How to Control a 12V Motor with Arduino: Easy Wiring & Code Examples

[@mcintoshdev]

I have been a professional software engineer for 30+ years and I have done lots of Arduino programming as well. I watched your video because I am very interested in motor control. The way that you teach is just universally enjoyable and very well structured. Thanks Rachel!

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

Glad you enjoyed it! Let me know if there's any other topics you'd like me to cover.

[@kelvinlihiru1136]

Hello​@@RachelDeBarrosLive

[@yoashuain1]

"Hold your breath..." Paul McCormick.😊

[@RSuarez66]

How about something that could measure blood pressure with Arduino 1?

[@deckers222]

​@@RSuarez66o tal vez un pid para injectar insulina

[@robyounce4636]

I am a retired Industrial Engineer. I have programmed PLC Controls for decades. I have good learning/Comprehension skills. I've been trying to learn C++ basics and concepts and keep running into "how to" videos from people who have no ability to Teach. Rachel is the first of MANY to break things down and cover EVERYTHING. You write on the screen and explain what "it does" and "why we do this" .......with others, I keep finding myself going out on the Web to find definitions and explanations for terminology and concepts they ignore....so frustrating. Thank you Rachel.

[@nazierjamie5342]

She really makes it fun to learn and putting everything together practically 👏and explaining step by step.

[@doords]

no ability to teach is the correct way to describe some of those videos

[@plinble]

I wouldn't think the extra effort is worth it compared to C. C++ is best kept off of electronics. Memory leaks, stack overruns, slower than C. C++ is best consigned to history, in my view, you end up using your energy on the computer language, not in the solution space.

[@doords]

@@plinble Yeah I agree, and also the level of C coding here is very basic, just run, stop and how much to run.

[@ViliJanReber]

Excellent explanation for dummies. You explain like a teacher, very understandable, good job. I am an electronics engineer, I was a teacher a few years before I was retired, I like your style, keep it up.

[@guyprovost]

So much fun, I'm a coder and to listen how you explain complex stuff like variable types, program and pulse width modulation that clearly and quickly explains it is refreshing! Keep up the good work!

[@jtodora]

I was a controls engineer for 45+ years and also taught industrial controls and PLC's at the local community college. You have a very nice teaching style, good job. I just found your channel so what I'm about to say you might have already addressed in another video, but when using Arduino, I tell people to never use the delay() function because the delay() function literally stops the program from executing code. So...if you set a delay(3000) 3-seconds and there is code below the delay(3000) that needs to be serviced during that 3-sec. delay, it will not get serviced. I recommend using the millis() or micros() function and setting a duty cycle with a bit of math for current time and previous time. That way the program keeps "scanning' the loop() function even during the delay.

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

You're absolutely right! 👍 Except for simple programs, I usually stick with millis(). I do have a video dedicated to using millis and another one for using interrupts. But I can't deny that delay is an easy concept for beginners that have little to no coding experience to understand, so that's why you see them in all my beginner videos like this one. I have another millis video coming out using a PIR sensor to orchestrate LEDs, servos, motors and mp3 players in March! Stay tuned!

[@jtodora]

@@RachelDeBarrosLive Thanks for the reply Rachel. I found your millis() video and your interrupt video. Very well done. I'll be very interested in the mp3 player. I'm doing the research for animating a Moebius 1:6 scale Lost in Space robot and already have sound files so I'll be interested in how [you] do the mp3 player. I'm looking for one that I can chose what sound track I want to play. My plan is to have everything RC controlled. That's all new ground for me, but it's so much fun!!!! I'll be watching. Great job!!! I'm so glad I found your channel. 😀😀

[@DavidGierke-nl1dl]

As a retired technology teacher, I am in awe of your ability to make progressive changes in your presentation, while making everything completely understandable. You have a special gift.

[@VintageVash]

You explain everything in such a fantastic way. I have been struggling so much with coding because everyone only talks about doing it but you explain it with examples while doing it. Thank you!!!

[@Mr89Falcon]

Wow, been trying to learn Arduino for many years by reading books and watching tutorials. She does such a fantastic job of using analogies and simple terms while starting from the simple and gradually move to the more complex. I finally get the big picture after just watching this ONE video! What a fantastic teacher….thanks for the video!

[@Gixie-R]

Finally, Someone who talks 'How to do' rather than 'Just a do this' You have opened a few doors previously locked to me.

[@jessecobern2069]

I like your idea, some these people, Why would anybody post here, VIDEO means showing stuff with sound ? Or am I think about this in the wrong way. WAKE-UP-PEOPLE

[@stevemilo6935]

No doors were opened and youre annoying.

[@johangeuens2580]

Wow, I'm a teacher of mechatronics from Flanders, Belgium and wander around the internet for interesthing things I can use with my students and I must say your video is one of the best I've found. A good explanation from zero and building up to your goal. I love it. Thanks for your fantastic explanation and tumbs up.

[@thecalif2914]

First, great video and explanation! Let me give a few remarks on coding: 1. as another commentator already stated, using #define constants instead of variables for "never changing" or "magic number" values, like pin associations, or the motor's low speed (magic number 70), is better. 2. inherited from C++ (Arduino language is basically a superset of C++), you can use the shortcut var += increment instead of var = var + increment. Works with all arithmetic operators (-=, *=, /=,...). 3. try to avoid delay(). The processor is literally delaying then, means it does nothing else. You'll get in trouble if you want to do something concurrently then. 4. I'd have the movement of the motor put into a function, like void turn( int direction, int speed ), so you reduce three lines of code into one. Same with stop(). Re my point 3: I've almost nobody seen to address this, albeit this is basic microprocessor programming knowledge I learned almost 40 years ago 😊(Yes I'm an Old White Man, and credits to Professor Reichert of Engineering school Aalen who was a great teacher). I wrote a tiny class that works as a timer and executes code after a specified delay or in specified intervals, or tells you if a delay is over instead of halting the program. Also you can break the granularity down from milliseconds to microseconds, because you can use the micros() function instead of the millis(). The caveat is that this method adds some imponderability to the programs, so you can't predict when exactly which function is executed, because that depends on if some function is busy longer than the time checking interval is. But great explanation of the Arduino's power capabilities! Overloading ports is one reason why newbies fry their Arduinos and then end up frustrated.

[@Mouse_007]

Wow! I am blown away by your teaching style. You are very easy to follow and I love that quirky sense of humor. I hope you keep teaching.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

I randomly came across this video by following the "KZbin rabbit hole." I have absolutely zero experience with the Arduino- I've never even seen one in person. I only know of their existence because some people make projects with them in amateur radio (my main hobby). Plus, I'm in my early 50s, so I don't soak up information as well as younger people. However, there wasn't a single thing you presented in this video that I didn't fully understand. Your teaching style is outstanding and you made all the gears click in my brain- and some of those gears are pretty rusty! That's a subscribe for me!

[@1docg]

Best Arduino demo I've seen so far. Thanks for the information, great teaching technique.

[@RadarRon]

All I can say is that I wish I had you teaching my first collage course Very interesting and easy to follow. Many or the tutorials on KZbin leave so much out of the expiation You are teaching properly.

[@Nine_883]

I like the way you speak in a language most of us can understand. Too many people use the very technical language just assuming we all speak electronics and computer code. Nice job.

[@fglatzel]

Have been using Arduinos for over a decade now and it's great to see someone who is equally excited about them.

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

🤣 Arduino has allowed me to do so many cool projects!

[@Isaac-eh6uu]

You are a great teacher. You really go through everything and don't assume anyone comes in with prior knowledge. If they do they get a refresher.

[@amey97]

Thank You so much Ms. Rachel!! It was worth spending 45min here.

[@cgulston1955]

its been years i am trying to write a code and now i am eager to get back at it after seeing your explanation

[@pcollins5334]

I feel like Neo in The Matrix when he gets plugged in and learns jujitsu. Thank you so much for this. I have been wanting to add motion to my metal sculptures for years. ❤️

[@noneofyourbusiness2726]

My mind is completely blown at how easy you make this look! Thank you for your videos.

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

Hope it helps for your next motorized project!

[@ClayLoyd]

Many videos only talk about learning but you actually deliver top-level instruction... best I've seen. Thank you!!!

[@Micromaximaa]

This is a fantastic approach to introducing motor controllers, power requirements and coding to folks 👍

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

Glad you liked it! Let me know if there's any topic you'd like to see.

[@akeemamusat4643]

With all these comments from professional senior software engineers, I am subscribing to your channel to learn more about electronics

[@zorbzzsterio6406]

I could just never get it when it came to programing the Arduino, until now. Thanks a lot for the easy and intuitive teaching style you have that really helped me understand what was going on. Most other people just expect that you already know what your doing. I cant wait to get onto some projects now thanks heaps.

[@noe616]

I'm taking up Arduino programming because of you. You simplify the jargon.

[@markhelseth253]

Fabulous video. SO MUCH better than books. Your production background shows in the presentation. Much appreciated. I'm just starting to learn Arduino and how to control the pesky motors. The video is a great tutorial. I'll be coming back to this as a refresher. Subscribed.

[@DownSouthBeef]

Glad I got recommended your video as I just started on the EE hobby train. The RC spider reveal was like showing a part of your soul 😆 Such a great video, thank you a million times

[@rosstrue1]

I have been messing with Bruno’s for about 7 years. Great video. To the point and in plain english. Thanks.

[@lucasthompson1650]

For that last example if you want to avoid the case of double zeros or double ones stopping the motor, change the first 3 lines of your loop: void loop() { int spinDir = random(0,2); digitalWrite(IN1pin, spinDir); digitalWrite(IN2pin, 1-spinDir); … Now whatever spinDir is set to (0 or 1), the second pin will be set to 1 minus that value: so if it picks 0, the second pin will be 1 - 0 = 1. If it picks 1, second pin will be 1 - 1 = 0. Any time you need to flip between 2 numbers but don’t want to waste time checking the current value, perhaps in an interrupt routine, just add the 2 numbers together and set the value to that sum minus the current variable. This will always work as long as you initialize the variable to one of the two values. So if you need a variable K to flip between 13 or 77, just do: … int K = 13; // initialize variable … K = 90 - K; // flip to other value … So the first time it flips: 90 - 13 = 77 Second flip: 90 - 77 = 13 Etc…

[@abualbushribrahimhusseinmohame]

man thankyou for this addition 😍

[@Panzerfrank07]

Best arduino Video i have ever seen. I myself attached Joystick to uno R3 , L298n, two yellow motors. Next will be wlan, maybe esp32. Started 3 weeks ago. Thank you so much.

[@UB714]

Awesome video, Im a sophomore Mechanical Engineering student and this video really saved my project.

[@DeepmoniSaikia-j7l]

I'm from the north eastern state of India , Assam to thank you for your tutorial.

[@ArunArunjoseph-rj6wl]

From today I accept your discipleship......you are a very good teacher...❤❤

[@Suzukii-Krypto]

Hi-eee. Newbie to Arduino (obviously why I'm here) your channel. Was watching on my own, then my 8-year-old came to see why I was chuckling. She sat on the floor and I wanted to if she grasped any of this or was even interested. So she watched you because I was laughing at how you make some expressions to get the point across. A child being a child, she watched for the 1st.15 min, 12 minutes longer than I expected. So I think I'll show her more of your video in small doses. You know Baby steps. It's how we learn.

[@ronsaenz9033]

I am so glad I came across your channel. I really appreciate your clear and concise instructions and explanations. Subscribed.

[@JerryTurner]

First off I love your teaching style, really easy to understand. I purchased a Wiper motor that is identical to yours, however it only has 4 wires, I did some testing and it didn't have a ground wire, but I added one to the chassis and it worked. I have about 5 of your videos up right now working on my project. Thanks for the great work!

[@Randomness67]

I was bored so I just looked up how to control a 12v motor with an Arduino and after watching your video I just realized why a little Arduino bot I made didn't drive at different speeds. It's cause i did digitalWrite and not analogWrite. Thank you for the content and helping me realize a coding mistake I made.

[@KROKODYLCZ]

Thank you for your video, I am currently teaching my son to transition from block programming to programming in text code. You helped me explain the issue easily and brilliantly! You have a new loyal follower!

[@matthewevangelista7139]

Fantastic video! I am an industrial automation programmer (PLC Ladder logic mainly) and have recently been getting into Arduino and Python. Your video is very informative and great to follow. Especially for a novice Arduino user like me. Thank you for your contributions to the community!

[@PlamenMonev]

You, madam, earned a subscription from an arduino beginner. Very nicely explained, so that everyone can understand what you're doing. Good job.

[@freedomisfromtruth]

I have always been drawn way more to hardware then programming, but this integrates both. The industrial machines i worked on do this on a larger scale, so this is the path to greater machinery starting here.

[@TGUlricksen]

If everyone had this attitude we would have warp drive by now...your awesome thank you for all your effort.

[@user-gk9oj3nb1m]

These videos are just brilliant... Understanding electronics is one level but comprehending it like your videos is another!!!

[@Naturalis.nature]

Thank you so much! You are the best teacher I have seen for this kind of stuff!

[@darionmackey5090]

Ive been through about 50 how to videos for arduino. You are the first ive come across that mentioned capitalization matters, nice video

[@wolflover789]

Just found your channel today and i will watch a ton of your videos. You sure a great teacher

[@plinble]

30 years ago you didn't need to be a jack of all trades. Someone designed the electronics, someone wrote the software, board manufacturing and placement was done by a contract company, and final wiring was done by a technician. Neat wiring is a skill in itself.

[@MarkHarrison-rp2tq]

I love how arduino has opened up this kind of work to people without formal technical backgrounds. For a lot of things, if someone can make a spreadsheet, they can use common sense and online examples to do what they need. I love watching your stuff, since you embody that ethos perfectly. Keep it up, and good luck to creative people adding tech to their creations!

[@pauljanssen7594]

Basically this would be a good video if you show how to control the wiper motor at delay various speeds between low and high and then you have the shut-off circuits that make sure the wiper blades shut off and the blades are in the right position. This should be super great video with just with simple things like this, especially the time delay on an older wiper motor.

[@SylvesterOziomek]

Outstanding tutorial. Turning that motor on or off with a button or sensor would be a dream come true for me.

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

Great idea for a future workshop! In the meantime, I have an upcoming one about how to control a motor with a motion sensor later this month.

[@RSHADOWL]

Many years of suffering and frustration trying to learn programming and also Arduino...Then you appeared and Wipeout all the Misery. ❤❤❤RACHEL❤❤❤

[@emmanuelgillot2520]

Hi, Since years I wanted to start with arduino to drive a small wood prototype and your video is so clear and well explained and your positivity makes the video very enjoyable thank you very much !!

[@MiguelRamirez-ld7sy]

This looks like so much fun. You're using 12v automotive components, 110v power supply and that little red board is doing all the work. Nice.

[@diegeeleel]

This is absolutely fantastic info! Where have you been all of my electronics life?! I have done so much research and experimenting with so many motors and controllers over the years for various projects and have always been stuck with using stepper motors which I thought were the only way to achieve some kind of accurate control. As you may know stepper motors are quite limited in variety, (especially when it comes to smaller sizes), and these are also relatively 'under powered' for many applications. This type of control opens up a whole world of possibilities. Thank you so very much for your time and effort. Awesome video.

[@RB22401.]

Maam you are my one of the favorite teachers

[@smitty2721]

I have been wanting to learn how to write Code script. I used to work with electronic instrumentation and PLC operated machinery/motors, but never knew the code. I am retired now. This video will I think will help me learn how to make things work via computer code.

[@ericparsons1077]

Just built this and could not have done it without your excellent video!

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

Awesome! What project are you building with a motor?

[@pfv3462]

Hi Rachel, I am so happy to have found your channel, with such nice projects! Since I am already 61 years old and very technical I am not going to build all the small children's projects! I am looking for information to build consoles for my flight sim myself. I have had some programming in the past! Only that was not C++ but database and websites and I was also SharePoint Admin at my work. I hope to learn a lot from you! 😗👍

[@Ilvelamp1]

I mean this with sincerity, your channel is shockingly underrated.. I learned so much in this one video! Thank you! Subbed

[@daveparker839]

I just stumbled upon your channel and even though I don’t know if I’ll ever need this information I liked and subscribed. You’re simply a great teacher and I need those in my life!

[@onenewworldmonkey]

I just subscribed. You asked if anyone takes too long to complete a project? Years. Then more years. I invented a simple device. I built one then another then a smaller, better one, and now one is perfect. Then I switched my focus to building a machine that makes them for me. I quickly found that I'm good at it but not accurate enough. No one is. I had to buy a milling machine. Then I had to build a large workspace to mount the equipment which meant I needed a metal band saw......Long story short, I now have a Bridgeport milling machine, lathe, arc welder, mig welder, and basically a garage full of equipment just to build a machine to make the thing I invented. Currently, I have a very large steel table designed and built for one purpose, I have a dozen pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, lots of linear actuators, hydraulic pumps.......... I've been on it for maybe 5 years now. So, yes, I am slow. BTW I like your videos.

[@lalith-k1i]

such a nice video, clear explanation, I wish youtube was just this

[@jackrichards1863]

Brilliant. No reason you came to my feed that I know of. But so good that I have this for reference now. Really enjoyed your voluptuous style and clarity as bright as your eyes. If that made sense to anyone you have a better grasp of english than I do of Arduino! After Rachel De barros explained and demonstrated how to make it function for "You"!

[@liszcgsedt]

A perfect video, especially for someone not too fond of reading the documentation, who wants to break from merely adjusting someone else`s code. Thanks, definitely subscribed!

[@Mark_L]

Girl best explanation on the net! You just got this old guy as a subscriber!

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

🤣 Thanks! Hope this help you build your next cool project!

[@daves4026]

Thank you super video. Have an arduino for nearly 10 years with post purchase blues. So didn’t get much done with it. Thank you you have energised my imagination hopefully I get a project done now

[@JimRobb44]

I have learned so much from this one video that will be useful for all kinds of projects. I can imagine limit switches that would be inputs to the Arduino so as the “spider” reaches an extreme, the switch tells the Arduino to do something like, stop or set a variable, or reverse. Thank you!

[@planker]

Squiggly Pins are the Boss. MOSFETs are clean and simple, but piggy backing four L293Ds to make a 4.8 Amp driver is top shelf hacking. Good Show

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

😄

[@michaelclarquist6459]

You teach very well and your personality makes the videos very easy and fun to watch.

[@bobbyboy1962]

Everybody else on here has already stated it so i wont, oh hell yes i will, absolutely brilliant video/tutorial, the best i have ever seen on coding, thank you

[@maderrashop]

I’m new to this whole things.. and I think you now got me hooked. Love your teaching style. I would love to see a similar video that adds some kind of force-sensitive resistor sensor. To many the motor stop if it hit some kind of object. Thank Rachel

[@MaxPrinter-y8n]

Hey! Just discovered your video and am falling in love with you already. You're such a great teacher. Wish I could say the same for my teacher. He sucks!!!! You're sooooooo clear and precise. Guess I'll be coming back for more.

[@CaptainSwallowtail]

Thanks for this fantastic video! It's exactly what I've been wanting to do and you really made it clear and fun. I'm totally new to all this and this all makes clear sense.

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

Keep me posted on your project and let me know if you'd like me to cover any other topics!

[@williambixby3785]

This is perfect! I plan on using one of these motors for my gate openers and this is the last part I need to install it.

[@ybnormal169]

I’m so happy I found you. I’m just starting to watch your videos, but just in one video I learned a lot. My brain almost exploded just like my motor controllers have 😂

[@trevorhitchen5822]

I almost gave up on coding arduino and normally use other people codes , but you have gave me motovation to have another go .

[@MichaelGriffis]

Wow, you are an outstanding teacher and i'm only 3 minutes into this video.

[@MaxPrinter-y8n]

Just finished watching. great stuff. I know a a lot of people who are going to be your fans. thanks

[@emmamarx9284]

As stated in the last video, you are a FANTASTIC TEACHER!! ❤ thank you soooooo much!

[@jeremygeorgia4943]

I like the Drok motor controller. That's what I use. It uses FET's, and it doesn't have a heatsink, and from what I've experienced, it doesn't hardly get warm, even with heavy use. I think it has opto-isolation, and that's one reason why it has a separate ground. It seems to be a pretty trouble free controller. Also, the wire receptacles are removable. This makes it very easy to wire, if the board is already mounted in something. You can attach the wires to the receptacle, then plug it back in to the board. It also makes it easy to switch channels, if you want to test the other channel. The power input receptacle is also removable too. If some accident happens to your board, you can easily swap it out, and the project remains wired - aside from the control wires. I like that there are lights for both the control section, and the drive section, so you can tell which sections have power. Also, the positive and negative pins, for the control section are joined, so you can daisy chain & power another board, with the free pins.

[@billionlab]

I find your video very useful. Help me a lot to follow. I'm a newbie here and have troble catching up with other videos. I have to pause to find another resource to explain in details and come back to continue. But your video is totally different. Well explained in the video itself. This is amazing! Great stuff. Thank you so much and subscribed!

[@RickardsGarage]

Hi Rachel and thanks for a great video 🫡 I really like how your explained all the functions of the arduino so now i feel like starting to use mine that's been in my drawer for 5years 😂 Keep up the good work and you've got yourself a new subscriber from Sweden 👍😁

[@Enigma758]

Not sure if you mentioned it or not, but I believe if you bring both IN1 & IN2 high, that provides a braking function (pretty common with h-bridges). In fact, I think your random function can cause the motor to brake when both are high and you can see that behavior in your video.

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

Yep, indeed it does! I can't remember if it's in this edited down version of the live stream or not but that's a good point to include in the tutorial on the website for everyone. Thanks for the catch!

[@Enigma758]

@@RachelDeBarrosLive Actually, I just re-watched it and you do mention that. Thanks! 😊

[@williamburgess4732]

The best tutorial yet.

[@patriciadoldores7151]

Its fun listening to you and you're telling it as a story, and my brain thinks "oh, now its actually easy to understand". Thanks for this!

[@kjellmagnehien538]

This tutorial was amazing! Well done! I really want to start playing around with Arduino and motors. For random direction you could have a variable 0-2 in the loop and use IF variable= 0 then INpin1=low and INpin2=high.

[@MoisesMoy1]

I wish i found this video when i started learning arduino, sensors, and controlers. Great work.

[@gardnep]

Rachel, you are a gem. Explanation is simple.

[@jayjudice4298]

I have been wanting to add Arduino to my props for a couple of years but have been too scared to start, until now. Thanks!

[@DavidLindes]

2:57 - you're definitely not the only one! (I'm embarrassed to even say how long ago some of my not-yet-completed, but-still-being-worked-on projects got their first starts...... 😲) Nice tutorial!

[@photorealm]

Great video, was a huge help making my life size Batman that will sit on my roof drinking beer and waving for Halloween :) I used and ESP32 which has 3 volt logic, so in that case I had to hook 3 volts ESP PIN to the motor controller 5 volt logic PIN and that worked great. Works very good.

[@CATech1138]

interesting to see this....I have done one small Arduino project on an ATtiny10 (digispark) that takes one output channel of an RC car reciever and splits it to operate 2 servos one amd then the other...the wiring took 20 minutes the coding took 4 months... now i am in the planning stages of creating a small single story elevator using 750 pound rated scissor type lifting tables...the lift height is about 50" per table and i need 90 inches of lift so connecting the scissor sections of 2 units ought work....the tables are hydraulically raised using a foot pump and I have been imagineering various way to power the hydraulics while using an Arduino to manage possible motor and release valves as instructed by various switches...

[@mlgboy1]

Great video with superb step by step explanation. I am new to coding with arduino and have a complicted machine to program. This has help no end to help understand the environment , instruction set and the logic too. Huge thanks for doing these vidoes.

[@markhodgson2348]

You have a great way of putting the information over I'm new to coding.

[@DJRussellBrian]

I've been learning C script for making video games inside of vrchat and I recently decided to start learning about programming Arduino boards I can't believe it's all the same kind of code! Thank you for this!

[@raywebb8253]

Excellent true explanation of the workings between the motor to arduino. Spot on!

[@shankarccrtech6018]

Very great explanation, I never forget...thank you so much...great job.

[@martinsteele3259]

This is so awesome! I have been wanting to learn arduino, you have made it seem so simple. Thank You!

[@RachelDeBarrosLive]

Glad to hear!