For the second week of our RoboSumo project, we received information on how to control the motors via the SN754410NE 4 Channel Half-H Bridge Driver. We learned that the driver essentially functions as 4 relays combined, with the ability to provide a much higher current output than is safe for the arduino to supply. Additionally we learned the required coding on the arduino to power the motors both forward and reverse. Of the two outputs to the motors, one had to be live with an ‘on’ signal while the other had to be negative with an ‘off’ signal from the arduino. If either both outputs were ‘on’ or ‘off’ the motor would not turn while swapping the polarity on the motor would cause it to reverse.

Billy and Ben focused on the coding while I set up the wiring and soldering on the breadboard and on the motors. We soon had a simple proof of concept which showed the motors turning, representing the robot driving, reversing and turning.

Once we were satisfied with this, we agreed to proceed and add the switch which allowed the robot to sense the can for the tip the can challenge and to reverse as required. Wiring this was simple as it only required a resistor and the switch to be added. Additionally, the coding was straightforward as only one extra input was required and when a signal was sensed, the motors were reversed for a short amount of time then turned off.