gShield v5 Notes
There are almost no differences between the v4 and v5 gShield. The v5 provides some additional options for selecting logic power for compatibility with a large array of Arduinos and Arduino clones. This does not affect the motor power, which is the same on all gShield versions (v1 - v5).
The v5 is compatible with R3 Unos and other R3 Arduinos, including the Arduino Due. Most Arduinos shipped in the last year or so are R3s, and look something like this:
You can tell if your Arduino has an R3 pinout if the power connector (bottom left) has 8 pins. If this is true you don't need to change anything. (Please note, some clones - such as the Seeeduino 2.x - also have 8 position connectors but are not R3 pinout and do not provide the IOREF signal on the additional pins. The Seeeduino 3x's are R3 pinout. Please see the 5v power section, below.)
Earlier revisions (R2) have 6 pin power connectors. In this case when you plug on the gShield there are 2 pins hanging in mid-air. This is OK, but you need to reconnect the power. See "5v Power", below.
- Left Position (Factory jumper position) - connects to IOREF
- Middle Position - connects to 3.3 volts
- Right Position - connects to 5 volts
On the v5b revision boards the Left Position power jumper is actually a trace on the board as in the picture below. If you need to remove it cut the trace with a sharp knife.
Boards are shipped with a jumper soldered in the IOREF position. In this position logic power is provided from the IOREF pin of the Arduino. This is what you want if the Arduino has an R3 pinout. IOREF will provide 5 volts to the gShield if you plug it onto an Uno, and 3.3v if you plug it onto a Due.
Most applications will not use this position. But it's available because it is an option.
If you have an R2 Arduino such as a Duemilanove or a clone that does not provide IOREF (such as an older, version 2 SeeedStudio Seeeduino) you will need to move the jumper from the left position (IOREF) to the right-most position (5volts) - i.e. the position right next to the J5 / J6 markings. You will need to un-solder or cut the factory jumper and install a new jumper into the right hand position.
If your Arduino looks like this, then you want to move the jumper to the 5v position. It's perfectly fine for the extra 2 pins to be outside the Arduino connector as they are not used if you are running the 5v jumper position.
