First big breakthrough! It’s Alive!

By Agustin • April 29, 2011

Huzzah!

I am so pumped! Last night I got the Hexbug Spider running off the Arduino! WITH some primitive obstacle avoidance! Wooooot! Check the videos below – and yes, I know the camera work is crappy, I really need a tripod! More nerdy goodness after the break!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh912ZatCtc

What made it possible?

Primarily one big change of plan – a new motor controller. The first one I bought is definitely cool, but I think it is a bit out of my league as far as getting it all hooked up. After reading (staring at might be more appropriate!) the manual for the damn thing for what seems like hours, I finally gave up and rush ordered the super epic ArduMoto Shield! What a difference. This thing made is super easy to get the motors running, the hardest part was that I had to desolder one of the headers because it was a little crooked. Even better was it turns out that the tiny little 3.?v motors in the Spider seem to work just fine with the 5V the arduino gives them, both from the USB and the 9V. The 9V is much more snappy – listen to the motors on the videos and you will see what I mean. Anyone know why? I think it has to do with the amperage.

Code

Here is a link to the code on I am using.