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Intermediate build

How to build openDog (V1)

12-DoF four-legged robot dog · Intermediate

openDog V1 is James Bruton's first open-source dog, built across a YouTube series with ODrive-driven brushless legs. The repo holds per-episode CAD and code (GPL-3.0).

Start the buildProject files
Difficulty
Intermediate

Some soldering, calibration and Linux comfort needed.

Build time
2–4 weekends

Our estimate, part-time

Parts cost
Not published

No cost is published

Degrees of freedom
12

GPL-3.0

What is openDog (V1)?

openDog started James Bruton's long-running open quadruped series. The repo collects the CAD and Arduino code from each episode rather than packaging a single finished build.

From Part 2 onward the code drives brushless motors through ODrive controllers. The repo was last updated in 2019, and V2 and V3 followed in separate repos.

It's best treated as a learning archive. The README is short and there's no BOM.

openDog (V1) specifications

DoF
12
Drivers
ODrive (from Part 2)
License
GPL-3.0
Last update
2019

Figures as published by the project. See Sources below.

Bill of materials

PartQtyNotes
Per-episode CAD and code—No consolidated BOM
Where's the full bill of materials?

The full BOM, with exact quantities and vendors, lives in the project's own files. Prices change often, so treat Not published as a ballpark. Start at the project repository.

Tools you'll need

  • FDM printer
  • Arduino IDE
  • ODrive tool

Step-by-step build overview

Electronics & wiring overview

ODrive controllers drive the brushless joints, with an Arduino-class controller in charge (it varies by episode).

Battery packpower sourceLaptop / PChigh-level controlIMU + encoderssensingArduino boardreal-time controllerODrive motor controll…drivers / busbrushless motors12 joints / motors
PowerData / commandsSensor feedbackOverview only. Follow the project's own schematic for pinouts and voltages.

Software

URDF model

Arduino sketches for each episode (GPL-3.0).

Tips from the bench

  • ☕ Expect design changes between episodes.

openDog (V1) FAQ

Should I build V1 or V3?

V3 is better documented and has a BOM.

Sources

Written by Bots n' Beans from the project's own documentation. Check the sources for the latest revision before you buy parts.

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