Introduction: RC Plane V-1 (Transmitter)

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Today I am going to make the transmitter part of the RC plane with the NRF24lo1 module. It is a widespread module in the case of transmitting and receiving data. When I was a child, I always liked to play with RC toys. It was one of my favorite things to play. Then one day, I saw on Youtube many videos on readymade RC transmitter and receiver projects. Then I thought to make this homemade and easy-to-make transmitter and receiver with an NRF module. This project is easy to make, but you have to be careful when dealing with the NRF24lo1 module. This module is susceptible; in case of giving it the power, it can only take 3.3volts or a bit less but more will damage it immediately. I will also give you a demo video of the making of this transmitter and receiver. I will also do projects like RC cars, or hovercraft with this transmitter and receiver. So let us start to make the transmitter first.

Step 1: TRANSMITTER COMPONENTS

The things you need to build the transmitter is given below:

  • 1x Arduino Pro Mini 3.3v 8Mhz (you can use any Arduino board).
  • 1x Joystick
  • 1x Nrf24lo1
  • 1x AMS1117 3.3 volts regulator
  • 1x 5 volts boost converter
  • 2x 20k potentiometer
  • Zero PCB board
  • Female header
  • 1x 104 pf capacitor
  • 1x 100uf 25/50v capacitor
  • 1x 10uf 25v capacitor
  • 1x Toggle switch
  • 1x SPDT switch

Step 2: Transmitter Circuit Diagram

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM EXPLANATION:-

First, I solder Arduino Pro Mini with female headers on a Zero PCB board. And I also solder female wire header to Arduino Pro Mini's programming wires.

Then I solder the NRF module with female headers on a double-sided PCB board, and I also solder wires(wires of NRF module) on the upper side of the female headers and don't forget to connect a 10uf 25v capacitor on the output and GND of the NRF module

Then I solder the AMS1117 3.3volts regulator on the upper left side of the double-sided PCB board, and I connect a 102 pf capacitor to the input and GND of the 3.3volts regulator. I also attached a 100uf 50v capacitor to the input of the AMS117(This is optional).

Then I connect the output and GND of AMS1117 to the VCC and GND of the NRF24lo1 module, respectively.

Then I connect the wires of the NRF module to Arduino Pro Mini according to the circuit diagram.

Then I connect the VCC, GND, OUT of the throttle potentiometer(20k pot) to RAW, GND, and A0 of the Arduino Pro Mini, respectively.

After that, I solder the joystick to a Zero PCB board according to the pictures.

Then I connect the VCC, GND, X-axis, and Y-axis of the joystick module to RAW, GND, A1, and A2 of the Arduino Pro Mini, respectively.

After that, I connect the VCC, GND, and OUT of another potentiometer (Channel 2) to RAW, GND, and A3 of the Arduino Pro Mini, respectively.

Then I connect the COM and SW1 of the toggle switch to RAW and D4 of the Arduino Pro Mini, respectively. (also connect a 10k resistor to the SW1 and GND of the Arduino).

Lastly, I connect RAW and GND of Arduino Pro Mini to the output of dc 5v boost converter and the INPUT and GND of 5v dc boost converter to 3.7v Li-po battery.

WIRING DIAGRAM:-

5v boost converter>>3.7v li-po battery

  • input >> VCC
  • GND >> GND

Arduino>>5v dc boost converter

  • RAW >> output(5volts)
  • GND >> GND

Joystick>>Arduino

  • VCC >> RAW
  • GND >> GND
  • X axis >> A1
  • Y axis >> A2

Potentiometer(throttle)>>Arduino

  • VCC>> RAW
  • GND >> GND
  • OUT >> A1

Nrf24lo1>>Arduino

  • VCC >> output of AMS1117 3.3volts
  • GND >> GND of AMS1117
  • 10 >> CSN
  • 9 >> CE
  • 13 >> SCK
  • 11 >> MOSI
  • 12 >> MISO

Potentiometer(channel 2)>>Arduino

  • VCC>> RAW
  • GND >> GND
  • OUT >> A1

Toggle switch(channel 1)>>Arduino

  • COM >> RAW
  • SW1 >> D4
  • SW1>> 10k resistor >> GND

Step 3: Setup of the Transmitter

At first, I take a plastic box. You can also make a box as you want. There is no measurement of it. You can take measurements as your wish.


Then I cut two holes on the front, one on the left and one on the right, respectively, for the joystick and the throttle potentiometer(20k potentiometer), and I also cut two circular holes at the front side for the toggle switch and another(10k - 20k)potentiometer(channel 2).


Now I fix the toggle switch and the potentiometer inside the holes on the front side with hot glue. 


Then I hot glued the throttle potentiometer on the tall hole's side and hot glued a stick on the potentiometer to push and pull the throttle.


Then I lifted the joystick module with some styrofoam to bring it out of the joystick hole that I cut earlier and hot glued the joystick at this place.


Then I place the Arduino Pro Mini 3.3v board at the center bottom point inside the plastic box.


Then I place the NRF module and AMS117 3.3volts regulator board at the center top point inside. (NOTE: Don't forget to tape the bottom of the PCB board of the NRF module and Arduino Pro Mini).


Then I cut another hole on the front at the center of the plastic box and hot glued the SPDT switch for the power on and off.

 

Lastly, I cut a small hole on the left of the plastic and hot glued the programing wires of the Arduino Pro Mini and the power wires(6-12 volts). 

And your transmitter is done and ready to go now on the next step, we will make the receiver.

Step 4: RC Transmitter Code

Below Is the code is for the transmitter. But the receiver tutorial is for another project. However, this transmitter project is already big enough. So I will make the receiver for this transmitter as soon as I can. However, the receiver will not be a universal receiver; you will not be able to use it for every hobby-grade toy. The receiver project with full details is coming soon, so follow me on Instructables.

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