Can I run and control two 5V DC fans using the SparkFun Qwiic Motor Driver without providing a an external power (VIN connectors)?
I am planning to connect a 5V 3A to the RedBoard Qwiic barrel jack.
No, you need a connection to VIN for the motors to work, the Qwiic connector only supplies power to the logic on the board, not the motors.
Thanks. So using Ardumoto on top of RedBoard Qwiic should give me access to Qwiic sensors and 5V DC fans without connecting to VIN? am I right? Do you have a better idea?
You could do that, or just connect 2 wires from a 5 volt source and ground and run those over to the Qwiic Motor Driver to supply motor power. If you’re already using a bunch of other Qwiic stuff, it would be easier to skip the Ardumoto and go all Qwiic.
Would it be possible to wire the Qwiic Motor Driver to the 5V and GND of the RedBoard Qwiic Power Pins instead of the power supply?