Bluetooth
Controlled Model Car
15.06.09
Ever since seeing the first bluetooth controlled RC car I wanted to
make one. For those who haven't seen it, it used a serial port
Bluetooth module (about 200 USD), a "Mini SSC II" serial servo
controller board (roughly 50 USD) and an old RC car. .
Needless to say it was
unnecessarily expensive, which really put me off. So years passed until
I
suddenly stumbled across some really cheap
GP-GC021
bluetooth modules on ebay. (Update: Since then I've found an even
cheaper unit which is superior. See the RF-BT0417C)
What made them so
special was that they were directly TTL compatible UART modules. Not
only would I save vast
amounts of money, but
also effort by not having to use RS-232 voltage levels. I decided to
use the RC car
from my previous RF control endeavors, but also add servo steering so
it
would be
more fun and practical to use. Given my previous work on the COM laser
turret, controlling motors over
a serial protocol was no difficulty, and the firm- and software
required was already written. The only new thing required would be
implementing servo control over a serial protocol.