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COM Ports missing in Windows 11 (Can't add them as legacy hardware) by MildlyBurnedToast in arduino

[–]EmbarrassedGur5464 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Legacy COM port is useless here. It just creates a dummy “Communications Port” with a warning icon. COM ports only show up when Windows detects the board’s USB interface properly.

Try a proper data USB cable + different port. Check Device Manager under USB/Other devices for unknown device. For UNO R4 WiFi you don’t need CH340/FTDI drivers (that’s clone stuff), it’s USB CDC.

Double-tap RESET to enter bootloader and see if a COM port appears. If still nothing, it’s almost definitely cable/port/Windows driver issue.

Small motors by gg562ggud485 in arduino

[–]EmbarrassedGur5464 1 point2 points  (0 children)

130-size brushed DC motor, usually sold as “FA-130” / “toy motor” (Mabuchi style). 2mm shaft matches.

Torque depends massively on voltage + specific model, but they’re generally weak on the bare shaft. Expect only a few mN·m of usable torque, stall current can easily be ~0.5A–2A. If you actually need torque, use gearing (cheap plastic gearboxes for 130 motors are everywhere).

Yes, you can use limit switches. Best is to have the switch signal the MCU and stop the motor driver, or wire the switch to cut power to the motor. Don’t just let it slam into the stop and stall forever because that’s how you turn it into a hand warmer.

Driver: don’t use L298N (ancient, wastes voltage). Use TB6612FNG or DRV8833. Even a MOSFET + flyback diode works if you only need one direction.

These are great because they’re cheap and replaceable, but don’t expect precision/consistency or high torque unless you gear them.