Power Troubleshooting
Diagnose and fix power-related issues with your Fabrica robot
Robot Won't Power On
Symptoms
- No LEDs light up on the Pico or PCA9685
- No response when connecting to computer via USB
- Servos don't move or make any sound
Potential Solutions
1. Check Power Supply Connection
Ensure the power supply is plugged into a working wall outlet and the barrel jack is fully inserted into the robot's power port.
2. Verify Voltage and Polarity
Use a multimeter to check that the power supply is outputting exactly 5V. Verify that the center pin is positive (+).
3. Inspect Wiring for Shorts
Look for any loose wires or solder bridges that might be causing a short circuit between 5V and Ground.
Servos Jitter or Buzz
Jittering is usually caused by insufficient current or electrical noise in the power lines.
Check Current Draw
If many servos move at once, they can pull more current than your power supply can provide. Ensure you are using at least a 5A supply.
Add Capacitance
Adding a large electrolytic capacitor (1000µF or greater) across the 5V and GND terminals on the PCA9685 can help smooth out power spikes.