RC Car (Theme: Chain Chomp)

This instructables was created in fulfillment of the project requirement of the Makecourse at the University of South Florida (www.makecourse.com)

This project is simple concept and an easy build. The RC car is fairly basic and code can be modified so the RC car can do more than just drive forwards for 2 seconds. Enjoy!

Step 1: Gather Materials

Circuit consist of:

4 AAA batteries

1 4.8 battery pack

1 6v DC motor (can get from cheap toy car)

1 Half Breadboard

1 Arduino UNO R3

1 22N2222 Transistor

1 IR Receiver

1 10K Ohm resistor

12 wires

Step 2: Upload the Code to Your Arduino

In order for this code to work, you must first download the code file then make a folder titled the code's name "ChainChompCode". Then you can open the folder "ChainChompCode" (that you just made) and open the code inside. You can now Verify the code on the Arduino and upload it!

This code will allow user to turn Pins 7 and 11 on for 2 seconds which will give power to the motor for 2 seconds.

Note: The code is written to work with the IR controller that is shown in the photo of the project at the beginning.

Step 3: Put Circuit Together

Follow diagram to complete the circuit.

Photo was made using Fritzing app.

Note: DC motor that was used was a 6V motor that was taken from a cheap RC car. Picture of the motor being used is included in this step.

Step 4: Download STL Files

Download STL files.

File titled base.STL has to be printed in halves in order to avoid 3D printing extra supports. This photo is of the half that should be 3D printed first. Remember to mirror halves on the MAKERBOT software (if that is the 3D printer of choice) so parts can be assembled and glued correctly together.

Step 5: Attach DC Motor to "BottomBase" 3D Print

Use super glue to glue DC motor with wheels onto the Basebottom 3D print. There is a slot on the print that allows the motor to slip snug in like the photo shown.

Step 6: Place Electronics on BottomBase

Using double tape, the battery pack can be taped to the bottombase 3D print (as shown in the photo above).

Also, tape the breadboard on top of the battery pack so that all parts are not wriggling around inside the car when it is in motion.

Step 7: Add Rear Wheels to Reduce Friction

Using a plastic hanger and wheels from a small toy car (as shown above), double tape or super glue them to the bottom of the Bottombase 3D print (as shown in photo above) to allow car to drive better.

Step 8: Secure Arduino to Base 3D Print

Make sure to super glue the 2 halves of the base together.

Then, attach the Arduino to the inside of the base (as shown in the photo above).

Step 9: Complete Assembly

Plug the yellow wire from the breadboard to the 11 Pin and the green wire to the 7 Pin on the Arduino.

Refer to the Fritzing diagram to make sure the circuit is set up correctly.

Step 10: Fail Step Is Paint!

Apply paint and have fun!

Step 11: Turn the Battery on and Press Power!

Here is a video of the Project itself, working.