DFRobotShop Rover and LiPo battery

Lynxmotion Rovers, Sumo, and Tracked
1

I just assembled my DFRobotShop Rover. One of the leds is out, i’ve already read the troubleshooting guide and submitted a help ticket for it, just mentioning it in case its related to my issue.

I upload the code that makes the motors run at full speed and it works while connected to USB. I then unplug usb and connect the lipo 3.7v 1000mah battery. The leds come on, but dimmer, and the motors do not spin. Also the pin 13 led blinks, like the controller is powering off and on. Does this mean that the battery needs to be charged more? Is there anyway to tell how charged it is?

2

Also, if I put a sketch on it to just turn pin13 led on, it works with the lipo. It’s like the lipo doesnt have enough current to power the motors?

3

Ok, i put 4 AA batteries in it and pulled jumper L1. The lights come on just as bright as with USB, but the same thing happens as with the lipo.

4

Also tried a 9v 1.0amp wall plug, it does even less with that. the leds are bright but nothing at all happens

5

Request RMA

6

Ive already put in a ticket for the led not working. Should I wait for that ticket or start a new one?

7

How to charge the LiPo battery, without an USB connection to my computer (Mac) ?
I understand from the User Guide that the barrel connector cannot be used.
There is plently of mini USB chargers for a few Euros (less than 5 €) than give 5V 500mA on the pins 1 & 5 of a mini USB connector.
Is is safe to use one ?

8

I ordered this product over three months ago, and I still haven’t gotten it… Ticket submitted twice.

9

Hi,

Take a look at the troubleshooting guide in the user manual and see which step you end up at.

Sincerely,

10

Ok - please contact us via the Support Center and indicate your order or invoice number and the RMA step # where you ended up. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Sincerely,

11

The one ticket is fine. We should get back to you shortly there.

12

If you have the V1.5 or 2.0, there is an onboard charger connected to the USB port. You can really use any LiPo charger (unless something specifically indicates NOT to use it with all LiPo batteries). Alternatively, you can connect it to a wall adapter with USB output (as you indicated). 5V 500mA is fine. Enjoy!

13

The V1.5 boards should be arriving any day now and they will be shipped to waiting customers as soon as they are received.
The V2.0 boards, new encoder modules and new motor shields should be here in a few weeks and also shipped ASAP.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.