Introduction: The RC Boat From Scratch (DIY RC Transmitter and Receiver)

This project is about building a RC boat of you own and also making your own 2.4ghz transmitter and receiver. I got this idea because i was always fascinated by RC boats....so i thought "why don't you make one?" Frankly speaking whats the use of making a RC boat when its not 100% of your work so i made my own my RC 2.4ghz transmitter and receiver using "the best" and "the most easy to use" Arduino platform (personally my all time favorite platform #thebest)

Step 1: Collecting the Parts

I did not use all of these parts but using the following would give you superb results!

Parts for the Boat ( includes receiver )

Parts for the Transmitter

  • Aluminum Cladding board
  • 2x joystick modules
  • 1x Arduino pro mini
  • 1x TP4056 module TP4056
  • 1x Li-ion battery battery
  • 1x Nrf24L01 NRF24l01
  • jumper wires
  • 1x NRF24l01 base adapter module
  • 1x step-up boost converter module

Additional equipment you will need

  • Hot glue gun with hot glue sticks
  • super glue
  • screws
  • pen knife

Step 2: Building the RC Boat

  • Frankly speaking i could not take pictures of my construction but this video would give you a better insight on how to construct your own boat using KT board or rather foam board, But this video contains many of the parts made from other materials which also can be used to make your RC boat such as the rudder shaft etc.
  • After constructing the hull of the boat make sure you immerse it in water in-order to ensure its waterproof and if there are any leaks fill it with hot glue.
  • I used a piece of cladding board to cover the top part cut in the shape of the boat.
  • If you are going to frequently clean or inspect the interior hull of the boat rather than a permanent fit you will have to cut two squares on the top of the boat in other word the cladding cover as shown in the image or the video.
  • Install the RC boat shaft as shown in the video and images along with the rudder and propeller.
  • Connect the brush-less motor to the shaft via the coupling.

Step 3: Electronics (Receiver)

  • First we need to setup the Arduino connections to the NRF24l01, this is pretty straight forward and this link would be the best place to find your connection to the Arduino after plugging the NRF24l01 module to its base!
  • Next connect the ESC to the Arduino where:
    1. 5v connect to 5v Of Arduino
    2. Gnd connects to Gnd of Arduino
    3. Signal pin to Digital pin 2
  • As my ESc has a BEC in it i can use the ESc to power my Arduino
  • Next connect the Servo
    1. 5v connect to 5v Of Arduino
    2. Gnd connects to Gnd of Arduino

    3. Signal pin to Digital pin 2

  • Next connect the ESC to the brush-less motor.
  • Upload the code using Arduino IDE
  • I have attached Fritzing files which you'll can download and see the sketch.

Step 4: Building the Transmitter Box

I used the aluminium cladding board to make a box to fit my transmitter, in which i mounted all the components such as the joystick, Arduino etc

You'll can even test try this by just hot gluing all the components to a piece of wood!

Step 5: Electronics (transmitter)

  • First we need to setup the Arduino connections to the NRF24l01, this is pretty straight forward and this link would be the best place to find your connection to the Arduino after plugging the NRF24l01 module to its base!
  • Next connect the joystick modules to the Arduino as follows:
  • For Throttle i used a 1-axis joystick from an old transmitter i had which is more of a potentiometer or you'll can remove the module and get rid of one potentiometer or even use a normal pot!
    1. GND to GNd of Arduino
    2. 5V to 5V of Arduino
    3. Signal pin to A0
  • For Direction
    1. GND to GND of Arduino
    2. 5v to 5v of Arduino
    3. VRy to A1 of Arduino
  • If there is any problem try switching the signal pins
  • Next connect the step up boost converter to the battery via toggle switch and connect the TP4056 module as shown in the Fritzing files attached.
  • Finally upload the code and test the whole system

Step 6: All Done!

After all the connections are done to the whole system make sure they don't remove maybe by hot-gluing them. If you'll wish to enhance the range of the boat you'll could use this module.

Further improvements could be adding a FPV or GO-PRO camera to it so it could record all the footage!

Thank you!

If you'll have any doubts or errors feel free to contact me via e-mail.

Do give me a thumbs up!