In this Instructable, I will explain how to build an Arduino 4WD buggy that can be controlled with Bluetooth.

The following link will direct you to the site where I found this project:

https://www.hackster.io/andriy-baranov/smartphone-controlled-arduino-4wd-robot-car-14d239

Step 1: Requirements

Parts:

1x Arduino Unit

1x HC 06 RF Wireless Bluetooth Transceiver Slave Module

1x 4WD Smart Robot Car Chassis Kit (comes with wheels, engines, two baseplates, screws and plates for locking the engines in place)

2x SparkFun Dual H-Bridge motor drivers L298

4x LED lights

4x 220 Ohm resistors

1x Buzzer

2x Switch (on/off buttons)

1x Li-ion 9V battery

1x Arduino 9V adapter (black plug that goes into the Arduino unit.

A lot of cables (Both male-female and male-male. female-female might be needed, depending on your methods and accesibility to parts)

Software:

Arduino IDE (for programming the Arduino unit)

Arduino Bluetooth RC Car (app to control the buggy with)

Tools:

Solderingkit

Screwdriver(s)

Step 2: Wheels and Baseplates

The wheels and baseplates are relatively simple:

1. Begin with putting the plastic caps around the engines, if those have not been put on yet.

2. Strip a few cables and use the soldering kit and soldering iron to connect the stripped parts to the engine's + and - connectors.

3. Secure the engines to the bottom baseplate with the small plastic plates and screws.

4. Put the wheels on the engine (and the black discs on the inside of the vehicle on the opposite side of the wheel if said discs are included).

5. Secure the second baseplate above the engines and bottom baseplate with the screws. If there are iron cylinders included, those can be used to put around the screws and secure both baseplates in place

For extra explanation or clarity, watch the video.

Step 3: Arduino Code

Arduino Code:

1. Use a cable to connect the Arduino unit to your computer. (these cables can be found somewhere around your printer.)

2. Open the Arduino program.

3. Set the port in the 'Tools' tab to upload to your Arduino unit.

4. Open the Arduino file that comes with this Instructable Step.

5. Click on upload, let the program compile the code and upload it.

6. There you go. This step done.

BTcar_v01.2.ino
Download

Step 4: Soldering

The following parts and cables need soldering:

For clarity on what needs to connect to what, look at the Wiring Diagram.

1. The lamps need to be connected to their resistors and their cables (probably need stripping).

2. The buzzer needs to be connected to its cables.

3. The 9V adapter needs to be connected to the switches and the 9V battery.

4. There are two occasions where two cables need to go into one Arduino port. This can be done by removing the black case around the end of the male cable end. Do this with the other cable as well. Insert one of the male ends into the hole on the side of the other and fill the whole with soldering tin. Then put a shrinking tube around it and heat it up a bit so the cables aren't exposed and stay together.

For extra explanation or clarity, watch the video or look at the Wiring Diagram.

Step 5: The Rest of the Cables

The other cables are relatively simple

1. Use male-female cables to connect the Arduino unit to the H-Bridges and Bluetooth Slave Module and any other cables that only need to be plugged in.

2. The cables that need to connect to the H-bridge where the screws are can be done as followed: Raise the screw by unscrewing it partially (do not let it fall out). Then put the cables (both stripped or male ends will work) under the screw and re-secure the screw. Make sure the cables can't just fall out.

3. Connect any other cables that still need connecting according to the Wiring Diagram with any acceptable method at your disposal (cables, soldering, etc.)

For extra explanation or clarity, watch the video or look at the Wiring Diagram.

Step 6: Use of the Buggy and My Result

To give the buggy power, connect the Li-ion battery and click the switches so that lights are burning on both H-bridges, the Bluetooth Slave Module and the Arduino unit.

If everything has gone according to plan and everything has power, you should be able to find the buggy in the list of Bluetooth devices to connect with on your Phone (your bluetooth must be on). If you try to connect it will request a PIN-code, this will either be 0000 or 1234. Now open the app, click on the settings icon. Click on 'Connect To Car' and select your buggy from the Bluetooth devices list.

Now you can drive it, remember to wear your seatbelt!

ATTENTION:

My cart (the one in the pictures) wasn't a great success. I had to work with limited parts, some didn't fit, some were missing, some were broken.

I HIGHLY recommend you get the parts that are in the list, don't use something that you think might work, because the chance of it backfiring is present.