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ActivityBot 1.2v rechargeable batteries — Parallax Forums

ActivityBot 1.2v rechargeable batteries

djgsi974djgsi974 Posts: 16
edited 2014-01-30 08:55 in Robotics
Hello everybody.

I've just received my ActivityBot two days ago, and i'm very exiting using it.
I'm new in robotic and electronic world.
I'm from R

Comments

  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-01-27 07:05
    Welcome to the forums!

    The best way to insure longer running times would to add another cell with the Boe-Boost Module

    o    r replace the original battery holder with a 5-Cell Module

    I     use 4-AA Rechargeables, but they do not give a long running time because of the reduced voltage.

    EDIT:

    I did not know the Activity Bot already includes a 5-Cell holder, so you should be good with the rechargeable.
  • djgsi974djgsi974 Posts: 16
    edited 2014-01-27 07:18
    Effectively, The ActivityBot already includes a 5-Cell holder.
    Thanks for you answer.
    How can i change my post status to solved ?
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-01-27 07:23
    djgsi974 wrote: »
    Effectively, The ActivityBot already includes a 5-Cell holder.
    Thanks for you answer.
    How can i change my post status to solved ?

    Edit your first post, and use the "GO Advanced" button, and go to the dropdown and select "Solved"
  • Steph LindsaySteph Lindsay Posts: 767
    edited 2014-01-28 11:24
    Hello djgsi974, and welcome to the forums!

    The Activity Board does accept 6-9 VDC.

    However, on the ActivityBot, we say to use1.5 V AA batteries.

    This is because the High Speed Continuous Rotation servos work best at about 7.5 V. They accept 6-8 VDC. However, if you start with just 6 VDC when your batteries are fresh, you will run into all kinds of problems as they lose power and drop below 6 V total. It will make your ActivityBot drive strangely as the encoders see the motors slowing down too much.

    To fix this, you can add an inexpensive Boe-Boost module. This lets you use an extra 1.2 V AA battery with a 4-cell or 5-cell AA battery pack.

    http://www.parallax.com/product/30078

    I hope this helps, and that you have fun with your ActivityBot!
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-01-28 12:10
    I stand corrected. Thanks Steph. I knew it would be close.

    Jim
  • djgsi974djgsi974 Posts: 16
    edited 2014-01-30 00:46
    Thanks for your answer Steph.
    I've already seen the boe-boost module on the parallax's site, but i thinked that was just for the boebot robot (due to the place used by the power pack on the activitybot).
    I've just download the documentation, and i saw how to install it, and it will be ok for me.

    Thanks a lot.
  • Steph LindsaySteph Lindsay Posts: 767
    edited 2014-01-30 08:55
    You are very welcome, djgsi974. It is on my long to-do list to update the web description and documentation for the Boe-Boost :).
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