Beginners: please read this post and this post before posting to the forum.
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
so, my robot currently works well, codes fine and stuff... but the only major problem I have is power limitations. currently an ardurino uno is being powered by a 9V battery, and the 3 servos by 4X AA beteries, and the they both run out in 5 minutes.
Hi,Please use "Modify" to keep to a single post, that makes it more likely to get everything answered.Quote from: 123laurens on August 30, 2011, 12:19:09 AMso, my robot currently works well, codes fine and stuff... but the only major problem I have is power limitations. currently an ardurino uno is being powered by a 9V battery, and the 3 servos by 4X AA beteries, and the they both run out in 5 minutes.What kind of AA's, Primary cells, NiMH, NiCd or what?A fresh set of 4 AA's should be able to run two servos for at least 45..60 minutes.Did you use buffer capacitors on the motor leads?
AA type... I'l see that... they are very cheap though. I honestly don't know much about batteries.
no, I did not use capacitors. do you just attach a large one on the + line or a ceramic between the + and -? I do still have a large capacitor lying around...
mmm...what about 2 of those batteries linked in series, make enough power to make both work?
when the 9V runs out, the chip seems to keep resetting... is that what is meant to happen?
Hi,Quote from: 123laurens on August 31, 2011, 02:02:15 AMAA type... I'l see that... they are very cheap though. I honestly don't know much about batteries.Might be carbon/zinc then and if, they're no good.Quote from: 123laurens on August 31, 2011, 02:02:15 AMno, I did not use capacitors. do you just attach a large one on the + line or a ceramic between the + and -? I do still have a large capacitor lying around...A large cap from positive to negative on the motor supply.Quote from: 123laurens on August 31, 2011, 02:02:15 AMmmm...what about 2 of those batteries linked in series, make enough power to make both work?If anything, you should connect them in parallel for a higher current, but you'd be better off with some NiMH cells and they're much cheaper in the long run.Quote from: 123laurens on August 31, 2011, 02:02:15 AMwhen the 9V runs out, the chip seems to keep resetting... is that what is meant to happen?Yes, it's not that different from being choked - except you better hope someone can "reset" you If the 9V battery gets discharged under what's needed for the voltage regulator to keep a stable voltage, the controller may go into reset and as soon as the load on the battery lightens, the apparent voltage will rise, the load is reapplied and soon you see this repeating.The worst kind of cells are the carbon/zinc type, as they have the highest internal resistance.Somewhat better is Alkaline batteries and if you have too much money, you can get really tough lithium primary cells (I use them as backup for my DSLR).Rechargeable cells i a must when you want to run motors regularly and NiMH is the best choice all round, if you don't wanna spend the extra on Lithiums. NiCd has got a much lower internal resistance, but unfortunately, they only come in capacities around 1/3 of NiMH.
well, I don't think they sell NiMH batteries...
so... you suggest I buy rechargeable AA batteries and 9V (dont remember the letter, D?) batteries of some strange type, or do you suggest I buy cells from netram...
Bios Online ships anywhere in South Africa for a nominal fee. # We offer FREE DOA (Dead on Arrival) Insurance. This means that if your product has a manufacturer fault when it arrives, we will replace it at no cost to you!# Orders ship to major centers within 1 working day, while outlying areas can sometimes take 2-3 working days. Our deliveries are only made during normal working hours.
and hook up a large capacitor between positive or negative(those small yellow-greish ones or the large plack or blueish ones? sorry for my electronic noob-nes) from my knowledge I think it is a yellow-ish one, evens out the power,right?
darn electronic kits don't teach me those names...
I guess buying good-quality rechargable AAs is simpler and less expensive than those cell thingys with their fancy plugs and oddly working chargers.
[...] i did not read that capacitor tutorial, way too long and boring looking, and a bit crazy.
Quote from: 123laurens on September 01, 2011, 10:25:43 AM[...] i did not read that capacitor tutorial, way too long and boring looking, and a bit crazy.Well, if you find reading and learning too boring, then you won't get very far in robotics.I find people not wanting to do what it takes for their own learning experience much too boring to bother with.
but I already know how capacitors are used!
just not all 100 types. only the ceramic and electryic (see? I did read some of it) (I did spell it right, right?) ceramic are non-polatary,
so they can be charged in any way, but don't just let power trough.
then the electryic things have a much larger capacity, but must be powered the right way(or it will explode, apparently,seas the crazy tutorial)
and are used in timed things to a camera flash.
anyhow, currently my problem is not capacitors(although I still don't know how I am meant to remove noise...not important)
but it is batteries. I will try to find the NiMH batteries tommorow, or the day after. I found this store that sells everything battery related. solar panels, car batteries, chargers, something between a car battery and a 9V (a mini car battery with a 9V plug on the top,how odd) so I might find it in there. thanks for all the help so far!
well, since i don't know enything about capacitors, can you please tell me how to wire the noise reduction on both power supplies?
at least i have already made a robot, and not still posting "will this work?" sorry noobs out there,i will admit i was one one of them. but i didn't say "my idea doesn't work, i quit".
still dont see how that helps me.
and it DID say electryic capasiors were ued in timing circuts. HA!
i even half remembered how they work, those circuts. the time it takes to discharge, i believe.
and i need to put a coil around the servo???hu?