BlueCArd – part 9 – the ultimate Print and Assembly manual

How to print and assemble the Arduino-based Bluetooth (BLE) Android-controlled RC car BlueCArd.

In this tutorial, I’ll show You how to print and assemble the fully 3D printed Arduino based and through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) with Android device-controlled RC car BlueCArd.

At the end of this tutorial, You should be able to build your own BlueCArd.

3D printing the parts

I designed all parts to be as easy as possible to print.

I used these settings for all parts:

20% infill
0.2mm layer height
0.4mm nozzle

No brims or rafts are needed.

The following elements need support:

The main_base needs support only below the on/off switch hole and the screw hole for the battery pack cover.

The front_wheel_bearing_holder (left and right)

The battery_pack_cover needs some support for the screw hole

All other elements can be printed without support.

Preparing the electronic and the software

Here is a list of all the elements besides the printed parts You need: https://www.thinker-talk.com/post/bluecard-3d-printed-arduino-rc-car-part-1

The schematic of the circuit is also included in the URL above. You can connect everything using the circuit or You can follow the posts and also understand the electronic.

The source for the Android app and the Arduino sketch can be downloaded from GitHub: https://github.com/nenovmy/ardcar

I recommend installing the Android Studio and compile and deploy the Android app from there. If You don’t want to do this, You can install the Android app from the google play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nenoff.ardbttest

For the Arduino sketch, You will need the Arduino IDE: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

You can download the STL files from Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4332095

Before we go to the next step and assemble the car these steps must be completed:

Install the sketch to the Arduino Nano microcontroller
Install the Android app on an Android device (from code or from the play store)
Connect the circuit on the breadboard

breadboard with all the electronics needed for BlueCArd

Solder wires to the DC motor

Insert the battery shrapnels into the battery box and connect them with wire. The batteries have to be connected in series so the output voltage is 3.6V (for AA rechargeable) or 4.5V (for AA non-rechargeable)