Electronics Setup

Maslow Electronics Setup

We've done our best to keep the electronics for Maslow as simple as possible.

Step 1: Identifying Parts

There are five pieces to the Maslow electronics system. Shown in the picture below from left to right and top to bottom they are:

1. The Motor/Encoder/Gear Box Units
2. Motor Wires
3. Motor Controller Arduino Shield
4. Arduino Mega 2560 Compatible Microcontroller with USB Cable
5. 12V DC 5A / 110-250V AC Power Supply

Step 2: Attach Heatsinks

Attach the sticky backed heat sinks found in your hardware bag to the motor controller shield.

Step 3: Connect Arduino Shield

Attach the Arduino shield onto the Arduino Mega

Step 4: Connect The Motors

Attach the motors to the Arduino shield. Note that the motors connect to ports 1 and 3 not 1 and 2. This is to better distribute the motor power draw across both motor driver chips.

Step 5: Connect The Power Supply

Plug the 12v power supply into the motor controller shield. Note that the power supply plugs into the motor controller shield and not the Arduino. Plugging the power supply into the Arduino will not damage it, but it also will not provide power to the motors. We chose the most common power supply plug to make replacements easy to find, unfortunately because it is so common this is also the same power supply plug that the Arduino uses, which is somewhat confusing.

Step 6: Connect The USB Cord

Plug the USB cord into the Arduino and into your computer. Note that the "USB" light will come on to indicate that the board is connected and receiving power from your computer.

Step 7: Proceed

You have finished setting up the Maslow electronics system. Proceed to the next step and install the open source Maslow Firmware on your Arduino.