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AdvancedAges 10–16 5 h

Bluetooth RC car

A smartphone-controlled car built with Arduino, an HC-05 Bluetooth module and an L298N motor driver. Send commands from a Bluetooth app to drive it forward, backward, left and right.

Project kit

$23.79

9 parts in one box

Unlocks the code, wiring and step-by-step guide.

Or get the kit

$42.29

ThinkNMake Maker Kit · 6 projects

Objective

To build a wireless RC car that can be driven from a smartphone over Bluetooth. What you will learn 1. Bluetooth serial communication 2. Using the HC-05 module 3. H-bridge motor driver control 4. Controlling DC motor direction 5. Wireless control from a smartphone 6. Arduino programming

How it works

The smartphone app(install `Arduino Bluetooth control` app from Playstore) sends a single letter over Bluetooth: F = Forward, B = Backward, L = Left, R = Right, S = Stop The HC-05 passes the letter to the Arduino serial port. Arduino sets the IN1-IN4 pins of the L298N HIGH or LOW to spin the motors in the required direction. The L298N supplies power to motor power from the battery.

Components you'll need

ComponentQtyAvailabilityPrice
Arduino UNO R3 (compatible)×1In stock$5.19
L298N Dual Motor Driver×1In stock$2.29
2WD Acrylic Robot Chassis×1In stock$2.99
Jumper Wire Set (120 pcs)×1In stock$2.99
4×AA Battery Holder with Switch×1In stock$0.59
Buzzer & Button Pack×1In stock$0.69
HC-05 Bluetooth Module×1In stock$2.99
Bo Motor×2In stock$2.18
Bought one by one$19.91

All of these come in ThinkNMake Maker Kit.

Circuit & connections

The full wiring diagram and pin-by-pin connections.

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Code

The complete, tested sketch (50 lines), ready to upload.

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Step-by-step instructions

8 illustrated steps:

  1. 1STEP 1
  2. 2STEP 2
  3. 3STEP 3
  4. 4STEP 4
  5. 5STEP 5
  6. 6STEP 6
  7. 7STEP 7
  8. 8STEP 8
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Troubleshooting

Fixes for the problems makers hit most often on this build.

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