M5stack Core and GoPlus Module dc motor connector adresses missing (Arduino)

WBE

Hello. I'm trying to configure my GoPlus module using the example codes which are very limited on the M5 documentation for GoPlus. I can't find the correct list of addresses to be used anywhere.

I want to power my DC 3-6V gearmotors 1:120 using the code adding an extra 5V external powersupply (max 2A) through the XT30 connector.
I found the max speed in example codes is 250 and min is -250 for the motor command but with other values in between this gives the same issue.
So the code I used is following:
void Motor(void){
Serial.println("-------------------------MOTOR Sturing -------------");
Serial.println(" motorspeed 200");

 M5.Lcd.setCursor(40, 60, 2);
 M5.Lcd.setTextColor(TFT_WHITE, TFT_BLACK);
  M5.Lcd.printf("Test MoTor motorspeed 250      \n "); 
goPlus.Motor_write_speed(MOTOR_NUM0, (uint8_t)0x80, 250);
goPlus.Motor_write_speed(MOTOR_NUM1, (uint8_t)0x00, 250);
delay(5000);

Serial.println(" motorspeed 0");
 M5.Lcd.setCursor(40, 60, 2);
 M5.Lcd.setTextColor(TFT_WHITE, TFT_BLACK);
  M5.Lcd.printf("Test MoTor motorspeed 0      \n "); 
 goPlus.Motor_write_speed(MOTOR_NUM0, (uint8_t)0x80, 0);
 goPlus.Motor_write_speed(MOTOR_NUM1, (uint8_t)0x00, 0);
delay(500);

Serial.println(" motorspeed -250");
 M5.Lcd.setCursor(40, 60, 2);
 M5.Lcd.setTextColor(TFT_WHITE, TFT_BLACK);
  M5.Lcd.printf("Test MoTor motorspeed -250     \n "); 
 goPlus.Motor_write_speed(MOTOR_NUM0, (uint8_t)0x00, -250);
 goPlus.Motor_write_speed(MOTOR_NUM1, (uint8_t)0x00, -250);
    delay(5000);
Serial.println(" motorspeed 0");
 M5.Lcd.setCursor(40, 60, 2);
 M5.Lcd.setTextColor(TFT_WHITE, TFT_BLACK);
  M5.Lcd.printf("Test MoTor motorspeed 0\n "); 
goPlus.Motor_write_speed(MOTOR_NUM0, (uint8_t)0x80, 0);
goPlus.Motor_write_speed(MOTOR_NUM1, (uint8_t)0x00, 0);
delay(500);

}

It just doesn't seem to be able to power the DC connectors. I get a -0.2V max out and a + 0,8V max which isn't enough to run the motor.

Has anyone experience or documentation what adresses of code instructions are to be used to fix this issue?
Or a link with the more complete documentation what commands and adresses to use for steering the servo and DC motor pins?

Because I'm really blocked for weeks now.
Thanks upfront.
Wim

felmue

Hello @WBE

Note: I don't own the GoPlus module so my conclusions could be incorrect.

The DCDC step-down converter (TPS54360) is, according to the schematic, setup to output 6.5 V. Normally step-down converter require a slightly higher input voltage than the output voltage to function properly. Also according to the GoPlus description the DC input range is 6.5 V - 24 V. So assuming nothing is wrong with your code (which I cannot say w/o testing, sorry) I have a feeling that 5 V at the DC input might be too low.

BTW: have you tried to use UIFlow - might be helpful to verify whether your hardware setup is correct?

Thanks
Felix

WBE

@felmue Thanks for the fast response. I missed the 6,5V minimum input. I initially changed the power supply of 12V 500mA to a 5v 2A because I thought the power consumption would be bigger than 0.5A. I tested again and it doesn't seem to work.
I found a chinese doc on the GoPlus that contained another example after translation (thanks Deepl):
uint16_t speed = 200;
Wire.beginTransmission(0x5d); // adress GoPlus
Wire.write(0x30); //motor connection
Wire.write((speed >> 8)&0x80); // port 1 DC and 0x00 = port 2 DC
Wire.write(speed & 0xff); // no idea where 0xff comes from
Wire.endTransmission();

fingers crossed this will work. I have no way to test whether the GoPlus became defunct. The Servo steering doesn't work either. Maybe I need also a bigger power supply...
Starting to think buying the GoPlus a while ago wasn't the best idea...

WBE

This post is deleted!

ajb2k3

In my railway project I use 12V in but only get 5V out max

0xff stops the motors.

Wire.write((speed >> 8)&0x80);

Needs to be

Wire.write((speed >> 8)&0x00);

for the second channel.