Create an RC Vehicle

Overview

Theory

An android device is loaded with an app that communicates with RC vehicle via bluetooth.

The vehicle has an atmega (arduino) processor which reads the bluetooth command and sends pwm

pulses to the h-bridge.

A adjustable step-down power supply converts the 8V input to 5V output needed by the atmega controller.

The 8V is also passed to the h-bridge so that it has the maximum power possible to drive the motors.

Parts List

1. 4 wheels with motors ($10): http://www.banggood.com/4Pcs-DIY-Car-Model-TT-Mot...
2. 8 inch by 10 inch sheet of acetate 0.09 thickness ($4). Found at Menards

3. Slide Switch ($0.75) http://www.ebay.com/itm/5x-Black-Mini-Miniature-5...

4. Some wire (about 4 foot, 22 gauge is fine)

5. Bluetooth control module https://www.instructables.com/id/Bluetooth-RC-vehi... from [e-mail]

6. Hot Glue (about 1 stick)

7. Battery holder case for 2x18650 batteries with wire lead($0.75): http://www.ebay.com/itm/BATTERY-HOLDER-CASE-FOR-2...

8. 2 x 18650 batteries ($2.36) http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-7V-6000mAh-18650-Li-ion...

Total parts cost (about) $36

Tools list

1. Electric Dril
2. Drill bit for plastic/glass (Available in Home Depot)
3. Soldering Iron, solder
4. Hot glue gun
5. Battery charger for 18650 lithium ion battery
6. Voltmeter to adjust the voltage
7. Small flat edge screwdriver to adjust voltage
8. An android device

Steps

1. Drill holes in the sheet of acetate per photo
2. Wire the motors in "parallel", don't worry about color of wires.
3. Hot Glue the motors to the acetate sheet.
4. Screw the battery holder into the acetate holes (use 6/32 screws) , and glue in the switch.
5. Feed Motor wires through the holes.
6. Connect the power supply to the battery and adjust the voltage output.
7. Connect the other controller components
8. Load the mit app inventor 2 program "jeneral".
9. Create or acquire a bluetooth controller. See this instructable: https://www.instructables.com/id/Bluetooth-Control...
10. Pair with the bluetooth controller (password=1234)
11. Run the jeneral android app
12. Drive the vehicle.

Step 1: Drill Holes in the Acetate Sheet

Drill holes in the sheet of acetate per photo

Step 2: Wire the Motors

Wire the motors in "parallel", don't worry about color of wires.

Place a bit of hot glue at each solder joint to protect this weak spot

Step 3: Hot Glue the Motors to the Acetate Sheet.

Hot Glue the motors to the acetate sheet and push the glue through the holes, this creates a very strong bond.

Step 4: Screw in the Battery Holder

Screw the battery holder into the acetate holes (use 6/32 screws) , and glue in the switch.

Careful: The switch may pop out before the glue dries.

Step 5: Feed the Motor Wires Through the Holes

The order should be (from left to right):

Lower Right, Upper Right, Lower Left, Upper Left

Following this order will ensure that the car responds properly to the bluetooth controller

Step 6: Connect the Power Supply to the Battery

Connect the power supply to the battery and adjust the voltage output, this will require a small screwdriver

and a voltmeter. The output of the power supply should be 4.95V - 5V

Step 7: Connect the Other Controller Components

Connect the bluetooth controller according to this instructable:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Bluetooth-RC-vehic...

You can also order one from [e-mail]

Note the jumper wire from + Battery pole to h-bridge input

Step 8:

Load the mit app inventor 2 program "jeneral".

From this instructable:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Bluetooth-Control-RC-Tank-Android-Arduino/

Pair your android device with the bluetooth receiver (password=1234)

Run the jeneral android app to drive the vehicle