Bristle Bot From PS2 Controller Motor

This is a variation of the now common bristle bot. It is a bit bigger, using 3 AA batteries and the vibration motor from a PS2 game controller

For materials, you need:
- 4 identical toothbrushes
- A three-position AA battery holder
- 3 AA batteries
- A dead or unneeded PS2 Controller or similar
- A SPST switch
- A bit of extra wire, 24g insulated (possible)

I got my toothbrushes for $1 US at, where else, the dollar store. The batteries and holder were sitting around. The PS2 controller I bought simply to take apart anyway. The switch is from my parts cabinet.

The tools needed are the basic builder stuff:
- soldering iron
- hot glue gun (with glue)
- wire cutters
- wire strippers
- you may need a file to clean the contacts of the battery holder

Remove the motor from the PS2 controller. Note that there may be some open holes on the back, cover these with a tiny bit of tape to keep hot glue from jamming the motor. Using the hot glue, attach the motor to the side of the battery holder, on the opposite side of the battery terminal clips. Make sure the motor is centered side to side, as if it is not centered the bristle bot may tend to turn in one direction.

Remove the motor from the PS2 controller. Note that there may be some open holes on the back, cover these with a tiny bit of tape to keep hot glue from jamming the motor. Using the hot glue, attach the motor to the side of the battery holder, on the opposite side of the battery terminal clips. Make sure the motor is centered side to side, as if it is not centered the bristle bot may tend to turn in one direction.

Attach the four toothbrushes to the bottom of the battery holder using hot glue. Each should orient the same way, and should assemble to all the same height. I canted two of the toothbrushes in to avoid a ridge on the perimeter of the battery holder, this ensured identical heights for all the brushes.

Attach the switch to the side opposite the motor, next to the battery terminals

The wiring of the bristle bot is very straight forward. The polarity of the battery and of the motor leads is not important. Connect as shown in the diagram. If desired, the connections can be sheilded with electrical tape.

The bristle bot seems to prefer a smooth flat surface. It tends to turn when encountering an obstacle, so flat rulers work great for keeping this critter coralled.



Enjoy!