The VRBS1 SHIELD is able to power the ALLBOTs by means of 4 AA batteries. There are a few points you need to be aware of when using this shield.
- What batteries should i use?
- How to insert in the AA batteries
- What voltages does the VRBS1 SHIELD produce?
- Using the VRBS1 SHIELD with ARDUINO UNO or ARDUINO MEGA
- Schematic and silkscreen of the VRBS1 SHIELD
WHAT BATTERIES SHOULD I USE?
You can use Alkaline (non-rechargeable) or NiMH (rechargeable) AA batteries. Good quality alkaline batteries will give you the longest runtime.
USING THE VRBS1 SHIELD WITH ARDUINO UNO OR ARDUINO MEGA
You can plug the VRBS1 SHIELD onto an VRSSM SHIELD. You have to pay attention when plugging the shield onto the VRSSM SHIELD as damage can occur when it is not correctly done. Always plug and unplug the shields when the power is not connected! Use the images below as a reference.
HOW TO INSERT IN THE AA BATTERIES
You can insert these directly on the shield as shown in the images below.
Carefully note the polarity of the batteries when inserting them. Damage can occur when installing them incorrectly.
WHAT VOLTAGES DOES THE VRBS1 SHIELD PRODUCE?
The raw voltage of these 4 batteries in series is directly supplied to the 9G servo motors via the extra connector just next to the 5V – GND arduino pins. The VRBS1 SHIELD also generates a VIN of 12V (300mA max) from the raw battery voltage by means of a small booster circuit located on the shield. This is needed to power the ARDUINO UNO or ARDUINO MEGA. This voltage is put out on the VIN – GND pins and the arduino board will regulate this to a 5V rail that can be found on the 5V – GND pins.
Keep attention to the maximum current draw when plugging in extra shields that use either VIN or arduino 5V as this will be drawn from the small booster circuit on the VRBS1 SHIELD and this has a max current draw of 300mA.
SCHEMATIC AND SILKSCREEN OF THE VRBS1 SHIELD
