Jee Labs Talk

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1. duttydea
   

   I have seen the example for a stepper motor,

   But if I wanted to drive X2 Motors in both forward and reverse how would that be done on the arduino?

   Would the same apply for hardware I2C: Setting the port to "0"?

   Thanks in Advance.

   Posted 21/03/2010 11:56:46

2. jcw
   

   Port 0 allows you to use examples written for JeeNode ports on the A4/A5 pins. So yes, I2C examples should be usable on an Arduino that way.

   Posted 21/03/2010 22:59:32

3. duttydea
   

   They (OP1 & RTC) has just arrived!!

   OK, I have soldered on Headers and uploaded the EP1 Example: Changed the Port to "0" and the address to "0x26" modified the loop code to include this this:

   Serial.print("\nexpander;
   Serial.println(i);

   and am getting this:
   [expander] Pin = 

   I Gather its woking but am not sure!!
   the problem im currently facing is lack of wiring description and the Picture from your blog (stepper motor) is not very clear. I don't want to fry my plug before even using it.

   Which pins do I connect Power In?

   Then would it be a case of connecting each of the devices (Motors) to an I/O pin and ground?

   Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but id rather not take any chances?

   Thanks in advance

   Posted 29/03/2010 17:19:58

4. jcw
   

   Try Serial.println(i,DEC); ...

   As for hooking the Output Plug to a stepper motor, there's really not much I can do to help. It all depends on the stepper motor. Start off by supplying the motor just 5V and if you're really worried use a current-limited power supply or add a 10? (1W or more) resistor in series to limit the current. It'll be enough to see something happen, and you can't fry the ULN2803 darlington array that way (which can supply 500 mA per pin IIRC).

   Best suggestion I can give is to browse the web for tips on how to hook up a stepper motor.

   Posted 29/03/2010 20:35:49

5. duttydea
   

   Im just using DC Motors,

   Im trying to get them (x2) turning on and off but not sure what pins i connect up (+ & -).

   Im still new to I2C, but what i'm looking for is a simple way to turn each output on / off.

   I have Goggled the MCP23008 looking for a library ever since I ordered it, but everything I find seems to refer to LCD or is mixed up in the examples function itself.

   Thanks Anyway!

   Posted 29/03/2010 20:56:20

6. jcw
   

   You can use the expander.pde example sketch in the Ports library as starting point. It works for output plugs too, just use the proper address.

   I will get more and better sample code out there to help y'all out with these issues, but I'm pushing hard to get the new forum and wiki going first, so that these efforts don't get lost and don't have to be repeated again later.

   Posted 29/03/2010 22:09:35

7. duttydea
   

   Ok,

   I understand your busy!
   All I want to know is which pins on the plug does the external power connect to?

   Posted 30/03/2010 15:47:13

8. duttydea
   

   If I had known this was the level off support provided, I don't think I would have purchased your products!

   I'm an absolute novice @ this and just wanted the basic hookup instructions!

   This is what I would consider a basic requirement!

   The example is great if u know how to connect up the plug to the external and then to be told the infi wont be provided incase it gets duplicated is unbelievable!

   I'm happy with the RTC plug works a treat! Its a pitty about the Output plug though!

   Sorry for the "wobbly" can't hold it in any longer.

   Posted 13/04/2010 06:12:26

9. jcw
   

   I don't understand what the problem is. The pinout is at and , the schematic is listed on that page at

   To drive a small lamp or motor, you connect it between COM and the output pin(s), and you connect the power supply between COM and GND. You can probably find many examples when googling for details regarding the ULN2803 chip on that board.

   I'm sorry this has caused you grief.

   Posted 13/04/2010 07:36:41

10. patrick
    

    Now you may know how to hook up the motor. Next you'll need to control the direction. Keep in mind that a basic knowledge of electronics is required when using it. As JC indicates, there are numerous examples of how to connect the ULN2803 to a bit more power hungry devices. You will need to be able to read a datasheet or schematic though. I only see exclamation marks, no need to shout here.

    Posted 13/04/2010 08:11:03

11. patrick
    

    Sorry, that was not a constructive post. But in his words, I could not hold it any longer.

    Posted 13/04/2010 08:18:24

12. duttydea
    

    Cheers, I actually hooked it correctly the day I got it and got no joy.

    That was the reason I asked for the info

    Sorry if I came arcoss rude. Just wanted a an answer.

    Ill try again, althought I brought a motor driver for this project, I will find an use for it!

    Cheers

    Posted 13/04/2010 11:44:30