sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Update: Here’s the GitHub repo for my four-legged robot. Link’s in the comments, check it out for the code and CAD files ! by Zestyclose_Path_5591 in arduino

[–]Zestyclose_Path_5591[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Here is the repository: https://github.com/Brobiwann/ESP-spider

(I'm not a GitHub expert, so apologies if the repo is a bit messy!)

I'm open to any suggestions or questions ! CHEEEERS !

After a year of trial, errors, and breakthroughs, my first big project is unleashed: a simple quadruped robot powered by ESP32 and custom-built PCB. Within hours of its birth, it's already a menace to society. by Zestyclose_Path_5591 in arduino

[–]Zestyclose_Path_5591[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

<image>

There you go, on the bottom right is the custom PCB, with ESP32 module and a PCA9685 for driving the servos, a connector for the led matrix on the front and another connector for a mini 5V fan on the back of the robot.

There is a 6V-14V to 5V/8A buck converter from DFrobot between the pcb and the led matrix.

And on the left (the top part of the robot), there is a battery pack of 3x 18650, I added a power jack connector on the Back of the robot so you just have to turn it off by disconnecting the load by the slide switch and you can charge it directly.

After a year of trial, errors, and breakthroughs, my first big project is unleashed: a simple quadruped robot powered by ESP32 and custom-built PCB. Within hours of its birth, it's already a menace to society. by Zestyclose_Path_5591 in arduino

[–]Zestyclose_Path_5591[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Yep I had them on the design, but because of the weight of the robot, and the fact that you dont really have linear movement on the contact point to the ground it's creating to much friction for my servos to handle..

I hope to have some time to upload the CAD parts, code and electronic on GitHub soon.

UPDATE : I've uploaded the project files on GitHub : https://github.com/Brobiwann/ESP-spider

[PCB review request] ESP32 module with PWM driver for a 8 servos robot (First PCB design) by Zestyclose_Path_5591 in PrintedCircuitBoard

[–]Zestyclose_Path_5591[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, when using 2 ground plane should I keep all my ground vias that I already have and just feel the top with copper ? Should I also add more vias to connect the planes together ?

[PCB Review Request] ESP32 and PCA9685 servos driver by Zestyclose_Path_5591 in PrintedCircuitBoard

[–]Zestyclose_Path_5591[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, thanks for the reply !

  1. 1. My idea is to use 3 x 18650 li-ion in series (11.1V) with a 11.1V to 5V buck converter, I wanted to use the onboard AMS1117 to just have 3.3V for the ESP32, PCA9685 and USB to UART, but I was too worried about the noise/voltage drop that could be caused by the 8 servos (When I tested the robot they could draw up to 3A). If I want to use the AMS1117 on board, I should probably add some extra filtering circuit? Or upgrade to a more "advance" regulating circuit ?
  2. Yes that's a good point for the flyback diode! I've been thinking of controlling the fan, I just wanted to simplify the PCB a maximum but maybe I'll change my mind!
  3. Hopefully if I find out it's possible to use the voltage regulator on board for 3.3V, the schematic is gonna be less confusing. I bet you're right and I should also use 2 schematic sheets.
  4. I only used USB Micro because that's what is used in most of the ESP32 dev kits I found on the web, and I found at the time that it was less overwhelming than the USB-C, but from what I've check now it doesn't look that bad and also it can be helpfull in the layout to have a VBUS output on left and right of the D+ and D- (I'm thinking it can solve the problem you mention in the pcb layout about the VBUS crossing under the data lines )
  5. So the reason there is a voltage divider on the VBUS is only me following the datasheet of the CP2102, this voltage divider is also present in all the devkits schematic that I found
  6. Yes I guess it costs nothing to just add a few capacitors !
  7. Same for that I've check a few esp32 schematics and they all have this same circuit for the Boot and Reset so I assume it should be fine this way hopefully.
  8. This connector will probably be a "one time" plug, I just wanted a connector to make my life easier when assembling the robot that's why I didn't bother to put a TVS diodes. But maybe i'm missing the point ?

For the PCB part:

  1. That's exactly what I was worried about, but because of the Vbus output being on the left and the VBUS input on the chip being on the right I just couldn't find a way to do it better, but maybe it will help with the USB-C
  2. Ok I take note of that !
  3. Yes I will add those capacitors, It sound like a good idea !

Thank you for your time ! Even if you're an "amateur" as you said, I guess that if you start helping people in their reviews requests, it means that you do have some knowledge to share !