DFRobotShop Rover - Motors not powerful / turning slowly

Lynxmotion Rovers, Sumo, and Tracked
1

Hi,

I assembled my DFRobotShop Rover and when I try the sample code, the motors rotate very slowly.

What to do?

2

Do not try to use the rover again before following the procedure below:

  1. Check the configuration of the motors. They need to have been assembled in configuration C only. This is the hole at the center of the gearbox - NOT the two at the end (A and B). Configurations A and B would cause too much tension on the motors and burn them.
  2. Check the ON/OFF switch. It needs to be in the ON position (towards the inside of the board) to provide power to the motors. It is right next to the black barrel connector on the board.
  3. Check the voltage of the batteries you are using. You need to use fresh AA alkaline or properly recharged AA batteries. If you are using a LiPo pack (as with the Bluetooth or XBee kits), make sure the battery is charged and providing ~3.8V.
  4. Remove the tracks and re-try the code and see if the wheels turn.
  5. Check to see that the connection between the motor leads and the screw terminals is correct and there is enough contact. If you used the crimps to connect the wire to the motors, check that they are not loose.
  6. Try the sample “full speed” code from the user guide. If this works, then it is likely a code issue.

Hope this helps,