SPEED CONTROL OF DC MOTORS
Basically, there are three ways to vary the speed of DC motors :
1. With the use of mechanical gears to achieve the desired speed. This method is generally beyond the capability of most hobbyist home workshops.
2. Reducing the motor voltage with a series resistor. However this is inefficient (energy wasted in resistor) and reduces torque. The current drawn by the motor increases as the load on the motor increases. More current means a larger voltage drop across the series resistor and therefore less voltage to the motor. The motor now tries to draw even more current, resulting in the motor "stalling".
3. By applying the full supply voltage to the motor in bursts or pulses, eliminating the series dropping effect. This is called pulse width modulation (PWM) and is the method used in this kit. Short pulses means the motor runs slowly; longer pulses make the motor run faster.