I am a nube to robotics but confident that I can learn about the software and hardware needed. I am now climbing the beginning side of the learning curve from learning how to crimp connectors to configuring Arduino IDE. I have built two simple robots, a robotic arm and a DIY Otto dancing robot. Neither one is working properly with IDE. I've been able to verify and download the sketch for the robotic arm but the arm won't respond. I downloaded "Blink" from the routines in IDE and found that it worked. I rewired every wire of the arm convinced I had somehow built it wrong but it still would not respond to the 'Servo' sketch I was instructed to upload by the arm's designer. Later, IDE started throwing out error messages periodically and would not upload. It advise that it couldn't accept certain code that apparently was correct or that it was unable to sync with the board, I think.
I decided to build the DIY Otto robot while attempting to resolve the issues with the robotic arm. It was a simple build without soldering or glue. I downloaded the Sketch library directly from the DIY Otto website and attempted to upload a dancing sketch fully expecting it to work. It didn't. I attempted to designate a different board type but still nothing. I reinstalled IDE from the Arduino website but still nothing.
I'm stumped! I know the IDE is good, so it must be that I'm setting it up wrong.
The robotic arm is using an Arduino Uno with a driver board and the Otto robot is using an Arduino Nano. I have a new computer running Windows 11. If someone can walk me through process of coordinating or syncing IDE with one of my robots I'm sure it will solve the problem with the other one.
Welcome to the forum
So are we unless you post the sketch that produces the errors, the full error messages and details of your hardware
Please follow the advice given in the link below when posting code, in particular the section entitled 'Posting code and common code problems'
Use code tags (the < CODE/ > icon above the compose window) to make it easier to read and copy for examination
https://forum.arduino.cc/t/how-to-get-the-best-out-of-this-forum
Please post your full sketch, using code tags when you do
Posting your code using code tags prevents parts of it being interpreted as HTML coding and makes it easier to copy for examination
In my experience the easiest way to tidy up the code and add the code tags is as follows
Start by tidying up your code by using Tools/Auto Format in the IDE to make it easier to read. Then use Edit/Copy for Forum and paste what was copied in a new reply. Code tags will have been added to the code to make it easy to read in the forum thus making it easier to provide help.
It is also helpful to post error messages in code tags as it makes it easier to scroll through them and copy them for examination
So is this an Arduino Uno R3 or is it an R4, there is a big difference between the two. Also there are at least 5 different types of Arduino Nano which one do you have?
Your solid block of text is very hard to read. You should break it up into paragraphs with a space like I have, and also like Bob has.
I am new to the forum but after reading your post I was left with a few questions.
It sounds like you are identifying the correct board since you were able to get the basic blink sketch to work. I would check to see if you are still selecting the correct board with the correct com port as to the new upload errors.
I believe that I am correct in saying that most servos operate better on a higher voltage source (like around 6-volts). If this is the case, then an external power source might be necessary. If that's the case, and you are using an external power source then I want to guess that it needs to be grounded to the boards ground. If that is correct, then I would suggest checking that.
I also find that it helps sometimes to start out simple with each component creating a simple sketch so that I don't add too many complications to the equation. For example, I might start with getting one servo to work in a simple sketch then design another sketch with a different single aspect of the project if that makes any sense.
If I had to guess, and that's exactly what I am doing, I would guess that this project requires an external power source for the servos, and its ground most likely needs to be grounded to the arduino board's ground. I guess that's what I would first need to know with this scenario.
I hope this helps.
If you could not swim, would you leap off a cliff into the sea confident that you could learn to swim when you arrived?
Most people would rather wade into the sea from the beach first, or take lessons at a swimming pool. Did you do anything like that?
Obviously, Arduino and robotics are unlikely to be fatal, but there is a danger of total loss of self confidence resulting in the end of the project, if you don't take some precautions.
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