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Flippy the Dancing Robot
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2014 3:38 pm
by diyas
I am working with 4th Grader daughter on Flippy the Dancing Robot project and we are currently facing a problem.
I have two 3V DC motors connected in parallel to 4.5V (3) AA batteries. The Motors work..but when its put on the floor , its unable to lift the weight. Can you please help,
On sparkfun :
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12866
This link brings up a chassis ..which I am not interested in.
Amazon has:
http://www.amazon.com/130-16140-12500RP ... AZDOWP300U
Would this work with 4 AA Batteries?
Thanks,
Re: Flippy the Dancing Robot
Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 7:05 am
by bfinio
Hi diyas,
We recommend purchasing the chassis for that project because it comes with
geared motors. The motors are geared so they spin more slowly but are much stronger (they have a higher torque), so they are capable of pushing the robot around. The type of motor you linked on Amazon is not geared - so it will spin very very fast, but will not be strong enough to lift the robot's weight.
You can buy those exact geared motors directly from the manufacturer of the chassis (Dagu), but for whatever reason a single pair of motors is almost as expensive as buying the whole chassis from SparkFun (and I think you also have to wait for shipping from China):
http://www.dagurobot.com/category.php?id=108
It looks like the same motors are also available on Amazon, but again at $7.63 each, it's cheaper to just buy the chassis from SparkFun:
http://www.amazon.com/Robot-Smart-15RPM ... B00BG9K8UG
The other advantage of the chassis is that it can be used for four of our other projects, if your daughter is ever interested in more robotics projects in the future. The chassis does not come assembled, so you can still just use the motors to start with:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p022.shtml
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p023.shtml
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p024.shtml
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p028.shtml
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have other questions.
-Ben
Re: Flippy the Dancing Robot
Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 10:02 am
by diyas
Thanks a lot Ben..
Didnt think the motors being geared... I went ahead and ordered
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12866
I will close the loop with you when we get it working.
thanks again,
Re: Flippy the Dancing Robot
Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 10:12 am
by bfinio
Thanks - I will update the materials list of the project to emphasize that it requires
geared motors.
Since you already have the regular 3V DC motors laying around, there are a couple other projects you can do with those (you will only want a 2xAA battery pack though):
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/hands-on ... s/brushbot
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p014.shtml
Let me know how it goes, we always appreciate feedback on our projects. Happy New Year!
-Ben
Re: Flippy the Dancing Robot
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 5:27 pm
by diyas
Hi Ben,
Using the geared motors worked like a charm!.. The other projects you recommended with this kit are very interesting as well.
I will surely encourage my daughter to try them.
thanks a lot for all your help. Much appreciated!!
Re: Flippy the Dancing Robot
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 6:11 am
by bfinio
No problem, please let us know if you have any other questions or feedback. Glad it worked out!