Documentation

Step 7 - The Backup Relay:
This was one of our little improvements to Randy’s circuit that really made a big
difference. This relay swaps the motor connections so they spin in reverse for a set
period of time, and gets Herbie out of most traffic snarls.
The relay could be mounted on top, but we don’t recommend it (see the picture - it looks
strange). It gets soldered into location RE1, and will only go in one way (goof-proof!).
Make it nice and tight to the circuit board. If you don’t, it may rub on the floor!
7A: Relay Installation
7B: Don’t install it on top!
7C: Installed, nice and flat
Step 8 - The 8-Pin IC Socket:
Why do we make you install the IC socket instead of just soldering the LM386 directly?
It’s cheap insurance. If the chip gets damaged (rare) or installed backwards (not so rare),
it’s an easy fix.
Install it with the notch on the right side so it matches the drawing on the circuit board. It
makes putting the IC in easier later.
Make sure this is done on the side where it is
labeled IC1! Unlike the relay, this part won’t still
work if you install it on the top of Herbie’s body!
8A: Install 8-Pin
IC carrier
Note notch
position
9
Solarbotics Herbie the Mousebot