FiPy + PyTrack + DC Geared Motor

[druhoi7]

Dear all,
I will briefly introduce my self.
I am a software programmer that as in mind a personal hardware project.
Basically i want to create a GPS tracker and locker at the same time.
I found PyCom and I think it's a wonderful product, but ... I am not sure if it does what I want.

No doubts about geolocalization but I was wondering if it can support a geared dc motor like this: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/sharing-bike-lock-motor-3v-5v_60611666381.html?spm=a2700.7724838.0.0.WWrfXh
and basically what I need to make them work together.

It's really my first experience with these kind of devices, and probably I am completely out of mind.

Thank you. Hope to receive your answer!

[jmarcelino]

I recommend playing a bit with motors and motor drivers on some cheap Arduino clone. Get a 3.3V (volts) version, like the Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V - these can be had for less than $5 on Ebay and AliExpress - before moving to tests on an expensive FiPy.

Once you have the logic figured out it should be easy to move to Python.

[livius]

@druhoi7 said in FiPy + PyTrack + DC Geared Motor:

I am not sure about what you mean for "motor direction".

I mean, rotate clockwise and then under clockwise (or basically left right)

I need to use the output pins, right?

yes, and if you need to control speed (but you say not) you need PWM

And remember about voltage pic when motor stops - you need e.g diode to protect board.
This I don't think is a problem.

It is a problem, you can broke board if you have not protection

And also is good to have separate power source for board and DC motor.
This I can effort, I think. My question is, why?

Only stability of power and noise which can hang your board.
And of course voltage level which is near to always higher for DC Motor 6V, 12V, 24V .. (but not always)

[druhoi7]

Thank you for the answer.
I will try to explain me and first of all read your documents.

Do you need to run motor and stop?
Do you need to control also motor speed?
Do you need to control also motor direction?

Yeah, normally the gears are just moving a "pin" inside and outside. So basically I don't need for sure the speed (it will be constant at every unlock), I am not sure about what you mean for "motor direction".

But remember about voltages all pins ans e.g. PWM signals are max 3V3.

I need to use the output pins, right?

And remember about voltage pic when motor stops - you need e.g diode to protect board.

This I don't think is a problem.

And also is good to have separate power source for board and DC motor.

This I can effort, I think. My question is, why?

[livius]

@druhoi7
You must be more precisly

1. Do you need to run motor and stop?
2. Do you need to control also motor speed?
3. Do you need to control also motor direction?

for some tips look here
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-13-dc-motors/overview
or with H-Bridge
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-How-to-Control-DC-Motors-With-L293D-Motor-/

But remember about voltages all pins ans e.g. PWM signals are max 3V3.
And remember about voltage pic when motor stops - you need e.g diode to protect board.
And also is good to have separate power source for board and DC motor.