Copyright © TeacherGeek 2007
Copyright © TeacherGeek 2007
Final Wiring
Page
™
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Batteries become hot
Culprit: The circuit has a short circuit (bad wiring, or bridged solder joints).
Fix: Quick!!! Turn off the Bug and remove the batteries. Check the wiring.
Problem: Bug turns instead of going straight
Note: Bugs will usually turn slightly because, in order for them to go forward, one motor is turning
forwards while the other is turning in reverse. The motors used on the Bug have slightly greater speed
and torque when turning forwards. You can adjust for this by moving the motors up or down in the bug
body.
Culprit 1: The Bug will turn if the wings are bent at different angles.
Fix: Reheat and re-bend the wings.
Culprit 2: Tire Rubber was cut at an angle or uneven.
Fix: Trim the tire rubber so the end is straight (perpendicular with the hole).
Culprit 3: The tire material is pushed up tight against the motor housing, or up to high on the motor shaft
Fix: Slide the tire material so that it extends slighly past the motor shaft, and away from the
motor housing.
Culprit 4: Something is wrapped around your motor shaft or tire.
Fix: Clean it.
Culprit 5: Bad soldering, or lack of soldering.
Fix: Make sure all connections have been soldered. A non-soldered connection can limit the
amount of electricity passing through it, causing a motor to turn slower.
Problem: Bug moves when it should be turned off
Note: The Bug will reverse when the Bug is off (spade connector is removed from the battery holder
spring) and the feelers are pushed. It’s part of the way it was designed. We call it “playing dead.”
Fix: In order to fully turn off the Bug, you must remove the batteries.
Culprit 2: The wiring is wrong.
Fix: Check the wiring.
Problem: Bug Bounces or Jitters when it moves
Culprit: Tire Rubber is cut at an angle.
Fix: Trim the tire rubber so the end is straight (perpendicular with the hole).
Problem: Bug will not move (motors will not turn)
Culprit 1: The batteries are dead.
Fix: Replace the batteries.
Culprit 2: The wiring is wrong.
Fix: Check the wiring.
Culprit 3: The Bug is not turned on.
Fix: Place the spade connector into the battery holder spring closest to the back of the Bug.
Problem: Bug will not reverse
Culprit 1: The Bug is wired wrong.
Fix: Check the wiring.
Culprit 2: Spade connector is in the wrong side of the battery holder.
Fix: Place the spade connector into the battery holder spring closest to the back of the Bug.
Problem: Bug spins “on a dime” when it should go forwards
Culprit 1: Motors are wired backwards and/or put in upside-down.
Fix: Make sure the motor terminals are on the outside of the Bug.
Check the wiring.
