Beetlesmart
Resolved by Dunning-Kruger!
Hey guys, I've adapted the chassis of an Omnibot 2000 a bit and I need to extend the wires to reach the wheels/motors. I'm going to put in my EZ-B goodies when they arrive but it's back ordered and my sister's class needs a mascot for their new robotics team next week. Any advice?
I started with a glitchy omnibot but after some soldering repairs and a new capacitor the original system worked great, UNTIL I cut the wires to the drive train. I just attached a longer set of wires with a splice but now I've got no response from the wheels. I tried a wire nut and then a shrink tube but no response. I'm no electrical engineer, I learn by burning things up. Can anyone tell me what's wrong or suggest a work-around? I just need a solution that will last for a month until EZ-B arrives. Also, I admit it really bugs me that I can't get it to work myself. Maybe the new length and splice create a power drop? ANY ideas welcome, thanks.
Jenn
can you use this picture.?
I just got home and re-read all of the advice before I get started. Thanks again.
There's no need to mind your Ps and Qs provided everything is legible though.
lets not blow this up,its just a picture.
i agree whit rich.
1. Higher current capacity than a solid core if the same gauge.
2. Less likely to break wire inside because stranded is more flexible.
3. Soldering a good connection is easier because the crevices between the wire strands allow solder to flow through and around them for more surface area connection.
If all you have is solid wire , use it sparingly as it is harder to work with and generally considered a "cheaper" form of wire.
Wirenuts may not be making a good connection. Soldering them and heat shrink over is best. Using crimp quick connects is a descent second option.
you may have just swapped a couple connections on accident and now neither motor turns , thats possible. There are 6 wires for motors coming out. 2 for each motor. The third motor switches gears from high to low.
When soldering wire a 30 watt iron or higher is fastest and 60/40 rosin core solder is the most forgiving for great connections.
@Dave , people usually turn their heads to one side after talking to me a few minutes anyways lol
DJ's picture is sideways!
The wheels are working, it was a wire problem. When I didn't have power on the motor I assumed I had a bad wire or splice in my new wire work. After replacing the extensions three times without success I finally read through your comments again.
I retraced all the wires and checked for breaks (thank you Richard) and finally found a nick on the underside of the original omnibot wire. I must have nicked it while I was messing with it. It was a forehead-slapping moment to be sure, there may have also been quietly mumbled curse words.
Rich: thank you for eliminating my power drop concern
Nomad: thank you for reminding me to check every piece of wire.
Justin: thanks for your orderly well-organized checklist. It could have easily been any of those problems. I'm definitely tucking away that list for future use. PS love the earthquake anchorman pic, lol
Josh: thank you for the inspiration and the wire tips. I did end up replacing all of my solid wire with stranded wire.
Okay, so that build is done until EZ-B gets here. I'm starting my next one (fair warning). So far I've got a roomba, another omnibot, and a Larson scanner. Who knows? You guys are the greatest.
Jenn
I think this thread is over but I couldn't resist saying howdy to a fellow Texan, especially one so close to River's Edge (I think it's called 1011 now) and those yummy burgers. See you on the community boards.
Jenn
What did you use to extend the base?