Testing the Completed Robot

Testing On the Bench

Support the robot on blocks so that the wheels are off the ground.

Check that the transmitter and receiver crystals are the same frequency.

Check that the radio leads are in channel 2 and channel 4.

Connect the batteries and check the rear red LEDs are both ON and the motor board LEDs are Red

Initial Checks

Switch on the transmitter. The Board Red LEDs should go OFF within half a second indicating a valid control signal is being received.

1.       Select forward control. Both wheels should move forward and the Green LEDs should light

If either motor moves in the backwards direction swap over its motor wires.

2.       Select backwards control. Both Wheels should move backwards and the green LEDs should light.

3.       Select a Left Turn. Left Wheel should go backwards. Right Wheel should go forwards.

If they go the wrong way switch over the channel 4 reverse switch on the front of the transmitter.

4.       Trim the control system by slowly selecting forwards on the right stick and adjusting the left trim (Channel 4) until both wheels just start to turn at the same time.

Hint: There is an audible whine from the motor control boards when the stick is moved or the trims are not correctly set. You can therefore get the exact zero position on both trims by adjusting them until the robot is silent.

Safety stop check

5.       Check the system that is required by the rules to stop the drive motors if it senses a loss of radio signal.

6.       Select half speed forward and switch off the transmitter. The motors should stop (with RED LED).

7.       Select half left stick and switch off the transmitter. The motors should stop (with RED LED).

Testing In the Arena

These checks are carried out with the robot free to move. Make sure that the area is safe and clear of spectators before you carry out these checks. In an emergency, you can switch off the transmitter and the robot will stop

1.       Connect the batteries and switch on the transmitter.

2.       Check the robot moves forward and back in a straight line.

3.       Check it turns on the spot

4.       Check it turns whilst it moves forwards and back.

Congratulations you now have a working robot.

Next

Now that you have completed the construction and test of your robots you are ready to learn the driving skills you require to compete successfully in the Rampaging Chariots challenge.

Go to the event descriptions and study the arena layout.

Make your own arena and then practise, practise, practise.

You can find some suggestions for further work on the Improving your robot page.