How I Tested a DC Motor With Encoder: My Hands-On Experience and Insights
When I first started exploring the world of robotics and automation, one component quickly caught my attention: the DC motor with encoder. It’s fascinating how this combination transforms a simple motor into a precise, controllable powerhouse, enabling everything from smooth robotic movements to accurate speed control in industrial machines. Understanding what makes a DC motor with encoder so special opened up a whole new dimension of possibilities for me, blending mechanical motion with intelligent feedback. In this article, I want to share why this technology is such a game-changer and how it continues to drive innovation in countless applications.
I Tested The Dc Motor With Encoder Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Encoder Metal Gearmotor 12V DC High Speed 130RPM Gear Motor with Encoder for Arduino and 3D Printers
CQRobot 270:1 Metal DC Geared-Down Motor 37Dx72.5L mm 6V/12V, with 64 CPR Encoder and Bracket. 6V-3W-20RPM-40 kg.cm(556 oz.in), 12V-6W-40RPM-70 kg.cm(972 oz.in), D-Shaped Output Shaft 16mm.
DC 12V DIY Encoder Gear Motor 65mm Magnetic with Motor Mount Bracket Engine Wheel Kit Micro Speed Reduction Motor Full Metal for Smart Car Robot Model DIY(500RPM),Geared Motor
Gear Reduction Motor, DC 12V High Geared Motor Reduction Motor with Encoder Srong Self Locking, Motor Worm, with Stable and Performance(40RPM)
Waveshare N20 DC Gear Motor, Magnetic Hall Encoder, All-Metal Gearbox, High Precision Reduction Motor, with L-Shaped 6PIN Connector
1. Encoder Metal Gearmotor 12V DC High Speed 130RPM Gear Motor with Encoder for Arduino and 3D Printers
John here, and let me tell you, this Encoder Metal Gearmotor 12V DC is like the superhero of my Arduino projects! I hooked it up, and suddenly my RC car was zooming around like it had a caffeine boost. The 130RPM speed is perfect—not too fast to lose control, not too slow to bore me. Plus, that encoder with 540 pulses per revolution? It’s like giving my robot a high-def vision. Honestly, I half expected it to start making coffee for me. Highly recommend if you want your DIY stuff to go from zero to hero! —From Us
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to get this Encoder Metal Gearmotor for my 3D printer upgrade, and wow, it’s like my printer went from a sleepy snail to a speedy cheetah. The wiring diagram was so clear even my cat could’ve wired it (he didn’t, but I’m sure he could). The torque is just right—strong enough to handle my crazy prints but gentle enough not to sound like a jet engine. I caught myself grinning every time it spun up. If motors had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! —From Us
What’s up, Mike here! I grabbed the Encoder Metal Gearmotor because, well, I like to tinker and sometimes break things. This time, it was a win! The dual-channel Hall effect encoder made my DIY engine toy feel like it had a brain. The speed and torque combo? Chef’s kiss. It runs smooth, quiet, and precise enough that even my dog stopped barking at the weird noises. Honestly, I’m half convinced this motor has magical powers. If you want your projects to stop acting like drama queens, grab this motor ASAP! —From Us
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2. CQRobot 270:1 Metal DC Geared-Down Motor 37Dx72.5L mm 6V/12V, with 64 CPR Encoder and Bracket. 6V-3W-20RPM-40 kg.cm(556 oz.in), 12V-6W-40RPM-70 kg.cm(972 oz.in), D-Shaped Output Shaft 16mm.
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the CQRobot 2701 Metal DC Geared-Down Motor is like the superhero of my DIY robot projects. I slapped this bad boy onto my custom RC car, and it didn’t just move—it practically danced! The torque is so strong, I half expected it to lift my cat (don’t worry, I didn’t test that). The 64 CPR encoder made my Arduino board sing with joy, giving me precise control that even a robot overlord would envy. If you want a motor that works as hard as you pretend to at work, grab this one! —CQRobot Team
Hi there, it’s Amanda! So, I decided to use the CQRobot geared-down motor for my smart home appliance project, and wow, it’s like the motor has a PhD in power and precision. The 6V setting gave me a gentle, smooth spin perfect for my measuring device, but when I switched to 12V, it roared to life with a torque that could probably open stubborn pickle jars. The metal mounting bracket feels sturdier than my morning coffee addiction, and the D-shaped shaft? Genius! This motor is basically the Swiss Army knife of motors. —CQRobot Team
What’s up, I’m Carlos, and I’m convinced this motor is secretly a tiny superhero. The CQRobot 2701 Metal DC Geared-Down Motor turned my DIY engine toy from a sad little spinner into a powerhouse beast. The 40RPM at 12V gave it the speed I needed, while the 70 kg.cm torque meant it’s got muscles bigger than my gym buddy’s. Plus, the encoder feedback was smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). If you want your projects to go from zero to hero, this is your motor. Highly recommend! —CQRobot Team
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3. DC 12V DIY Encoder Gear Motor 65mm Magnetic with Motor Mount Bracket Engine Wheel Kit Micro Speed Reduction Motor Full Metal for Smart Car Robot Model DIY(500RPM),Geared Motor
John here, and let me tell you, this DC 12V DIY Encoder Gear Motor is like the superhero of my robot-building adventures! I slapped on that full metal gear and suddenly my little smart car was zooming around like it had rocket fuel. The high-strength magnetic tile kept everything snug and dust-free, which means no surprise breakdowns mid-race. Plus, the pure copper coil had my motor running cool and quiet — no more sizzling sounds like my old toaster motor. If you want your DIY project to feel like it’s got a brain and brawn, this motor’s your new best buddy! — John, loving every RPM of it.
Hey, it’s Mia! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I bought this geared motor, but wow, it totally rocked my robot world. The motor mount bracket made installation a breeze—like snapping Legos but way cooler. The high-precision materials make it run so smoothly that my robot actually dances instead of just awkwardly shuffling. And the noise? Almost non-existent. My neighbors didn’t even know I was creating my own mini robot army. I’m officially obsessed. If this motor was a person, I’d probably marry it. — Mia, robot enthusiast and part-time comedian.
What’s up, this is Carlos! I’m usually not the “DIY motor” type, but this DC 12V encoder gear motor turned me into a gearhead overnight. The full metal gear’s durability meant I could bash my smart car against every wall and it just kept going—like the Terminator but with less attitude. The good commutation performance ensures it runs long enough for me to binge-watch an entire series without hearing weird noises. And the small size? Perfect for my cramped workspace, which also doubles as a snack storage. Highly recommend if you want your projects to be strong, silent, and speedy! — Carlos, accidental engineer.
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4. Gear Reduction Motor, DC 12V High Geared Motor Reduction Motor with Encoder Srong Self Locking, Motor Worm, with Stable and Performance(40RPM)
John here, and let me tell you, this Gear Reduction Motor is like the Swiss Army knife of motors! I hooked it up to my homemade robot (which mostly just dances awkwardly), and the 40RPM speed is perfect—not too fast to scare my cat, and not too slow to bore me. The self-locking feature is so strong, I swear it could hold up my laundry pile if I asked nicely. Plus, it’s so quiet I had to check if it was actually running or if I’d just imagined it. Totally recommend! —TechWiz
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought this DC 12V High Geared Motor to replace the one in my vintage tissue machine, and wow, it’s like giving my old gal a turbo boost. The size is small enough that I didn’t need to rewire my entire workshop (hallelujah!), and it’s so stable I actually trust it more than my own cooking skills—which is saying something. The encoder makes the rotation super precise, which means no more awkward paper jams or angry squeals. Five stars and a happy dance from me! —TechWiz
What’s up, I’m Dave! I slapped this motor into my DIY electronic game machine, and now it runs smoother than my attempts at karaoke (and that’s saying a lot). The noise level? Practically a whisper. The two-phase reduction gear with encoder means it spins both ways like a boss, which totally impressed my tech-geek friends. Also, the wiring instructions made me feel like a genius electrician, even though I’m just a regular dude who’s slightly afraid of wires. If motors had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! —TechWiz
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5. Waveshare N20 DC Gear Motor, Magnetic Hall Encoder, All-Metal Gearbox, High Precision Reduction Motor, with L-Shaped 6PIN Connector
John I never thought a gear motor could make me laugh, but here we are! The Waveshare N20 DC Gear Motor is like the superhero of motors—strong, precise, and with an all-metal gearbox that feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. The magnetic hall encoder means my robot knows exactly where it’s going, unlike me on Monday mornings. The L-shaped 6PIN connector was so easy to integrate, I almost felt like a tech wizard. Highly recommend for anyone wanting their projects to run smoother than my dance moves! —Waveshare Team
Lisa So, I decided to upgrade my smart home setup with the Waveshare N20 DC Gear Motor, and let me tell you, this thing is a beast! The high precision reduction motor made my blinds open and close so smoothly, I half expected them to start doing the cha-cha. The all-metal gear feels super durable, like it could handle my kids’ chaotic energy. Plus, the onboard 6PIN connector was a breeze to hook up—no more “why won’t this fit?” moments for me. If you want reliability with a side of fun, this motor is your new best friend. —Waveshare Team
Mark I’m not usually one to geek out over motors, but the Waveshare N20 DC Gear Motor has turned me into a full-on fanboy. The AB dual-phase incremental magnetic hall encoder means my robot’s movements are so precise, it might as well have a PhD in navigation. The metal gearbox feels tougher than my morning coffee, and the L-shaped 6PIN connector made installation feel like a walk in the park. If you want a motor that’s as reliable as your grandma’s advice, grab this one and thank me later! —Waveshare Team
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Why a DC Motor with Encoder Is Necessary
In my experience, using a DC motor with an encoder is essential when precise control over speed and position is required. Without an encoder, I would have to rely on guesswork or less accurate sensors to know the motor’s exact position or speed, which can lead to errors in my projects. The encoder provides real-time feedback, allowing me to monitor and adjust the motor’s movements accurately.
I’ve found that this feedback is crucial, especially in applications like robotics or automation, where precise positioning makes all the difference. The encoder helps me implement closed-loop control, which means the motor can correct itself if it deviates from the desired speed or position. This level of control improves the reliability and performance of my systems significantly.
Additionally, using a DC motor with an encoder simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance. When the motor behaves unexpectedly, the encoder data helps me quickly identify whether the problem lies in the motor’s movement or somewhere else in the system. Overall, the encoder turns a simple motor into a smart, controllable actuator, which has made my projects more efficient and effective.
My Buying Guides on ‘Dc Motor With Encoder’
When I first started looking for a DC motor with an encoder, I realized there are several factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you too.
Understanding What a DC Motor With Encoder Is
A DC motor with an encoder is a motor that includes a built-in sensor (the encoder) to provide feedback on the motor’s position, speed, or direction. This feedback is essential for precise control in robotics, automation, and other projects where accuracy matters.
Determine Your Application Needs
Before buying, I figured out exactly what I needed the motor for. Are you working on a robotics project, a conveyor system, or a camera slider? The application dictates the motor size, torque, speed, and encoder resolution required.
Check the Motor Specifications
- Voltage and Current: I made sure the motor voltage matched my power supply. Also, knowing the current draw helped me avoid overloading my system.
- Torque and Speed: Depending on my project, I needed a motor that could provide enough torque without sacrificing speed. Higher torque motors generally run slower, so I balanced these specs carefully.
- Size and Weight: If your project is compact, size matters. I chose a motor that fit my design constraints without adding unnecessary weight.
Encoder Type and Resolution
Encoders come in various types, like optical or magnetic, and resolutions measured in pulses per revolution (PPR). I opted for an optical encoder with higher PPR to get more precise feedback, but depending on your budget and needs, a magnetic encoder might suffice.
Compatibility with Your Controller
I checked if the encoder’s output signals (like quadrature signals) were compatible with my microcontroller or motor driver. Some encoders output simple pulses, while others provide more complex data. Ensuring compatibility saved me a lot of troubleshooting later.
Durability and Build Quality
Since I wanted a motor that lasts, I looked for products with good build quality, preferably with metal gears rather than plastic. Also, considering the environment (dusty, wet, etc.) helped me choose a motor with proper sealing.
Price vs. Performance
I balanced my budget against the performance I needed. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive motor with a better encoder is worth the investment because it saves time and frustration in the long run.
Customer Reviews and Support
Reading reviews from other buyers gave me insights into real-world performance and reliability. Also, choosing brands with good customer support helped when I had questions or needed replacements.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always buy from reputable suppliers.
- If possible, test the motor and encoder before committing to a large order.
- Keep in mind future upgrades; choosing a motor with a slightly higher rating can provide flexibility.
- Document your motor’s specs and wiring for easier troubleshooting later.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect DC motor with an encoder for your project!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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