, SINGLE); 
  delay(500);
}

• Motors not running: Ensure that the external power supply is properly connected and turned on.
• Inconsistent motor behavior: Check for loose connections and verify that the code uploaded to the Arduino is correct.
• Overheating: If the shield or motors are overheating, reduce the load or improve cooling.

• Power Supply: Use a separate power supply for the motors, and do not draw power from the Arduino's 5V pin for the motors.
• Connections: Double-check all connections, including the shield's seating on the Arduino.
• Code: Review the code for any errors and ensure that the correct motor type is being controlled as intended.

Q: Can I control a 24V motor with this shield? A: No, the shield is designed for motors that operate between 5V and 12V.

Q: How many motors can I control with this shield? A: You can control up to 4 DC motors, 2 stepper motors, or 2 servos, but not all at the same time.

Q: Can I use this shield with Arduino Mega or other models? A: Yes, the shield is compatible with the Arduino UNO form factor, which is also present on other models like the Mega. However, you may need to adjust the code for different I/O pin assignments.