500 RPM 12V DC Geared Motor - Centre Shaft High Torque Motor

Prototyping and Engineering Tips from Robogears

• Controlling Speed (PWM): To vary the speed of this motor, use a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal from a microcontroller via an L298N or L293D motor driver. Avoid reducing speed by lowering the voltage significantly, as this will drastically reduce the motor's torque and may cause it to stall under load.

• Shaft Coupling: CRITICAL: Use a 6mm Bore Coupler or a 6mm Hex Adapter to attach wheels. Ensure the set screw of your coupler sits firmly on the "Flat" part of the D-shaft. If you tighten it on the round part, the shaft will eventually spin inside the coupler, causing mechanical failure.

• Stall Protection: If your robot hits a wall and the motor stops spinning while still powered, it is in a "Stall" state. In this state, current draw spikes to its maximum, which can burn the motor windings or the motor driver. Always implement an over-current protection circuit or use a fuse.

• Noise Suppression: DC motors generate "Electrical Noise" (EMI) that can interfere with your sensors or cause your Arduino to reset. Solder a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor across the motor terminals to snub these high-frequency spikes.

• Mounting Orientation: Because this is a centre-shaft motor, the weight of the motor body is distributed evenly. This makes it ideal for "In-Wheel" designs where the motor sits inside a large hollow wheel or a cylindrical pipe.

Package Includes

• 1 x 500 RPM 12V Centre Shaft DC Geared Motor

Disclaimer: Do not apply AC power directly to this motor. Ensure your power supply can provide at least 1A of peak current to handle the motor's startup surge. Avoid using this motor for heavy lifting (vertical loads) exceeding 1.5kg without additional mechanical advantage, as it may strip the internal gears. Keep hair and loose clothing away from the spinning shaft.