I assembled it very carefully, and I can connect to it via the app/wifi and view the camera stream, but I can't get it to move! Neither the remote control nor the app controls seem to do anything. When I first turn it on, it seems to automatically drive forward about 1m, but that's it.
Wondering if anyone has advice! I've emailed their customer support but haven't heard back. I'm unsure if I have a defective product or if I've done something wrong. If it's relevant, the only lights that display are D2, ADO, a red POW light above the camera, and a green STA light above the camera (which sometimes flashes and is sometimes solid). I've attached a picture. Their YouTube instructional video seemed to iply that an RGB light should display, but it doesn't.
I have the switch set to CAM and triple-checked all the wiring and grounding.
I'm assuming there is a way to run diagnostics on it via Arduino IDE to see what works and doesn't, but I'm new to such programming, and I don't really want to override the factory software until I confirm that the product is not defective.
Anyway, if anyone knows something then would appreciate help!
These "robot car not moving" problems tend to be in an insufficient power supply.
Do you know which motor driver CCA is used on this? Try testing each device (each motor) individually. (in the picture, "U1" looks like it is the motor driver I.C.)
This is a link to another "robot car" that uses the TB6612FNG motor driver CCA. Even if this link and your "car" are different, you can see how I test each device, individually. Even with a weak power supply, testing one device at a time usually works for that one device.
Thank you for taking the time to reply and post this. My "U1" chip says TB426A2 6612FNG, so I'm assuming that is the same one in your link. My car does move forward about a metre when I first turn it on though - it just doesn't respond after that - not sure if that behaviour would be consistent with having an insufficient power supply?
Your link to test each device looks perfect. However, I think that would mean that I'm overriding the built-in program, so I might wait to see if I get a response from Elegoo customer support first (seems it's harder to tell them that their kit doesn't work once I've gone and changed its programming....especially as I'm completely new to robotics, albeit a proficient programmer in general).
Your power supply is insufficient. What are you using?
Yes. Every time you upload a sketch, the previous program is overwritten.
Very understandable.
Consider purchasing Nano's for US$4 each (three for US$12) on Amazon. Programs work the same in the Nano and the Uno. You could use one of the Nanos to test pieces of your projects. Sometimes the Nano needs a little attention before it is ready for use, but you have the forum for help.
The power supply is just a black box (literally) with "Elegoo" written on the top. The instructions refer to it as "Cell Box (Lithium Battery inside)", so I don't know any more than that.
I assume I'd charged it fully because the light went from red to green, but I've plugged it in again just in case.
Thanks for the tip about Nanos! I can't believe how cheap all this stuff is. That sounds well worthwhile. And thanks again for your time.
Careful... limit yourself or you will have a roomful.
When the car starts (and moves), measure the battery voltage. Then when the car does not move, measure voltage again. You may have a weak or unbalanced battery cell.
(boring info: Lithium Ion Polymer batteries, if paired, need to be balanced in charge level and internal resistance, or they get unbalanced and have a short life... either one of the cells could be off, or the recharge circuit could be bad... just for your information... it happens sometimes)
