Manual

Bluetooth / Xbee Kits (V1.0, V1.5)
Assembly Guide
The assembly video guide for the basic kit can be found on RobotShop’s Youtube page (RobotShopTV) at:
V1.0 and V1.5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXW1yrmKiuI
V2.0: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWWoEul9Qsk
Important Notes
• For the basic version (tracks), assemble the Tamiya Twin Motor Gearbox in the Type C configuration
ONLY. Note that Type A and Type B configurations will cause the track to be too tight. Note that some
parts will remain unused.
• If you use the crimps, the bare motors leads closest to the board can potentially contact the pins on the
underside of the PCB. We highly suggest covering the pins closest to the motor leads with a bit of
electrical tape, and also wrapping the bare leads of the motor with electrical tape (not included with
the kit)
• Use EITHER the mini JST connector (15) or the Barrel connector (16). NOT BOTH.
Power
The Bluetooth and Xbee kits include a 3.7V, 1000mAh LiPo battery pack which was chosen because the
standard Tamiya motors operate at ~3V nominal. The board (microcontroller and motor controller) will only
turn on if you set the On/Off switch to ON. The batteries connect directly to the motors (not regulated). The
mini JST can handle up to ~12V, but keep in mind that the voltage goes directly to whichever motors are
connected. Use EITHER the mini JST connector OR the barrel connector – NOT BOTH.
The DFRobotShop Rover Bluetooth and Xbee kits still include a 4xAA battery pack which can be connected
directly to the white power input at the back of the board instead of the LiPo . Both alkaline (1.5V) and
rechargeable (1.2) batteries can be used, and the batteries power both the board and the motors. Remove
jumper (1) in figure 1 when using the AA battery pack.
The DFRobotShop Rover V1.0 Bluetooth and XBee kits (discontinued) included a Seeedstudio charger and
battery which replaced the 4xAA battery pack. In order to use the LiPo battery with the shield, use a spare
piece of wire and connect pins Vin and 5V on the shield. The battery itself should be connected to the JST plug
closest to the 2x3 pin headers (not the one next to the USB plug). To charge the battery, simply plug your USB
cable into the USB port of the shield.
Motion
The DFRobotShop Rover Basic Kit uses two tank tracks, each connected to their own DC gear motor. Rotating
the tracks at the same time in the same direction produces forward motion. Rotating the tracks at the same
time in the opposite direction causes the robot to move in reverse. Varying the speed of one of the tracks will
cause the robot to move in a circle. Rotating the tracks in opposite directions causes the robot to turn clockwise
(or counter-clockwise) on itself (zero turning radius).