> **Source:** Core Electronics is an Australian maker-electronics retailer and manufacturer based in Newcastle, NSW, run by a team of makers and educators. We design and manufacture our own product lines (PiicoDev, CE originals) and are official retailers for iconic maker and industrial brands including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Adafruit, SparkFun and DFRobot. Orders ship Australia-wide from our Newcastle warehouse. Prices are in AUD and include GST. Pricing, stock and dispatch on this page are generated from the store's live catalog. Full machine-readable index: https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt # Motoron M3S550 Triple Motor Controller Shield Kit for Arduino **Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-5069 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia) **Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html.md)) The Motoron M3S550 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino makes it easy to control DC motors from an Arduino or Arduino-compatible board through an... ## Pricing - **Price:** $44.95 (inc GST) — $40.86 AUD, exc GST - **Quantity discounts:** 10+ $39.23 (exc GST) · 25+ $38.00 (exc GST) ## Availability & dispatch - Available with a lead time — expect dispatch between Aug 25 and Aug 28. ## How to buy - **Build a cart:** compose `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link?items=POLOLU-5069:1` (comma-separated SKU:qty pairs) and share the link. Opening it shows a confirmation page with live pricing and stock before anything is added to the cart. - **Verify the cart first:** fetch `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link/POLOLU-5069:1.md` for live line prices (inc & exc GST, quantity discounts applied), stock and dispatch estimates, and totals. Append `/to/{AU-postcode}` (or `/to/{country-code}:{postcode}`) before `.md` for delivery options and prices to that destination. Unknown, retired, or out-of-stock SKUs are flagged. (Query form `cart/link.md?items=...` also works but some robots parsers refuse query strings here.) - **Checkout** is completed on-site and includes a captcha at the payment step. Share the cart link; checkout takes it from there. - **Search the catalogue:** `https://core-electronics.com.au/search/{query}.md` (URL-encode the query; pages 2-3 at `search/{query}/{page}.md`; `search.md?q=` also works) - **Payment methods, purchase orders, policies and contact details:** https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt ## Description The Motoron M3S550 shield makes it easy to control up to three bidirectional, brushed DC [motors](https://core-electronics.com.au/components/motors/metal-gearmotors.html) with an [Arduino](https://core-electronics.com.au/arduino-uno-r3-10900.html) or compatible board, such as the [A-Star 32U4 Prime](https://core-electronics.com.au/search/?q=a-star+32u4+prime). It operates from 1.8 V to 22 V and can deliver continuous output currents up to 1.7 A per motor. 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 [shields](https://core-electronics.com.au/category/113/shields-for-arduino), the Motoron does not require any PWM outputs or timers on your Arduino. Instead, the Arduino communicates with the Motoron using I²C, so only two I/O lines are needed regardless of how many Motorons you connect. | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11635_536089263af.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11635_11846657d85.png) | |---| Three M3S550 versions are available to provide different options for the through-hole connectors: - [Motoron M3S550 with soldered stackable headers and terminal blocks](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [Motoron M3S550 with headers and terminal blocks included but not soldered in](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [Motoron M3S550 without any headers or terminal blocks included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) For applications using a Raspberry Pi, consider the [Motoron M3H550](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h550-triple-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) instead (also available with different connector options). **Details for item #5069** | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12102_7137874b73e.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12102_535701fa867.jpg) | |---| | Motoron M3S550 Triple Motor Controller Shield Kit for Arduino. | This version of the Motoron M3S550 is a **kit** that ships with the following connectors included but not soldered in: - One 1×10 stackable female header - One 1×8 stackable female header - Four [2-pin 3.5mm terminal blocks](https://core-electronics.com.au/screw-terminal-block-2-pin-3-5-mm-pitch-side-entry-4-pack.html) - Four [2-pin 5mm screw terminal blocks](https://core-electronics.com.au/screw-terminal-block-2-pin-5-mm-pitch-side-entry-4-pack.html) - One 1×25 [breakaway male header](https://core-electronics.com.au/0-100-2-54-mm-breakaway-male-header-1x40-pin-straight.html) (you can cut or break this into smaller header strips to install as desired) There are more parts included than can be soldered to the board, providing different assembly options to suit a variety of applications. Additional [connector](https://core-electronics.com.au/connectors-sockets.html) options are available separately, and you can also solder wires directly to the board for more compact installations. **Note:** For applications where the Motoron will be used as a standalone board or at the **top** of a shield stack, it can be assembled with the included 0.1" male header pins and larger (5.0mm-pitch) blue terminal blocks. For applications where the Motoron will be one of the intermediate members of a stack of shields, Pololu recommend assembling it with the stackable headers and smaller (3.5mm-pitch) green terminal blocks (just like Pololu's [version with connectors already soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html)). The terminal blocks are intended to be soldered to the larger through-holes for the power and motor connections, and the blue ones should get locked together prior to installation (see Pololu's short [video on terminal block installation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDyTLRZ2Eg)). | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12105_30194f19a29.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12105_539784482ef.jpg) \| \|---\| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12103_2677517cc0f.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12103_4823432550e.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| | |---| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12159_26561d4084e.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12159_458090b10ef.jpg) \| \|---\| \| A Raspberry Pi Pico on a breadboard using a Motoron M3S550 shield to control three motors. \| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12107_2463143137a.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12107_4212981454e.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| \| Motoron M3S550 shield being controlled by an Arduino Uno. \| | |---| | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11638_44213306fa1.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11638_157762ce6a2.png) | |---| | Motoron M3S256 or M3S550 Triple Motor Controller Shield 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: 1.8 V to 22 V (absolute maximum) - Maximum output current per motor: 1.7 A continuous, 5 A peak for <1 second - Reverse-voltage protection on motor power supply (down to -20 V) - Logic voltage range: 3.0 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 Arduino stops functioning - Configurable automatic error response - Motor power supply (VIN) voltage measurement - Optional pins make it easy to power the Arduino from reverse-protected motor power, either directly or through an [external regulator](https://core-electronics.com.au/components/voltage-regulators.html) (not included) - Two status LEDs - Motor direction indicator LEDs - [Motoron Arduino library](https://github.com/pololu/motoron-arduino) simplifies using the Motoron with an Arduino or compatible controller - Comprehensive user’s guide **The Motoron family** The tables below list the members of the Motoron family and show the key differences among them. Each type is available in several versions to provide different options for the through-hole connectors: they can be purchased as an assembled product with connectors soldered in, as a kit with connectors included but not soldered in, or (for Arduino and Raspberry Pi expansions) as a standalone board without connectors. | **Motoron motor controllers** micro versions | |---| | | | Control interface: I²C | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12127_2269baa8a9.jpg) M1T550](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1t550-single-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12162_31013f172b.jpg) M2T550](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t550-dual-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11939_2374c5ca05.jpg) M1T256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1t256-single-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12163_29476931c4.jpg) M2T256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | | Control interface: UART | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12127_2269baa8a9.jpg) M1U550](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1u550-single-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12162_31013f172b.jpg) M2U550](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u550-dual-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11939_2374c5ca05.jpg) M1U256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1u256-single-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12163_29476931c4.jpg) M2U256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u256-dual-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | | Motor channels: | 1 (single) | 2 (dual) | 1 (single) | 2 (dual) | | Minimum input voltage: | 1.8 V | 4.5 V | | Absolute max input voltage: | 22 V | 48 V | | Recommended max nominal battery voltage: | 16 V | 36 V | | Max continuous current per channel: | 1.8 A | 1.6 A | 2.2 A | 1.8 A | | Available versions with I²C: | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1t550-single-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1t550-single-ic-motor-controller.html) | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t550-dual-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t550-dual-ic-motor-controller.html) | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1t256-single-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1t256-single-ic-motor-controller.html) | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller.html) | | Available verions with UART serial: | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1u550-single-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1u550-single-serial-motor-controller.html) | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u550-dual-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u550-dual-serial-motor-controller.html) | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1u256-single-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m1u256-single-serial-motor-controller.html) | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u256-dual-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u256-dual-serial-motor-controller.html) | | **Motoron motor controllers** Arduino and Raspberry Pi form factor versions | |---| | | | | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12109_3146d26516.jpg) M3S550](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J12117_3191b6a41d.jpg) M3H550](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h550-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11626_2962be2656.jpg) M3S256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11674_3209e6efee.jpg) M3H256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11709_53087bff09.jpg) M2S24v14](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11749_5640c9f7f0.jpg) M2H24v14](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11724_5067aba0d8.jpg) M2S24v16](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11751_5485f2f3d2.jpg) M2H24v16](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11708_5157f41dc0.jpg) M2S18v18](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11748_5610a25f07.jpg) M2H18v18](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11723_513556771e.jpg) M2S18v20](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11750_53354ff59d.jpg) M2H18v20](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | | Control interface: | I²C | | Motor channels: | 3 (triple) | 2 (dual) | | Minimum input voltage: | 1.8 V | 4.5 V | 6.5 V | | Absolute max input voltage: | 22 V | 48 V | 40 V | 30 V | | Recommended max nominal battery voltage: | 16 V | 36 V | 28 V | 18 V | | Max continuous current per channel: | 1.7 A | 2 A | 14 A | 16 A | 18 A | 20 A | | Available versions for Arduino: | **M3S550**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | **M3S256**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/catalog/product/view/sku/POLOLU-5032) | **M2S24v14**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | **M2S24v16**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | **M2S18v18**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | **M2S18v20**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | | Available versions for Raspberry Pi: | **M3H550**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h550-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h550-triple-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h550-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M3H256**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M2H24v14**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M2H24v16**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M2H18v18**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M2H18v20**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **Dimensions** | Size: | 1.3" × 2.02" | |---|---| | Weight: | 7 g[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) | **General specifications** | Channels: | 3 | |---|---| | Model: | Motoron M3S550 | | Control interface: | I²C | | Minimum operating voltage: | 1.8 V | | Maximum operating voltage: | 22 V | | Continuous output current per channel: | 1.7 A | | Peak output current per channel: | 5 A | | Reverse voltage protection?: | Y[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) | | Connectors soldered?: | N | **Identifying markings** | PCB dev codes: | mc3s44a | |---|---| | Other PCB markings: | 0J13968 | **Notes:** 1 PCB assembly only, without optional included headers and terminal blocks. 2 Reverse voltage protection only works up to 20 V. **Documentation and other information** - ![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11628_582262abc3.jpg)**Pololu Motoron Motor Controller User’s Guide** User’s manual for the Pololu Motoron Motor Controllers. **File downloads** - **[Dimension diagram of the Motoron M3S550 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/motoron-m3s550-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-dimensions_77348655cc4.pdf) (1MB pdf)** - **3D model of the Motoron M3S550 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino (11MB step)** - **Drill guide for the Motoron M3S550 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino (43k dxf)** This DXF drawing shows the locations of all of the board’s holes. **Recommended links** - **[Motoron Motor Controller library for Arduino](https://github.com/pololu/motoron-arduino)** ## Images - [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/P/O/POLOLU-5069-1.jpg)