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RC car

Build your own RC car that you can control remotely! Learn the basics of programming, electronics, and driving in a fun way - ideal for teaching and home DIY.
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Description

The RC car is a nimble and easy-to-control vehicle that serves as an excellent start to the world of robotics and programming. Thanks to its simple design and control using two servo motors - one for forward and reverse movement, the other for turning - it is ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of electronics and working with the micro:bit.

The car is compatible with the MB3 expansion board and can be controlled either with pre-programmed commands or wirelessly using a joystick or Bluetooth via a mobile device. The construction of 3D printed parts allows for easy maintenance and possible expansions. The vehicle is suitable for both teaching and home experiments - it develops technical thinking, logic and dexterity. Thanks to compatibility with MakeCode and Python, it is ideal for both beginners and more advanced tinkerers.

Components


BBC MICRO:BIT V2.2

Joystick

RC car

Connection

For the proper functioning of the RC car, we recommend using high-quality alkaline batteries. When using rechargeable batteries, the RC car may not function properly and power outages may occur.

Two servo motors are used in the RC car. Orange servo motor 360° serves for propulsion and is connected to p0. Green servo motor 180° controls the steering of the wheels and engages on p1. Make sure the connection is correct before starting the program for the first time.

Programme

Programming an RC car is divided into three parts: basic structure , joystick control and Bluetooth control . The car does not use a special library - control is carried out using blocks "write servo value to pin". For remote control, you can use a joystick with a second micro:bit - just set the same radio group for the controller and receiver. The RC car can also be controlled from a mobile phone using an application via Bluetooth - just upload the prepared program and connect without a pairing code.

Basic structure

Here you will find a basic project for an RC car, ready for programming in the MakeCode environment. The vehicle is controlled using blocks that write values to specific pins. Pin P0 (servo 360°) is used for propulsion and pin P1 (servo 180°) for direction control. The program does not use any special library – everything is controlled directly using blocks “write servo value to pin”. After opening the project, just modify the program according to the tasks and upload it to the micro:bit.

Joystick control

Joystick - controller

Here you will find a joystick programming project that allows you to control your RC car remotely. Click on the program editing icon to open the sample program.

If there are multiple controllers in the room, it is necessary to change the radio group so that the devices do not interfere with each other. You set the group using the "Radio set group" block.

RC car - receiver

Here you can find the program for the RC car so that you can control it with the joystick controller. In the program, you need to set the same "Radio set group" as in the controller program so that the two devices communicate properly.

Control via Android/iOS mobile device

Micro:bit has built-in Bluetooth, which allows you to control its movement from a tablet or mobile phone. Connecting is very simple, just have Bluetooth turned on on the device and follow the instructions.

EV-micro:bit tablet/mobile phone controller

The EV-micro:Bit application from Google Play or AppStore is used as the controller.

  • Before connecting the micro:bit in the EV - microbit application, it is necessary to download the program below to the micro:bit.
  • The receiver program is set up so that it is not necessary to enter the pairing code from the micro:bit display.
  • If you are unsure how to connect the micro:bit, you can find instructions at the very bottom of this page.

RC car - receiver

Here you can find the program for the RC car so you can control it using your mobile device.

After successful connection, you can immediately start controlling the RC car.

Control using an older Android mobile device

Web application

The EV-micro:bit app cannot be downloaded to some Android mobile devices. That's why we created a web app that allows you to control the micro:bit with the same commands - it works with the same micro:bit program.

  • Open the web page.
  • Click the button Connect.
  • Select your micro:bit device and choose Peer.
  • Control with buttons.

If you want to explore the source code of the web application, you can find it here.

Open the application

Tasks

Task 1: First ride forward

Learn about motor control and steering blocks. Use the blocks to create a program that moves a car straight ahead for one second.

Task 2: Turning right and left

Use the servo control block to adjust the wheel rotation to the left and right. Try different angles and watch how the direction of travel changes.

Task 3: Precise turn

Plan a route where the car first goes straight, then turns (e.g. 90° to the right) and then goes straight again. Use timing and servos to set the correct values for smooth turns.

Task 4: Reversing direction

Create a program that allows the car to reach the end of a 1-meter route, then turn around (stop, turn in place) and return to the starting point.

Task 5: Driving according to shape

Plan the car's movement in a square shape. Set up alternating forward movement and 90° turns. Try a triangle or other geometric shape.

Task 6: Driving in a circle

Using a slight turn of the wheels and a constant speed, program the car to drive in a circle with a diameter of approximately 40 cm. Adjust the speed and servo angle until you can complete the entire circle.

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