Introduction: Quick and Dirty RC Car/vehicle GPS Speedometer Using Esp32/neo-6m
I bought a cheap 2nd hand rolling RC car chassis as a fixer up-er, after restoring the car to a point where I could drive it I was surprised to see how rapid it was. I was simply curious as to how fast it actually was. Upon pricing a brand RC speedo I was surprised to find out how expensive a GPS speedo actually is , especially as I knew I could build one for about £15 worth of parts.
Supplies
DC DC 3V-15V To 3.3V 4.2V 5V 9V 12V Adjustable Buck Boost Module (Set to 5V output)
TP4056 5V 1A Micro USB 18650 Lithium Battery Charging and Protection Board
GPS Module NEO-6M GY-NEO6MV2 with Antenna
ESP32 WROOM
18650 or equivalent battery (I used a recycled one out of a vape)
A Switch
Step 1:
Connect the components as in the diagram
NEO 6M RX --------> pin 17 esp32
NEO 6M TX ----------> pin 16 esp32
Step 2:
you will also need arduino IDE
https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Download-and-Install-Arduino-IDE/
ESP 32 libraries
https://www.instructables.com/Installing-ESP32-on-Arduino-IDE-the-Easy-Method/
install GPS library
See Pic
use the code in the INO to programme your circuit
Attachments
Step 3:
install a Bluetooth Serial Software on your phone
android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.kai_morich.serial_bluetooth_terminal&hl=en_GB
IOS
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ble-to-serial-terminal/id1238004134
connect to the RC_Speedo device over Bluetooth open the install Bluetooth serial App and connect to the RC_Speedo device
h for help
1 to start the gps speedo
2 to stop the gps speedo
3 to return the max speed the unit moved while active.
9 to reset/clear the max speed value
Step 4:
Step 5:
these files are a really basic box to 3d print it just does the job and thats it lol, it requires hot gluing together, it also helps if bits of foam are added to protect the electronics in case of a crash
Step 6:
As a final note the RC car was a traxxas rustler 2wd, I fitted a 3660 3300kv motor with an 80 amp esc and it can do 41MPH :)