DC Motor for RC Cars: Series vs. Shunt Motors in Arduino Projects

The motors commonly used in RC cars with Arduino are typically DC series motors or permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motors, not shunt motors. Here’s why:

DC Motor for RC Cars: Series vs. Shunt Motors in Arduino Projects

1. DC Series Motors:

  • High Torque at Low Speed: Series motors are well-suited for applications where high starting torque is required, like in RC cars.
  • Compact and Simple Design: They are relatively easy to control with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) via Arduino, making them a popular choice in hobbyist projects.See example tutorial on Joystick controlled DC motor with Arduino and TIP122.
  • Variable Speed: Their speed can vary widely with changes in load and voltage, which is suitable for RC cars that need varying speeds.

2. Permanent Magnet DC (PMDC) Motors:

  • Compact and Lightweight: PMDC motors are also commonly used in RC cars due to their compact size and simplicity.
  • Efficient: They use permanent magnets to produce the magnetic field, eliminating the need for separate field windings, making them more efficient and easier to drive with an Arduino.
  • Easy to Control: They are straightforward to control with motor drivers, making them a popular choice for hobbyist projects. See for example Controlling Motor Speed with PWM Arduino.

Why Not Shunt Motors?

  • Constant Speed Characteristics: Shunt motors are better suited for applications requiring a more constant speed under varying loads, which is less relevant for RC cars that need speed variability.
  • Larger and Heavier: Shunt motors are generally bulkier, which is not ideal for RC car applications where space and weight are limited.

In summary, DC series motors and PMDC motors are the most common types of motors used in RC cars with Arduino due to their high torque, variable speed, and ease of control.

Resources

Brushed DC motor vs Out-runner BLDC motor structural comparison

In-runner or Out-runner BLDC motors in Drones?

what is Split-Phase Motors?

What type of motor is used in machine machines

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