Beginner Options For Remote Control

Hey there world!

So Im new to microcontrollers but I'm catching on pretty quick. I've scoured the forums and internet for some options, but I can't find anything really understandable.

My basic situation is that I need to remotely control my tank style robot. What are my options for doing this?

What I know so far is that for beginners, using IR would be the easiest solution.
But I would like my Rob. to have a little more freedom.

So what are some simple and cost effective options for this?
RF receivers and transmitters?
Blue tooth?
Wireless game controllers?
Any and all suggestions are helpful (except for setups the would cost upwards of $50 US

CHEERS!

My basic situation is that I need to remotely control my tank style robot. What are my options for doing this?

Radio waves of some sort. Which frequency and which technology depend a lot on what kind of data you are trying to send and receive, and what your speed and reliability requirements are.

IR requires line of sight, and some means of keeping ambient light from interfering - something that is difficult to manage if you are thinking about operating outdoors.

RF receivers and transmitters come in a lot of styles, frequencies, prices, reliability. The more reliable, longer range, higher data rates, the more you can expect to pay.

Blue tooth is limited in range, and success stories are pretty scarce on this forum.

Wireless game controllers are generally pretty limited in range and in the kinds of data that can be sent, and require a matching receiver.

Any and all suggestions are helpful (except for setups the would cost upwards of $50 US

$50 barely covers any kind of reliable communication system with any range and transmission rate.

Of course, what will work depends on a lot of things you haven't stated.

Fair enough, all I'm looking to do is contol movement of two motors. I've already completed a sketch that can take two analog signals (similar to two POTs). I also have a digital 4 button setup.

My low budget is due to my low requirements. Basically I just need a wireless joystick. I'm not familiar with how advanced data that is but it seems like pretty low.
Essentially the only capabilities I require are that of a 10 dollar RC car from Walmart.

The point of this project is just to get me started on wireless control and interpreting signals.

For anybody that is familiar with it, there are Arduino Nunchuck projects and also another that uses an Arduino to adapt a GameCube controller to an N64. If I could use a wired GameCube controller to control my arduino, I'm sure I could get a wavebird to do the same. Just an idea. But suggestions people please!

To get started, use Virtualwire library and a set of RF parts like this

http://www.robotshop.com/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ons-02&lang=en-US

Read your joystick, send the info out. If a simple analog pot joystick, easy to do.

Receive the info, act on it.

Thank you! This is exactly what I'm talking about. This should cover my needs just fine.

I do realize though that I'd have to build a controller. To make the transmitter work would I need a micro controller? Or can I just power it and feed the output of a sensor into it?

The description mentioned modulated signals. Does this mean that what my arduino would receive would be a modulated signal? Or am I wrong?

Are there any other things you could think of that would work with an already existing transmitter?

To make the transmitter work would I need a micro controller? Or can I just power it and feed the output of a sensor into it?

Yes, you need a microcontroller.

The description mentioned modulated signals. Does this mean that what my arduino would receive would be a modulated signal?

No. The receiver would receive a modulated signal, and it would demodulate is to get the data that it makes available to the Arduino.

Are there any other things you could think of that would work with an already existing transmitter?

Cheese, bologna, and a little mustard.

Of course, the answers might be just a tiny bit less frivolous if you were to mention what kind of existing transmitter you were referring to.

A 27MHz remote for a cheap rc car. No idea if it is analog or digital.

If I can't get something working with that. I think I'll just try a wireless nunchuck as there is good documentation on that.

Do you have a 27 MHz receiver to go with the 27 MHz remote?
Same with the nunchuck - what will receive the signals?