1. Bluetooth operated Arduino Controlled Car
James Innacell, Bruna Santos, Daniel Fernandez Coviella, Kareem Saleh,
Anis Vohra, Xingguo Xiong Department of Computer Science & Computer Engineering
University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT
Abstract
Arduino is a low-cost single board microcontroller which allows quick prototyping of various electronic systems. The microcontroller allows users to implement C++ to simulate a digital environment. Based on the Arduino platform, many different projects have been implemented for a wide variety of applications. This project implemented the use of an Arduino, Ultrasonic rangefinder, and an HC-06 Bluetooth Module to transform a simple radio controlled car into a Bluetooth operated car that is configured to simulate an anti-collision system. We installed an ultra-sonic device along with a Bluetooth module to improve the performance of the RC car. The ultra-sonic device is used as an anti collision system to help stop the RC car before it hits oncoming objects. Meanwhile, the Bluetooth module will allow the RC car to be controlled by an android device. The Arduino programming codes are developed to control the operation of the RC car. The Arduino controlled RC car is implemented and performs the correct functions as designed. The design considerations of the Arduino controlled RC car are also discussed. 1
Hard Ware / Materials
For this project to come together a few materials are needed. An RC car that can be taken apart to expose the front stepper motor that helps the vehicle turn and the rear servo motor that allows the forward and reverse movement. With the help of the L293D motor driver is allowed are DC motor to drive in either direction. L293D is a 16-pin integrated circuit which can control a set of two DC motors simultaneously in any direction. The JY-MCU Bluetooth module allowed us to connect an android device which was equipped with a controller that sent signals the Arduino micro controller. The SEN136B5B ultra-sonic range finder works like a set of on the vehicle. If the vehicle were to approach an obstacle on the road it would cut power to the motors to eventually stop the car. In order to power the RC car and all of its electronic components, the power source need to have an out-put of 9 volts.
Results and Discussion
Many alterations had to be made to the RC car to accommodate all of the electronic components. Multiple breadboards and circuits were used to safely connect the Arduino to the RC car’s motors. A secondary android application acted as a controller sending state signals to the HC-06 Bluetooth module. Due to the Arduino draining the AA batteries quickly a 9volt battery was directly connected to it to ensure ample power. Although, there were problems along the way, the final results show that the ultrasonic device worked successfully as an anti-collision system. The RC Car stopped within the designated stopping distance. Also, the other controls were not interrupted during the braking process. This allows the user to steer the RC car out of the way of an oncoming object no matter if the Arduino engages the anti collision system or not.
Circuit Diagram
Ultra Sonic Range Finder
The ultra-sonic range finder is a device that gives out a burst of ultrasound signals and times how long it takes for the echo of ultrasound to reverberate of the oncoming object. The distance between the ultra-sonic range finder can be determined by using the recorded time as along with the numerical value for the speed of sound. Based on the calculated the distance the sensor will send a signal to the Arduino Board. However, if the RC Cars to close to an oncoming object.  As a result, the RC car will deaccelerate to a stop.
COLOR
PART NAME
VOLTAGE OUTPUT
RED
Arduino Uno 9V
GREEN
SEN136B5B 5V
BROWN
L293D
PURPLE
Stepper Motor
BLUE
JY-MCU
3.3V
YELLOW
Servo Motor
Sample Code
Conclusion
The RC car did stop as programmed and flawlessly responded to the Bluetooth controller. However, the Ultrasonic Sensor and Arduino can be applied to other areas of the RC car’s performance. For instance, The Arduino could use the data obtained from the Ultra Sonic sensor to steer the RC car out of the way from the oncoming objects. Also, more sensors should be added to make the car 100% autonomous. But for now, the project displays the working principal of the ultrasonic sensor.
Please read the comments highlighted in grey for a better understanding about how the code works.