# Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi (Connectors Soldered)

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-5033 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html.md))

The Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller makes it easy to control DC motors from a Raspberry Pi (Model B+ or newer) through an I²C interface. Each...

## Pricing

- **Price:** $77.05 (inc GST) — $70.05 AUD, exc GST
- **Quantity discounts:** 6+ $67.25 (exc GST) · 12+ $65.15 (exc GST)

## Availability & dispatch

- Available with a lead time — expect dispatch between Aug 25 and Aug 28.

## Description

The Motoron M3H256 add-on board makes it easy to control up to three bidirectional, brushed DC [motors](https://core-electronics.com.au/components/motors/metal-gearmotors.html) with a compatible Raspberry Pi (Model B+ or newer). It operates from 4.5 V to 48 V and can deliver continuous output currents up to 2 A per motor. The M3H256 is designed to stack on top of a Raspberry Pi (Model B+ or newer), similar to a HAT (Hardware Attached on Top), and multiple Motoron controllers can be stacked on top of each other, allowing independent control of many motors. Unlike most of Pololu's [motor drivers](https://core-electronics.com.au/breakout-boards-and-modules/motor-drivers-controllers/brushed-dc-motor-drivers.html) and motor driver [expansion boards for Raspberry Pi](https://core-electronics.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=pi+motor), the Motoron does not require any PWM outputs on your Raspberry Pi. Instead, the Raspberry Pi communicates with the Motoron using I²C, so only two GPIO pins are needed regardless of how many Motorons you connect.

 | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11683_42508c38e0f.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11683_106738aed98.png) |
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Three M3H256 versions are available to provide different options for the through-hole connectors:

- [Motoron M3H256 with soldered stackable headers and terminal blocks](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html)
- [Motoron M3H256 with headers and terminal blocks included but not soldered in](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html)
- [Motoron M3H256 without any headers, terminal blocks, or mounting hardware included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html)
 
For applications using an Arduino or compatible controller, consider the [Motoron M3S256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) instead (also available with different connector options).

 **Details for item #5033**

 | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11675_26411809d62.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11675_47920e2c536.jpg) \| \|---\| \| Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi (Connectors Soldered). \| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11678_25911033b20.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11678_463913d90ac.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| \| A Motoron M3H256 being controlled by a Raspberry Pi. \| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11677_36162363b18.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11677_64927d73318.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| \| Three Motoron M3H256 controllers being controlled by a Raspberry Pi. \| |
|---|

This version of the Motoron M3H256 ships **with soldered stackable headers and terminal blocks**. It includes a set of two [M2.5 standoffs](https://core-electronics.com.au/aluminum-standoff-for-raspberry-pi-11mm-length-6mm-m2-5-thread-m-f-4-pack.html) (11 mm length), [screws](https://core-electronics.com.au/machine-screw-m2-5-6mm-length-phillips-25-pack.html), and [nuts](https://core-electronics.com.au/machine-hex-nut-m2-5-25-pack.html) that can be used to secure the board at the proper height for the GPIO connector.

 | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11681_42676828cf8.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11681_142650b2859.png) |
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| Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi pinout. |

**Features and specifications**

- Three motor control channels allow for independent control of up to three bidirectional brushed DC motors per Motoron
- Wide operating voltage range: 4.5 V to 48 V
- Maximum output current per motor: 2.0 A continuous, 6.4 A peak for <1 second
- Reverse-voltage protection on motor power supply (down to -40 V)
- Logic voltage range: 2.8 V to 5.5 V
- Control interface: I²C
- I²C clock speed: up to 400 kHz
- Optional cyclic redundancy checking (CRC)
- Configurable motion parameters: 
    - Max acceleration/deceleration forward/reverse
    - Starting speed forward/reverse
    - Direction change delay forward/reverse
- PWM frequency: eight options available from 1 kHz to 80 kHz
- Command timeout feature stops motors if the Raspberry Pi stops communicating
- Configurable automatic error response
- Motor power supply (VIN) voltage measurement
- Optional pins make it easy to power the Raspberry Pi from reverse-protected motor power through an [external regulator](https://core-electronics.com.au/components/voltage-regulators.html) (not included)
- Two status LEDs
- Motor direction indicator LEDs
- [Motoron Python library](https://github.com/pololu/motoron-rpi) simplifies getting started using the Motoron with a Raspberry Pi
- Comprehensive user’s guide
 
**Dimensions**

 | Size: | 32.5 mm × 56 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 14.5 g[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) |

**General specifications**

 | Channels: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Model: | Motoron M3H256 |
| Control interface: | I²C |
| Minimum operating voltage: | 4.5 V |
| Maximum operating voltage: | 48 V[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) |
| Continuous output current per channel: | 2 A |
| Peak output current per channel: | 6.4 A |
| Reverse voltage protection?: | Y[3](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note3) |
| Connectors soldered?: | Y |

**Identifying markings**

 | PCB dev codes: | mc3h42a |
|---|---|
| Other PCB markings: | 0J13654 |

**Notes:**

1Not including standoffs.2Not recommended for use with 48V batteries.3Note: Reverse voltage protection only works up to 40 V. **Documentation and other information**

- ![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11628_582262abc3.jpg)**Pololu Motoron Motor Controller User’s Guide ([Printable PDF](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/motoron_10225fc9a94.pdf))**
    
    User’s manual for the Pololu Motoron Motor Controllers.
 
**File downloads**

- **[Dimension diagram of the Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-dimensions_314051b4374.pdf) (314k pdf)**
- **3D model of the Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi (14MB step)**
- **Drill guide for the Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi (119k dxf)**
    
    This DXF drawing shows the locations of all of the board’s holes.
 
**Recommended links**

- **[Motoron Motor Controller Python library for Raspberry Pi](https://github.com/pololu/motoron-rpi)**

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/P/O/POLOLU-5033-1.jpg)