Hi,
when plugged in the L293D motor drive shield, possibly to use pin2 - pin 13 for other purpose?
Thanks
Adam

 

If a shield is plugged into a port, then the port is in use and cannot be used otherwise. Unless it is simply an extender shield which is not the case here.

 

Some of the pins can be used. Some cannot. Checking the Arduino tutorial for this shield, we find:

“While using this shield 6 analog Pins (which can be used as digital pins too), pin 2 and pin 13 of arduino are free.​

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In the case of using Servo motor, pins 9, 10, 2 are in use.​

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In the case of using DC motor, pin11 for #1, pin3 for #2, pin5 for #3, pin6 for #4 and pins 4, 7, 8 and 12 for all of them are in use.​

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In the case of using Stepper motor, pins 11 and 3 for #1, pins 5 and 6 for #2 and pins 4, 7, 8 and 12 for all of them are in use”​

This information can be found on this page.

If your Arduino has extra pin holes, you can hardwire other pins for your application. I often buy stackable headers along with a shield, so I can stack or wire to unused pins.