After characterizing a few brushed DC motors from the workshop inventory, the results concluded that a low PWM frequency will improve a motors' low-speed performance and overall speed range. All motors saw a significant reduction of spin threshold voltage when changing the PWM frequency from the MotorKit library's default of 1600Hz to a more compatible 25Hz.
The following charts show each motor's speed, power, and current characteristics as the motor tester swept through PWM Equivalent Voltage values and PWM frequencies. Let's walk through the first, the 1:20 Gearmotor with Encoder, to learn how to read each motor's chart collection. Click on the chart image for an enlarged view.
The 1:20 gearmotor combines a high quality motor and gearbox with a quadrature magnetic encoder to measure motor shaft RPM and direction. It's quiet and smooth.
The two charts on the left show the results of sweeping the PWM equivalent voltage from 0 to 5 volts using a PWM frequency of 25Hz and 1600Hz. At the lower PWM frequency, the motor started spinning very slowly at 0.1 volts compared to 1.4 volts at the higher frequency.
The right-hand charts show the motor's response to changing the PWM frequency when the throttle was held at 0.150 (0.75 volts). The first of the two frequency response charts is a closeup of the PWM frequency spectrum from 20Hz to 600Hz; it's a detailed view of the frequency response chart just below it. The motor spins the fastest when the PWM frequency is 20Hz. It drops to 50% of that speed at 142Hz and completely stops spinning when the frequency reaches 508Hz. Note that the motor continues to draw current at frequencies above 508Hz even when not spinning.
This is a repurposed motor, typical of the smaller round, short-length motors used to spin CD/DVD spindles. The motor's operating range is 2.8 volts to 7.0 volts. The rated voltage of 3.9 volts produces a speed of 4400 RPM.
This is a round short-length motor typically used for small fans and CD/DVD drives. The motor's operating range is 6.0 volts to 12.0 volts. The rated voltage of 6.0 volts produces a speed of 2700 RPM.
This is the motor used for the 9-volt series of StringCar racers, including the classic BoomerPong.
Source: Jameco
This is a round short-length motor typically used for small fans and CD/DVD drives. The motor's specified operating range is 3.0 volts to 6.0 volts. The rated voltage of 6.0 volts produces a speed of 5600 RPM.
The motor will operate reliably with voltages as low as 1.0 volts and is highly efficient at 3.0 volts.
This is the motor used for the LiPo battery powered series of racers, the modern StringCar M0 Express.
This is a round long-length motor typically used for RC vehicles. The motor's operating range is 3.0 volts to 9.0 volts. The rated voltage of 6.0 volts produces a speed of 6300 RPM.
This is the noisiest and most unpredictable motor in the workshop's collection. It found a home in an audio-powered laser galvanometer project. Besides chattering bearings, the motor's internal windings vibrated as loudly as a small loudspeaker.