So I have this project i've been working on (12 Servo Hexapod | Hackaday.io), and the thing that always keeps me from finishing it is this mega clone i bought (can't remember where, but it was like $10). The 12 servos are all corraled with a sensor shield, a cheap one like this https://www.itead.cc/arduino-mega-sensor-shield.html. At first I bought one from keyestudio. The mega wouldn't upload code, but that was just by itself. When I plugged the shield in, the port wouldn't even show up. Then one day I threw it into a bag and one of the traces got cut, up in the corner by the icsp pins. Then I took it home and it was working for like 20 minutes, but then it went back to the old problem. I went on ebay and bought another shield and it did the same thing. The mega wouldn't burn the bootloader, but maybe I wasn't doing it right. I'm so close to finishing it it's driving me crazy. This is going on 3 years i haven't got this thing working, so if somebody has some suggestions it would be great.
PS- If I didn't include something that is kind of important, please don't be a jerk. Just tell me and i'll get it for you.
A genuine board is waay too expensive, mainly because i'm a high school sophomore and i fractured my leg wrestling, so a job is out of the question
I'm using a Ni-Cd 7.2v battery that runs through a adjustable regulator. I can't connect it while it's connecting to my computer because it will overload it and shut down my mac, so while it's on my computer it's running on usb power
I looked it over, but like I said, when it's connected to the computer, the battery isn't even connected when it's being programed, so I don't see how that would be it unless it's something in the 2 pcbs themselves
I really don't know what else i could put in there. That's literally it. I didn't do anything novel with the electronics. it's literally a shield on top of the mega with all the servos plugged into it. the battery doesn't matter. it's not even plugged in.
Well, first issue from your diagram is the servos don’t have any power source.
I realise this may not be your immediate problem, but it does indicate the incomplete nature of the drawing.
If you’re powering the servos from the battery - fine, but show that with connector names on the map, but then the question begs, where is the Arduino getting power from?
Ok, the USB cable... or an adapter? that’s not shown as an active piece of the puzzle either.
Finally, can you test the computer USB with another device that needs power? e,g. phone charging. Just to eliminate that.
With an external Arduino supply connected, what voltage do you see across the GND and 5V pins?
Of course, all this may be moot if your damaged tracks are still damaged.
As your mum used to say...”Take care of your toys!”
Once this has been resolved, go read up on drawing a meaningful block diagram and a schematic (different things). Your block diagram is a good start, but missing about 40% of the detail.
again, i'm 90% certain it's not the wiring. when i started on this i was completely clueless arduino wise, and kept it really simple. Also, sorry about the links, i couldn't figure out how to get a link to put in the insert image when the picture is from my downloads
Ok, thanks for the effort.
All looks to be good, without going back.
Which servo pins are you connected to?
Can you try another set? Change the code to match (!)
Good luck
Well i tried it and it still didn't work, but it doesn't really matter because i'm going to get a new mega anyways with the hackaday prize cash i'll be getting soon. Now that i've gone over it a few times, I think it's busted
