Simple Solar Rechargeable Rover Help

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi there!

I'm in need of some guidance regarding parts for a project I'm working on. The goal is to create a simple solar rechargeable rover that allows me to program instructions. I have some solar cells, a battery holder, rechargeable batteries, and a motor. I'm in process of learning about microcontrollers and wondered if the Arduino Uno would be a good place to start.

As of now, we plan on having one power source for the two motors (possibly 6V), one controlling the back axle and one in the front. To mimic a Mars rover, I don't want to use a remote, but rather program instructions via the microcontroller. Am I even referring to this hardware correctly? I believe the microcontroller might need its own power source?

I also wonder what I need to allow the axles to move. I'm very new to this, and perhaps you may even direct me to someplace else. I haven't been able to find comprehensive instructions for creating this rover. Please bear with me. :}

Amanda

2

ajcamarata:
Hi there!

I'm in need of some guidance regarding parts for a project I'm working on. The goal is to create a simple solar rechargeable rover that allows me to program instructions. I have some solar cells, a battery holder, rechargeable batteries, and a motor. I'm in process of learning about microcontrollers and wondered if the Arduino Uno would be a good place to start.

As of now, we plan on having one power source for the two motors (possibly 6V), one controlling the back axle and one in the front. To mimic a Mars rover, I don't want to use a remote, but rather program instructions via the microcontroller. Am I even referring to this hardware correctly? I believe the microcontroller might need its own power source?

I also wonder what I need to allow the axles to move. I'm very new to this, and perhaps you may even direct me to someplace else. I haven't been able to find comprehensive instructions for creating this rover. Please bear with me. :}

Amanda

It's possible with arduino.

Buuuuut, when you've said that you're in process of starting that means you just've started?
The project you want to do is not complex (from what you have explained) but it has a lot of things for a newbie.
With your questions I think that you don't have a lot of knowledge about this world....

Anyway

ajcamarata:
As of now, we plan on having one power source for the two motors (possibly 6V), one controlling the back axle and one in the front. To mimic a Mars rover, I don't want to use a remote, but rather program instructions via the microcontroller. Am I even referring to this hardware correctly?

Yes, you could use serial comunication to interface with the rover through a computer conncected to it.

ajcamarata:
As of now, we plan on having one power source for the two motors (possibly 6V), one controlling the back axle and one in the front. To mimic a Mars rover, I don't want to use a remote, but rather program instructions via the microcontroller. Am I even referring to this hardware correctly? I believe the microcontroller might need its own power source?

Amanda

It has a voltage regulator that steps down a given voltage (above 7V I would say). For lower voltages external components are needed (I'm simplifying a lot, but that is the main idea)

3

I also wonder what I need to allow the axles to move.

For someone starting out, consider something like this rover chassis kit. I have one in my collection and it is reasonably well designed.

You need motor drivers, an Arduino of any sort and some sensors to complete it. This motor driver will handle a pair of motors on one side, connected in parallel, so you need two.

The kit has wheel encoders, which help determine how far it has moved and to make accurate turns. It is intended for 5xAA NiMH batteries, which could be charged by a small 8-12V solar panel.

4

How far do you want to drive with a fully charged battery, and how long will it take to recharge it?