FAQ

Q1: What versions of PiDog are available?

PiDog comes in Standard and V2 versions:

  • Standard Version: Compatible with Raspberry Pi 3B+/4B/Zero 2W, not compatible with Raspberry Pi 5.

  • V2 Version: Compatible with Raspberry Pi 3/4/5 and Zero 2W. It improves Robot HAT and servo driver circuits and provides better power support for Pi 5.

  • Power Supply: V2 has enhanced power management for higher power consumption applications.

Q2: How do I install the required modules?

# Robot HAT
git clone -b 2.5.x https://github.com/sunfounder/robot-hat.git --depth 1
cd robot-hat && sudo python3 install.py

# Vilib
git clone https://github.com/sunfounder/vilib.git
cd vilib && sudo python3 install.py

# PiDog
git clone https://github.com/sunfounder/pidog.git --depth 1
cd pidog && sudo pip3 install . --break

If there’s no sound:

# I2S Audio
cd ~/robot-hat
sudo bash i2samp.sh

Run multiple times if needed.

Q3: How do I run the first demo?

cd ~/pidog/examples
sudo python3 1_wake_up.py

PiDog will wake up, sit down, and wag its tail.

Q4: What built-in actions and sounds are available?

  • Actions: stand, sit, wag_tail, trot, etc.

  • Sounds: bark, howling, pant, etc.

Run:

sudo python3 2_function_demonstration.py

Enter numbers to trigger actions.

Q5: How does PiDog use sensors?

  • Ultrasonic: Obstacle avoidance and patrol.

  • Touch: Front touch = alert; back touch = enjoyment.

  • Sound Direction: Responds to the direction of sound.

Q6: What AI features does PiDog support?

PiDog integrates with TTS, STT, and LLM:

  • TTS: Espeak, Pico2Wave, Piper, OpenAI.

  • STT: Vosk (offline).

  • LLM: Ollama (local), OpenAI (online).

Q7: Do I need to calibrate the servos?

Yes — servo calibration is required for both Standard and V2 versions to ensure stable movement and prevent damage.

V2 Version

Press the zeroing button on the Robot HAT to automatically set all servos to 0°. This simplifies the zeroing process without running a script.

Standard Version

Run the zeroing script before installation:

cd ~/pidog/examples
sudo python3 servo_zeroing.py

After installation (both versions), manually verify and fine-tune servo angles to align each limb with the calibration ruler to avoid instability, blocking, or mechanical stress and ensure smooth walking and accurate posture control.

Q8: Why is my PiDog walking unstably?

  • Confirm all servos were installed at 0°.

  • Ensure servo angles match the calibration ruler (60°/90°).

  • Check that the battery is fully charged.

  • Tighten all servo screws.

Q9: Why is my camera not working?

  • Ensure the camera cable is firmly inserted into the CSI interface and the black locking tab is secured.

  • Power off the Raspberry Pi before plugging or unplugging the camera to prevent damage.

  • Test the camera using libcamera-hello or raspistill to verify image output.

  • Re-seat the cable if it is loose or improperly installed.

Q10: Why isn’t the speaker working?

  • Ensure the volume is not muted and the I2S audio driver is installed.

  • If there’s no sound, reconfigure I2S with the following:

cd ~/robot-hat
sudo bash i2samp.sh

  • Restart the Raspberry Pi after running the script.

Q11: Why isn’t the microphone working?

  • Check whether the system recognizes the microphone with:

arecord -l

  • Test the recording function with:

arecord -D plughw:1,0 -f cd test.wav

  • If no audio is recorded, select the correct input device in the audio settings or use alsamixer to adjust input volume.

  • Make sure no other process is occupying the audio input device.

Q12: Why isn’t the sound direction sensor working?

  • Ensure the sound direction sensor is connected to the correct SPI interface.

  • Check that all cables are securely connected and not reversed.

  • Make sure the power supply is stable and the sensor is not obstructed.

  • Reboot the device and try running the sensor example script again.

Q13: Why doesn’t the touch sensor respond?

  • Ensure all touch sensor cables are firmly connected.

  • Remember: a LOW signal means the sensor is being touched.

  • Test the GPIO pin with gpio readall or Python code to confirm signal detection.

  • Re-check wiring and orientation.

Q14: Why is the LED board not lighting up or blinking incorrectly?

  • Verify the LED board is powered by 3.3V and connected to the I2C port.

  • Make sure I2C is enabled on the Raspberry Pi.

  • Run the following command to check if the board is recognized:

i2cdetect -y 1

  • If no device appears, recheck wiring and restart the Pi.

Q15: How does PiDog get power?

  • Use a 5V 3A Type-C power adapter.

  • Red light = charging, off = fully charged.

  • You can power it while charging.

  • If the indicator doesn’t light, charge it first.