🚗💨 Building a WiFi-Controlled Car with ESP32 💡🔧

I'm thrilled to share my recent project where I created a WiFi-controlled car using an ESP32 microcontroller, L298N motor driver, 4-wheel car chassis, and a Li-ion battery. 🚙✨

🔥 Video Link : Video Link

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Table of Contents

• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Components
• Assembly
• Programming the ESP32
  • Setting Up the Environment
• Learning Process
• Challenges and Solutions
• Project Highlights
• Images
  • Car Chassis Setup
  • L298N Motor Driver
  • Motor Interior View
  • Programming the ESP32
  • Complete Structure
  • Control Page
  • ESP32 Board
• Video

Introduction

This project involves creating a WiFi-controlled car using an ESP32 microcontroller, L298N motor driver, 4-wheel car chassis, and a Li-ion battery. The car can be controlled wirelessly via a web interface using WebSockets.

Components

• ESP32 Microcontroller
• L298N Motor Driver
• 4-Wheel Car Chassis
• Li-ion Battery
• Jumper Wires
• Breadboard (optional)
• USB Cable for Programming
• Computer with Arduino IDE

Assembly

1. Car Chassis Setup : Assemble the 4-wheel car chassis as per the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the motors to the chassis.

2. Connecting the Motor Driver : Connect the motors to the L298N motor driver.

   • Connect motor A to the OUT1 and OUT2 terminals.
   • Connect motor B to the OUT3 and OUT4 terminals.

3. Connecting ESP32 to Motor Driver :

   • IN1 -> GPIO 2
   • IN2 -> GPIO 4
   • IN3 -> GPIO 16
   • IN4 -> GPIO 17
   • ENA -> not connected
   • ENB -> not connected

4. Power Connections :

   • Connect the ESP32's VIN to the 5V output of the L298N.
   • Connect the GNDs together.

Programming the ESP32

Setting Up the Environment

1. Install Arduino IDE
2. ESP32 Board Setup
3. Library Installation

Learning Process

• ESP32: Understanding its capabilities and how to program it.
• L298N Motor Driver: Learning its functionalities and how to control it.
• Arduino Basics: Refreshing my knowledge and applying it in this project.
• WebSocket: Integrating WebSocket for real-time communication.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Programming ESP32 with WebSocket :

   • Challenge : Integrating WebSocket for real-time control.
   • Solution : Used WebSocketsServer library to establish communication and control signals.

2. Car Chassis Setup :

   • Challenge : Properly assembling the car chassis and connecting all components.
   • Solution : Followed detailed assembly guides and ensured secure connections.

3. Control Page Design :

   • Challenge : Creating an intuitive web interface for car control.
   • Solution : Designed a simple HTML/CSS interface with JavaScript for WebSocket communication.

Project Highlights

• Real-time control via WebSocket.
• Smooth motor control with PWM signals.
• A user-friendly web interface for controlling the car.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or are working on similar projects. Let's connect and share our experiences! 🚀

Images

Car Chassis Setup

L298N Motor Driver

Motor Interior View

Programming the ESP32

Complete Structure

Control Page

ESP32 Board

Video

#IoT #EmbeddedSystems #ESP32 #WebSocket #Arduino #TechProjects #Innovation #LearningByDoing