Building an Arduino RC car

Let's Make Robots Project Ideas
1

Hi there!

I need some advice on how to go about this project. I bought build kit assembly of a Lambo (link below) and I was looking to somehow turn it into an RC Bluetooth car from Arduino.

Lambo kit: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01ETU47Z0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I’m aware that I need the Nano and the Motor Drive Shield as well as batteries, and battery case. I have a couple of questions.

  1. A lot of tutorials I’ve seen with installing the Bluetooth Module are from people who have Andriods. I’m looking for one for iOS since I don’t have an Andriod. What would be the best way?

  2. I was thinking of adding LED lights for the brakes and code it so it syncs to when it drives. Would I have to add the LED lights on the motor drive sheild? (This isn’t a big deal, just thought might as well add if I’m going to be building everything anyways).

  3. I’m aware the wheels that come with the car is already built into the plastic base which I may have to remove or make a new base. Would the wheels work or should I consider buying new wheels from RobotShop?

  4. Also considering getting smaller DC motors but aren’t sure if they would work the same. I want to avoid soldering the wires but would any DC motors connect to Arduino board or is there one, in particular, I have to consider?

Thanks!

3

Hello @hope026,

Welcome to RobotShop community.

  1. Here’s a cool tutorial to show you how to build the car and control it using an IOS app:
    https://www.instructables.com/Bluetooth-DIY-RC-Car-With-IOS/

  2. You don’t need to add the LED to the driver, just connect them to the Arduino and add a line in the code.

  3. Well, it depends on the motor you’ll use but you are more likely to need new wheels.

  4. Usually for such cars, you can get the yellow dc motors or even the ones without the gearbox like that one:
    https://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/130-size-brushed-dc-motor-3v-12000rpm.html

But it’s also depending on the way you’ll connect them to the wheels and how the wheels will fit beneath the chasse.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

Sincerely,