
Basic Mechanisms
Piston
Piston
Build a piston mechanism with theĀ Hummingbird Robotics Kit! Servos rotate in a circle, but the piston mechanism can be used to transform this rotation into movement back and forth along a straight line.
Popular uses of the piston include flapping wings and jumping characters. What will you create?
Build Time: 45-75 min (depending on skill level and design choice)
Hummingbird Robotics Kit Hardware*
- Hummingbird Controller (Bit Controller pictured. The Duo controller will also work)
- Battery Pack or AC Plug
- Position Servo (Your servo may look different)
- Circle Servo Horn
*All of these parts are included in any Hummingbird Robotics Kit
Suggested Craft Supplies
- Hot Glue Gun
- Heavy Duty Hole Punch
- Scissors
- Blade
- Marker
- 3 Jumbo Craft Sticks
- 2 Brass Brads
- Scrap Cardboard
- Cardboard Box with Flaps (For beginners, we have found the 6x6x6 box works best)
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Use the marker to label the 3 jumbo craft sticks 1, 2, and 3.
Make the following marks on the jumbo craft sticks:
Craft stick #1 – Make a dot directly in the center and a line 3/4 of the way up the craft stick.
Craft stick #2 – Make a dot about 1 cm from the bottom and a second dot 3/4 of the way up the craft stick.
Craft stick #3 – Make a dot about 1 cm from the top
Feed craft stick #3 through the slot and push the servo horn onto the servo shaft.
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