Tim's Cybot Arduino Conversion: Converting Cybot to run on four 3.7 volt rechargeable batteries

I decided to convert my original Cybots to run on 3.7v rechargeable batteries.

Demonstration of my Cybot running on rechargeable Li-Po batteries.

Components:

4 Number 3.7 volt Li-Po batteries, I'm using 1200mAh. (Other sizes will be OK)
4 Number connectors with leads that fit the battery connectors.
2 Number Bucks, I'm using MH-MINI-360 DC-DC Buck

This modification is for Cybots that have the power upgrade from issues 53 and 54.

I also recommend it has the power regulator fix that was issued with issue 59;

If the Cybot has the newer Power Board then this fix is not needed.

First Power Board, without 7808 Regulator.

Second Power Board with 7808 Regulator

The first thing to do is make the Adaptor Cable:

Trim the wires on the battery connectors and join as follows.

Next trim the remaining wires and solder them to the Bucks as shown.

Next add cables to the other side of the Buck.

Next Join the two Bucks in the following way.

The next thing to do, is get the plug from the 8xAA Battery Box:

First remove Batteries and the four screws holding the front panels of Cybot.

Carefully lift the front panels, and remove the battery plug, the two screws holding the power board, and the four screws holding the 8xAA Battery Box.

Now remove the 8xAA Battery box and cut the plug from it with about 30mm wire.

Now solder the plug to the two Bucks.

Now the voltage needs setting on each Buck.

Each Buck needs to be set individually.

Connect four fully charged batteries to each of the sockets.

Using the adjustment potentiometer, carefully set the First Buck to 6 Volts.

Using the adjustment potentiometer, carefully set the Second Buck to 6 Volts.

After setting both Bucks to 6 volt. Connecting the Volt Meter to Red and Black should read 12 Volt.

Now that the Voltage is set, insulate the Bucks with tape.
(Leave the ends open so air can flow through)

Now the new battery lead is complete, disconnect the batteries from the lead and connect it to the Power Board inside Cybot.

I held the Power Board in place, against the other boards, with a hair band. (any sort of elastic band or Nylon Plastic Cable Ties will do)

After securing the Power Board in place, refit the front panels of Cybot.

Then the batteries can be re-connected to the new cable. (Batteries can be held together with a band or tie)

Place the batteries inside Cybot.

Fit the Battery Lid.

All done, ready to rumble.

NOTE!
The Bucks are fitted to the batteries before the switch on the Cybot.
Un-Plug the Batteries from the Bucks when not in use.
The Bucks will drain the batteries even if the Cybot is switched off.
(If LiPo Batteries are drained below 3 volt, they may be rendered useless).

I decided to make some 3D Printed parts to hold the Power Board and the Batteries in place.