Make a RC Car

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi guys !

I own a pretty old RC car which doesn't work anymore and one of my summer project is to make her work again :smiley:

Inside there are 2 DC motor (http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_211246_-1), one for direction control and the other one control the speed of the car.

I already start my project with a Raspberry Pi, a L293D, a breaboard, a 4xAA holder (5v) and one of my DC motor but the Raspberry Pi seems kinda limited, mostly with PWM which is something I absolutely need to regulate the speed of the motor.

So I want to ask you some questions :

  • With an Arduino, my project will be " better " ? I mean, more reliable, faster ?
  • If yes, what do I need to buy to control the motors of my car ?

Thanks You !

PS : I apologize for my bad english, I'm french :smiley:

2

You would need an H-Bridge to control your motors. There are many simple modules online that would be more than enough for those motors. As far as your power supply, you might want to get something rechargeable and can supply a little more current.

Something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-4V-1200mAh-lipo-rechargeable-battery-for-YiZhan-Tarantula-X6-RC-Quadcopter-/301692184198?hash=item463e416686

What are you looking to use as a controller?

3

You would need an H-Bridge to control your motors.

An ESC (electronic speed control) would be better. They act just like servos. No PWM needed.

  • With an Arduino, my project will be " better " ? I mean, more reliable, faster ?

Better than what? Old smelly tennis shoes? Definitely. Pulled pork BBQ sandwiches? No way.

4

HazardsMind:
You would need an H-Bridge to control your motors. There are many simple modules online that would be more than enough for those motors. As far as your power supply, you might want to get something rechargeable and can supply a little more current.

Something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-4V-1200mAh-lipo-rechargeable-battery-for-YiZhan-Tarantula-X6-RC-Quadcopter-/301692184198?hash=item463e416686

What are you looking to use as a controller?

I already own of those H-Brige : a l293d.

With your rechargeable battery, I can supply both motor and Arduino ?

PaulS:
An ESC (electronic speed control) would be better. They act just like servos. No PWM needed.
Better than what? Old smelly tennis shoes? Definitely. Pulled pork BBQ sandwiches? No way.

How a ESC works ?

And when I mean " my project will be better " I compare with the project done with my Raspberry.

One more question : There is a way to connect a Arduino to my RPI to only control the motor ?

5

With your rechargeable battery, I can supply both motor and Arduino ?

Yes, but be mindful of current spikes from the H bridge.