Powering a biped robot (six servo motors and an arduino mega)

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello everyone,

I am building a bipedal walking robot that is moved by six servo motors (3 in each leg). The biped is controlled by an Arduino MEGA ADK for Android. The servo motors are identical with the following characteristics:

  • Operating voltage: 4.8V to 6.0V
  • Idle current: 8mA at stopped
  • Running current: 230mA/60° at no load
  • Stall current: 1500mA

So for now I need to know the best way to power up my robot.

Thank you

2

I'd think a large LiPo battery and a couple of DC-to-DC converters: 5V 500mA for the Arduino and 6V 6A for the servos.

3

you can use a shield that has it's own power supply for the servos.

something like this but there are other ones available for the mega probably cheaper too?
http://www.robotshop.com/ca/dfrobot-i-o-expansion-board-arduino-v5.html

for now if you just want to use a wall wart this will come in handy:

if your battery or wall wart is more than 6v you can use a DC to Dc step down converter:

have fun!

4

How about powering the arduino using the phone (ensures 5V through USB). And a 6V battery for the servos??? Do I need to add something else??
Thank you

5

Sophie:
How about powering the arduino using the phone (ensures 5V through USB). And a 6V battery for the servos??? Do I need to add something else??
Thank you

Yes, if your phone can provide 5V to the Arduino's USB connector (or to the +5V pin) then you only need a source of 6V 6A for the servos.

6

Okay, thank you very much for your help :slight_smile:

7

Hi!
Could you help me with the arduino code?
Im working in the same project, please!! please!! :slight_smile: