The mBot2 and mBot Ranger are made for learning to code, which means they are programmed, rebuilt, powered wrongly and dropped, often by children. The electronics are robust, but the controller, the motors, the sensors and the battery are the parts that wear or get damaged.
Blue Apple looks at Makeblock educational robots at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam. The Makeblock repair page shows what a typical repair costs per model; the final price is confirmed in writing after the diagnosis.
What usually goes wrong with Makeblock educational robots
- Controller that will not start or does not respond. On the mBot2 the CyberPi controller holds the battery, the screen and the processor. A controller that stays dark can be a battery fault, a charging connector or a damaged board.
- Motors that do not turn or are noisy. Encoder motors wear, or a cable comes loose. A motor that is hot or grinds should be looked at before it damages the controller.
- Sensors without a reading. The ultrasonic, line-follower and other sensors fail from knocks, wrong wiring or a damaged cable.
- Board damaged by a short or wrong power. A wrong battery, reversed polarity or a metal screw touching the board can burn out a component.
- Charging port or battery. A worn port or a battery that no longer holds a charge.
The Makeblock models we repair
Every model below has its own page, with an estimate of what a typical repair costs.
Makeblock mBot2, Makeblock mBot Ranger.
Repair or replace?
A repair on a controller or a motor is usually cheaper than a new mBot, and many schools and families prefer to keep a robot that is already built and programmed. We tell you after the diagnosis what a repair costs and whether a part is available.
Looking after your mBot
- Use the right battery and charger. A wrong power source is a common cause of burnt boards.
- Do not leave metal screws loose in the robot. A screw that touches the board can short it.
- Unplug cables by the plug. Pulling the cable damages the connector.
How a repair works at Blue Apple
The prices for these devices are estimates until we have seen them. Send a request with the model and what is wrong, and we tell you what a repair is likely to cost and how to get the device to us. The final price is confirmed in writing after the diagnosis, before any work starts. You can use the custom repair form, or call 020 239 11 93.
Questions about Makeblock repair
Can you repair the CyberPi controller of an mBot2?
Often, yes, depending on the fault. After the diagnosis we tell you what can be done and what it costs.
Do you repair the mBot Ranger?
Yes, both models are on the Makeblock page.
In short
Controllers, motors, sensors, boards and batteries can be repaired on an mBot, and the diagnosis tells you whether it pays. See the Makeblock repair page for the models and repairs, or send us a request. You will find us at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam, and you can call 020 239 11 93 with a question first.
