Parts Not Working

Question

Hello DJ,

I recently bought a EZ-ROBOT Developer Kit and I have sadly had some setbacks. As you may be aware, the Developer kit does not come with a power adaptor to plug into a power socket or a lithium battery. So I went out and purchased some AA NiMH batteries. I then put them in the battery holder as instructed in one of your videos. It did not work. I then tested the battery holder with my multi-meter and found that there was no power coming through either of the cables. I then tested each individual terminal and found there was a faulty one in the series.

I have also sadly had a issue with the ultrasonic sensor. The first time I plugged it in, it worked well, however, on the meter in ARC it said there was an object right in front of it, but there actually wasn't. Then I noticed there was something in the ultrasonic sensor behind the screen. I don't know what it is but I know it does not belong there. I know this as I also use Arduino.

The next day, I wanted to see if it was just a temporary issue, I plugged the ultrasonic in, and then I started to smell plastic burning the safety circuit connected to the power cables had got really hot! - I immediately removed the power. I am a bit disappointed to have these issues as your robots are awesome!

Images of the Ultrasonic sensor and safety circuit below

Any help is appreciated (so I can continue building my robot)

Joshua

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

Hi Joshua, why don't you rig up a simple battery cable with an XT-60 connector, Deans Plug, etc and just power it with a 7.4v lipo? https://www.ez-robot.com/Shop/AccessoriesDetails.aspx?prevProductId=2&productNumber=103 https://www.ez-robot.com/Shop/AccessoriesDetails.aspx?prevProductId=2&productNumber=41

ohdj4 · Answer

Hello NEWAGETOMY, Thanks for your reply. That is a good idea, though I was hoping it would work without me having to buy more equipment. It should have worked. Is there any other alternative that you would know of by any chance. Perhaps could I get it replaced? Thanks, Joshua

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

No worries. Were the cables damaged at all, or was anything covering the terminals inside for shipping? Do you have a 7.4v lipo laying around by any chance?

ohdj4 · Answer

Sadly I don't have a LiPo battery. The cables weren't damaged though one of the terminals were damaged according to my multi-meter. So I hope EZ-ROBOT will replace it.

ohdj4 · Answer

Hi NEWAGETOMY, Do you have any ideas on how to fix the ultrasonic sensor? Joshua

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

Sadly i don't sorry.

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

Are you close to a Jaycar? They have the sensors you need. : ) I never knew they had them until just now.

ohdj4 · Answer

I am close to Jaycar, though if you are talking about an ultrasonic sensor I have one. As I stated earlier I also use Arduino and many other platforms.

ohdj4 · Answer

Thanks for the idea. Though it looks like I am going to have to buy some sort of battery from EZ-ROBOT. Unless something else pops up.

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

Yep the ones from Jaycar are Arduino sensors.

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

Personally i would get a jack with a plug so you can at least dis-connect one lipo, charge it and throw another one on.

ohdj4 · Answer

Actually, that might work for power, however do you know of any way I can ask EZ-Robot about getting the broken parts replaced? Joshua

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

Yeah of course, i would email them, trust me they will help you straight away.

ohdj4 · Answer

Do you know hat their email is?

ohdj4 · Answer

Oh also, is there any battery besides the EZ-robot battery that will fit in their robot bodies?

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

support@ezrobot.zendesk.com You simply get a lipo with the exact same dimensions.

ohdj4 · Answer

Thanks.

Toyhackrobotics · Answer

Your welcome, hope you get it up and running soon.

ohdj4

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