Quick Start Guide to Setup WisBlock RAK17000 DC Motor Drive Module

RAKwireless May 24, 2022

What Do You Need?

Before going through each and every step of using the RAK17000 WisBlock Motor Control Module, make sure to prepare the necessary items listed below.

Hardware

RAK17000 WisBlock Motor Control Module
Your choice of WisBlock Base
Your choice of WisBlock Core
USB Cable
Li-Ion/LiPo battery
Solar charger (optional)
DC Motor or Stepper Motor

Software

You need to download and install Arduino IDE.
To add the RAKwireless Core boards to your Arduino Boards Manager, install the RAKwireless Arduino BSP

Hardware Setup

RAK17000 is a WisBlock DC Motor Drive Module that extends the WisBlock system to be used on controlling motors. It has a dual H-bridge configuration motor driver that can support two DC motors or one stepper motor. It can get power from the battery of the WisBlock Base or externally via the RAK17000 terminal connector. By setting the right jumper on the 3-pin header on the side of the terminal connector, you can select where you want to get the power source. It can allow up to 1.5 A per channel, but thermal management must be implemented.

For more information about RAK17000, refer to the Datasheet.

Motor-Driven by the WisBlock Battery

You need to set a header jumper and short VM and BAT to enable power from the battery of the WisBlock module. You can connect up to two DC motors by using channels A and B. To use channel A, connect the DC motor on A1 and A2. To use channel B, connect the DC motor on B1 and B2. You need to use both channels if you are driving a stepper motor.

Motor Driven by the External VIN

You need to set header jumper and short VM and VIN to enable power from the external power source. The external power source can be a different battery pack or an independent DC power supply. Connect this power source to the supply voltage terminals VIN and GND of RAK17000 that can allow the voltage range from 2.7 V to 10.8 V. Once done on the setup, you can connect up to two DC motors by using channels A and B.

To use channel A, connect the DC motor on A1 and A2. To use channel B, connect the DC motor on B1 and B2. You need to use both channels if you are driving a stepper motor.