ActivityBot only runs programs when plugged in a laptop/computer via USB

jeremycp

I'm a student who is new to robotics (my school just started this course) and my group is the "ActivityBot Group". Although we have been working on the bot for 11 weeks now, we have had tiny steps towards completion followed by large set backs. After reassembling the bot multiple times, we are finally back on track--but with one problem--the bot only runs programs when it's plugged into a laptop/computer. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Bad batteries, bad connection, what?

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)

The first thing to do is to install fresh batteries. That should solve the problem.

And welcome to the forum! We're always here to help.

-Phil

twm47099

I'm sorry if this seems obvious, but if you are going to run a program without the activitybot connected to a laptop/computer you have to load the program into the EEPROM with the activitybot connected to the computer usb port. You do this by clicking on the green button with the down arrow (Load EEPROM and Run) or press F11. Once the program is loaded and starts running, you can turn off the activitybot and disconnect the usb cable. Then when you turn on the Activitybot or press reset, the stored program will run. If the bot is using servos plugged into the servo ports on the side of the board, be sure that the on/off switch is in position 2.

As mentioned above be sure that the batteries are good and installed properly and that the battery box is plugged in (a mistake I make a lot).

Hope this helps. And please let us know if it works and what you did.
Tom