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Monster Moto Shield Amps per Channel

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Mazhar Salam, Mar 29, 2014.

  1. Mazhar Salam

    Mazhar Salam Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2014
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Melbourne
    Balance:
    907Coins
    Ratings:
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    Many of you have used the monster moto shield to power your Viper Motors.
    Monster Moto Board Specs (arduino sketch available on xsimulator.net)
    https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10182
    • Voltage max: 16V
    • Maximum current rating: 30 A
    • Practical Continuous Current: 14 A
    so the question is how much is their practical continuous current per channel?
    I guess the answer is 7 amps per channel. (total 14 by 2 motors)

    However, the reason why I have a confusion is because a similar board specifically mentions this feature

    Pololu Dual VNH5019 Motor Driver Shield for Arduino
    http://www.pololu.com/product/2502
    • High output current: up to 12 A continuous (30 maximum) per motor
    • Motor outputs can be combined to deliver up to 24 A continuous (60 A maximum) to a single motor
    Does this mean the Monster Moto have a combined continuous current of 28amps which they didn't mention on their specs.
    If Monster Moto can only supply 7 amps to a motor ie 84 watts of power I dont understand how u guys run a 2dof with such less power.
    Also, Does anybody have an arduino sketch for pololu dual vnh5019 motor driver shield?

    This will be very helpful for me in finalising my options and starting sim building. Please share your ideas

    Update 31/02/2014


    From Sparkfun Tech Support,
    Hi,The maximum current rating of the Monster Moto Shield's IC [https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10182] is 30A as stated on the datasheet, so yes the board should support 28 amps continuous current. Powering the shield at that amount might be too much electrical stress and it can eventually fail or have thermal shut down just like any other electronic device when you are power near the extreme rating.

    Best Regards,
    Ho Yun "Bobby" Chan
    Technical Support
    SparkFun Electronics, Inc.
    6175 Longbow Drive
    Boulder, CO 80301E-mail: techsupport@sparkfun.com
    Phone: 1-303-284-0979


    Conclusion
    Pololu provides double the the power and is cheaper than monster moto.
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2014
    Mazhar Salam, Mar 29, 2014
    #1
  2. Historiker

    Historiker Dramamine Adict Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2010
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    2,162
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Michigan USA
    Balance:
    9,208Coins
    Ratings:
    +2,168 / 19 / -1
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    Although I can offer no help on this I too am interested as I use two of these motor controllers on my 2DoF (with traction loss) platform. I have 20 amp fuses in line with each motor but have not had any pop yet.
    Historiker, Mar 29, 2014
    #2
  3. Mazhar Salam

    Mazhar Salam Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2014
    Messages:
    43
    Location:
    Melbourne
    Balance:
    907Coins
    Ratings:
    +24 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    From Sparkfun Tech Support,

    Hi,The maximum current rating of the Monster Moto Shield's IC [https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10182] is 30A as stated on the datasheet, so yes the board should support 28 amps continuous current. Powering the shield at that amount might be too much electrical stress and it can eventually fail or have thermal shut down just like any other electronic device when you are power near the extreme rating.

    Best Regards,
    Ho Yun "Bobby" Chan
    Technical Support
    SparkFun Electronics, Inc.
    6175 Longbow Drive
    Boulder, CO 80301E-mail: techsupport@sparkfun.com
    Phone: 1-303-284-0979
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    Mazhar Salam, Mar 31, 2014
    #3
  4. terry wells

    terry wells Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2014
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    250
    Occupation:
    retired military
    Location:
    minnesota USA
    Balance:
    716Coins
    Ratings:
    +59 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, Arduino
    terry wells, Apr 1, 2014
    #4
  5. terry wells

    terry wells Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2014
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    Occupation:
    retired military
    Location:
    minnesota USA
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    +59 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, Arduino
    They also sell shields for single motors at a good price.
    terry wells, Apr 1, 2014
    #5