Makerbot Starter Robot Kit: Broken micro USB port; Ultrasonic sensor not functioning

#1

After my son and I built the robot and hooked it up, we spent some time upgrading the firmware. Once the software was ready, my son unplugged the usb port and it came right off. The build was very flimsy for that to happen. That’s never happened on any of my other boards like raspberry pi.

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Also the ultrasonic sensor doesn’t work at all. Not sure if that’s related to the broken usb port. Bluetooth works fine. My son is able to control the robot via his smartphone, but no distance data is displayed by the ultrasonic meter. I have the ultrasonic connected to port 4, but I also tried port 3 as well. Neither worked.

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#2

Hi rquez,

Sorry to hear the USB port falling off from the mainboard.
Normally, it is better to plug in or remove the USB cable form the USB interface with slight power to protect it.
Where did you buy the robot? Please kindly send the receipt to tec-support@makeblock.com
As for the issue on the Ultrasonic sensor, this Sensor must be connected to Port 3 on the Orion board when you control it with Makeblock APP.

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For the issue that it doesn’t display any data, please make the wire connection between Orion board the sensor is plugged well and tight enough.
Once still the same thing, change the RJ25 cable for the Ultrasonic sensor have a try (You can temporarily use the RJ25 cable for the line follower sensor).

#3