How to create a Bluetooth-controlled machine based on Arduino Nano

26 August 2024 3 minutes Author: Cyber Witcher

Today’s article is about creating your own Bluetooth-controlled car. It describes in detail the necessary components, their connection and features of working with them.

Required components:

Arduino Nano
Bluetooth module HC-05
Dual engine driver on L298N
Arduino Gear Motor
Lithium batteries 2 pcs. (capacity will only affect battery life)
Battery compartment
A breadboard and a set of wires
Computer/laptop

Connecting components

It is convenient to use a breadboard to connect elements, because it does not require soldering and it is convenient to make changes to it. You can learn exactly how to use a breadboard from this video lesson.

Scheme of the breadboard:

You need to connect the components according to the following scheme:

Connection features:

1. In order for the Arduino to work stably, you can solder 100 nF capacitors to the motors, as shown in the figure:

Inductive emissions that can be created by the motor lead to unstable operation of the Arduino. To prevent this, ceramic capacitors are installed.

If one capacitor did not help, you can add two more by soldering them between one of the terminals and the body. To do this, the place of soldering should be cleaned with a felt or a file and use soldering acid. But after soldering, it must be washed off, because over time it can dissolve the leads of the components.

2. If the motor rotates backwards when it should rotate forwards, then the polarity of the wires going to the L298N driver should be reversed.

3. When connecting the battery and motors to the L298N, you should use wires with a sufficient conductor cross-section, because a large current will flow through them. Signal connections (all others) can be made with wire of smaller cross-section.

Firmware

**If you do not have the Arduino IDE installed, we recommend watching the video tutorial, which shows how to install and configure it.
At this link you will find information on how to install the driver on the Arduino board.**
Download the firmware file from this link.
After that, upload it to the board according to the instructions in the video above.

Importantly!

You need to flash the Arduino before connecting all the components. If batteries or other parts are connected to it during the firmware, you risk burning (literally) your computer and Arduino.