Starter kit motor moves, but the wheels do not turn

#1

I have a MakeBlock Starter kit. I have built both bots from the kit and neither move. The motors are turning and working just fine, and the wheels turn when i lift the bot off the ground, but as soon as the bot touches the ground, it stops moving (not even a twitch, being controlled from the IR remote). I am trying to use the bot on hardwood floors as well as shallow carpet. I am using all stock parts built exactly as the directions say to. I believe the issue has to do with the headless screws (M3x5) in the wheels. They do not reach the drive shaft, and therefore the driveshaft has nothing to push to force the wheels to turn, which when provided friction (from the floor), the bot is unable to move forward. Can anyone confirm this as the issue? Or is there something that I may not have done correctly?

#2

Hi RJTucker,

I think you can check the headless screw first, you may loosen screw it and then screw it again have a try.
Besides, it is strongle suggested to change the battery for the starter have a try.
According to our test and research, it is suggested to use rechargeable Li-ion battery or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium which can be bought from amazon or local shop. Or Alkaline battery with good quality like Energizer, DURACELL.

#3

I swapped out the headless screw (M3x5) for a 2mm head bolt (M3x10) and that helped the screw to reach the drive shaft of the motor so that the wheels would turn. Now that the wheels are turning, the bot seems to run fine. The only issue now is that the bot turns when i press forward, and moves forward/backward when i press the turn button. I swapped the yellow pieces where the motor connects to the Arduino, but that did not change the issue. Is it supposed to act this way? Or is there something that I could do to change it so that it runs correctly? I really appreciate the help/advice!

#4

Hi RJTucker,

Please upgrade the firmware for the mBot with the latest version mBlock first refer to this instruction.7. How to Upgrade Firmware for mBot.docx.zip (406.5 KB)
Then refer to this instruction to reset default program for mBot have a try.
1.How to reset default program manually.docx.zip (404.1 KB)
Please check its performance after above.

#5