Sensors & Motors

Table of Contents

Overview

This lab covers motors, sensors, and actuators. You will be building 3 different circuits using a fan motor.

Procedure

Basic Setup

We will want to tape our motor to the table. This is to prevent the fan from moving around randomly when it is on.

Circuit 1 Switch Controlled Fan

For this Circuit we need our battery, motor, and a switch.

Follow the circuit diagram below:

Switch Circuit Schematic

Circuit 2 Light Sensor Controlled Fan

For this Circuit we need our battery, motor, transistor, photoresistor, and resistor about 6.8kOhms.

Follow the circuit diagram below:

Light Sensor Circuit Schematic

Here’s one way you could configure this circuit. WARNING! If connected incorrectly, the transistor can get REALLY hot and burn your finger, so please be carful!

Light Sensor Circuit
How the Photoresistor Works

Circuit 3 Potentiometer Controlled Fan

For this Circuit we need our battery, motor, switch, and potentiometer.

Follow the circuit diagram below:

Potentiometer + Fan Circuit

Note: The Red lines on the switch and potentiometer do not need to be connected to anything. They will be floating nodes.