User manual

RP6 ROBOT SYSTEM - 3. Hardware and Software Setup
3.6. Inserting Batteries
It's about time to get to the Robot itself. First of all the robot needs 6 batteries!
We recommend to use high-quality NiMH Mignon batteries (manufacturers e.g. Sanyo,
Panasonic, and others – best is to use Eneloop / Infinium or similar variants) specify-
ing a real world capacity of at least 2000mAh (optimal capacity is around 2500mAh)!
Please do not use standard alkaline batteries, which would turn out to be extremely
expensive over time and also cause unnecessary environmental pollution.
We suggest to use precharged and balanced batteries! Always make sure to use
batteries charged at the same level (all batteries charged or all discharged) and to use
relatively new batteries! Batteries may wear out by storage time, by charging cycles,
charging style and temperature. It's best to use new batteries instead of aged ones,
which were laying around in the shelf for the last few years. It is also very important
to use nearly equal battery cells only! Same capacity, same age, same charge level...
If you prefer an external charger (highly recommended, but not in-
cluded in the delivery!), you have to install batteries ONCE only! We
highly recommend a microcontroller charging system, designed to
optimally charge the batteries! For your own safety, please use certi-
fied and verified charging devices only!
Not using an external charger equipped with a suitable adapter plug will require a
rather time consuming procedure of removing discharged batteries from the system,
re-charging and re-inserting them!
Inserting the batteries:
First of all you have to loosen the four screws fixing the mainboard
(s. figure).
Now carefully lift the main board at the back side (see figure).
You do NOT need to unplug the
tiny 3-pin connector of the
bumper PCB (see fig.)! Be care-
ful to touch the main board at
the edges and at larger plastic
parts only in order to avoid static
discharges!
The main board is wired to the
engines, the encoders and the
battery holder by a bundle of
soldered cables. Please move
these cables – depending on
their position – carefully out of
the way.
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