Controlling a DC motor with a MOSFET

[DanPBP]

Hello Guys,

I know this may sound easy and silly, but I'm a software guy. :) I'm having some problems trying to control (on/off) a DC motor (7.2 volts @ 10A continuos) with a PIC.

MOSFETs don't work with 5 volts on the Gate, right? I think that's my problem. I found this schematic on the Internet, will this work?

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1531/mosfetmotordriverjg9.png

Is it possible to control the MOSFET directly from the PIC?

Thanks!

Daniel.

[mackrackit]

If the gate saturation voltage is 5 volt or less then you can use the output from a PIC to "trigger" a MOSFET.

Get rid of R2 and Q2. R1 should go to GND. A high from the PIC turns ON and when the PIC is not high, R1 turns the MOSFET off.

Check the 510 data sheet. 10 amps might be pushing it.