Arduino Mini-Drone Lesson Part 2: Controlling Motors with an Arduino and a Transistor

This video tutorial explains how to use a transistor in an Arduino circuit to control a motor. It begins with an introduction to transistors and their necessity in circuits requiring more current than an Arduino pin can provide. The tutorial then demonstrates building a simple circuit with a potentiometer and LED, explaining the concept of pulse width modulation (PWM) to control brightness. The video progresses to replacing the LED with a motor, using a transistor to manage the current from an external battery pack. Finally, it covers how to connect and control multiple motors using transistors.

What is the primary function of a transistor in an Arduino circuit?

• To convert AC to DC

• To store energy

• To increase voltage

• To control current flow

Why can't a motor be powered directly from an Arduino pin?

• Motors require a different voltage type

• Motors require less current than Arduino pins provide

• Motors require more current than Arduino pins provide

• Motors are incompatible with Arduino pins

What does PWM stand for in the context of Arduino?

• Pulse Width Modulation

• Power Width Modulation

• Pulse Wave Modulation

• Power Wave Modulation

How does PWM control the brightness of an LED?

• By adjusting the LED's size

• By rapidly turning the LED on and off

• By changing the LED's resistance

• By altering the LED's color

What type of transistor is used in the video for motor control?

• N Channel MOSFET

• PNP Transistor

• NPN Transistor

• Bipolar Junction Transistor

Which pin of the MOSFET is connected to the Arduino for control?

• Drain

• Gate

• Source

• Base

What happens when the MOSFET is rapidly switched on and off?

• The motor stops

• The motor overheats

• The motor changes direction

• The motor spins at a constant speed

What is the effect of turning the potentiometer up in the motor control circuit?

• The motor speed decreases

• The motor stops

• The motor speed remains constant

• The motor speed increases

How can multiple motors be controlled to spin at the same speed?

• Connect them in series

• Use separate transistors for each motor

• Use a single potentiometer for all motors

• Connect them in parallel to the same transistor

What is required for independent control of multiple motors?

• Multiple MOSFETs and a single potentiometer

• Multiple MOSFETs and potentiometers

• A single MOSFET and potentiometer

• A single MOSFET and multiple potentiometers