Datasheet
Chapter 3 • Assemble and Test your BOE Shield-Bot
80 • Robotics with the BOE Shield-Bot
Instructions
STOP! Before taking the next step, you must have completed these Chapter 2 activities: Activity 4:
Connect Servo Motors and Batteries on page 60, and Activity 5: Centering the Servos on 63.
Decide how you want to mount your servos from the two options described and pictured
below. Option 2 (right) is considered our standard small robot configuration, and our
navigation code examples assume you have set up your robot this way. Code examples may
need to be adjusted if you choose Option 1 (left).
Nuts Note: You can choose to use either hex nuts or locknuts to mount your servos, both are
provided. Locknuts provide a tighter connection, but if your robots need frequent repair or part
replacements then hex nuts are the easiest to remove and reattach quickly.
Outside-forward (left) — the servos' mounting tabs seat outside the chassis, with their
potentiometer access ports facing toward the front of the chassis. This allows easy access to
adjust the potentiometers on an assembled robot, and also makes servo replacement quick.
However, this gives the BOE Shield-Bot a longer, wider wheel base, so it will be a little less
nimble on maneuvers and may need more pulses to make turns.
Inside-backward (right) — the servos' mounting tabs seat inside the chassis, with their
potentiometer access ports facing towards the battery pack. This positions the axles close to
the center of the BOE Shield-Bot, for maximum agility. If you are diligent about centering
your servos before building your BOE Shield-Bot, this causes no problems.
Attach the servos to the chassis using the Phillips screws and nuts.
Use pieces of masking tape to label the servos left (L) and right (R), as shown.