Tutorials/Arduino Projects/RC car Hacking Project/Connecting the Arduino

Revision as of 13:24, 3 July 2012

Physically connecting the Arduino can be a challenge or fairly simple depending on the size of the vehicle. Skip to the section appropriate to your vehicle.

A Large vehicle

On a large vehicle, like the Interceptor, we will be using a full-size Arduino UNO, as well as a small breadboard.

Finding room

The first thing to do is analyze the vehicle and find where we can place both the Arduino and the breadboard without impeding the placement of the covering as we aim to replace this once the hack is completed. Looking at the Interceptor, a good place for the Arduino and breadboard seems to be here:

We'll place the Arduino in front of the control board and the breadboard behind.

Attaching the Arduino

Now we need to investigate how to attach the components. The Arduino is above a hollow surface so it will need to stand off it by an inch or so. To do this, we will use standoffs. You can use any type you like. We used TETRIX standoffs as their screws fit the Arduino nicely.

WARNING! Adult supervision required when using power tools!

You need to drill holes in the base of the chassis which line up with the Arduino. You will need no more than two.

Drill the holes to line up with the Arduino's holes.

Now, it is a simple matter to screw in the standoffs...

Screwing in the standoffs.

And finally attach the Arduino to the top.

Attach the Arduino.

Attaching the breadboard

Since the breadboard is not as vital a piece of equipment, and because it comes with an adhesive backing, using zip-ties to secure it will be perfectly fine.

Attach the breadboard. If the holes are too far away, you can 'double up' your zip ties by attaching one to another.

Be sure to trim the ends when finished.

Now you have attached the components, you are ready to begin wiring.

A medium-sized vehicle

A small vehicle