How to make a R/C robot car of your own

Remote controlled ‘toy’ cars have always held the imagination of a multitude of fans starting from kids to even DIY enthusiasts and modders. The technology that specifically belonged to the electronic toy industry a few years back is pretty simplistically available to us common folk now. This trend has actually started a sort of ‘home grown’ RC conceptions that are very much detailed in their bearing and effectual in their performance. So, if you have the tad bit of passion and some specific materials relating to these cars, then making a RC car of your own is after all not that difficult. In relation to this, we present a very basic outline of contriving a customized RC car.

R/C robot car

Difficulty level: Moderate (Requires basic knowledge)

Time required: Depends upon your overall skill level, but a basic version can be completed within a week.

Resources required:

1) Wood, plastic or metal for designing of the main chassis.

2) Remote control kit

3) Batteries

4) Motors

5) Wheel components and shafts

6) Duct tapes for attaching the motors and wheels.

Cost estimate

Again depends upon the complexity of the final end product of the RC car. Components such as the remote control kit can be ordered online.

Instructions

Coming to the chassis, it can considered as the base component upon which your car will be built. That means it will define the car visually as well as act as the primary supporting system for the other components. So, it is important to choose the right material and shape of your framework; preferably one that can bridge the gap between aesthetics and practicality. Considering the limited availability of power (from batteries), we should go for a lighter chassis for greater magnitude of power to weight ratio. In such cases wood and plastic are the best choices. Metals can also be used, in case of sturdier and heavy duty builds.

So, after carving out your customized chassis, now it is time to move on the next component, that is a full fledged remote controlled kit. Now, an own-built contraption may be difficult to assemble, especially for us amateurs. But we can always order ready made kits online and that too at pretty reasonable rates. Here are some links - ElectronicKits, EverythingRCCars and AMainHobbies.

Coming to the power segment, the performance of your car is intrinsically related to the power output capacity of the battery system used. According to physics, a standard 300-500 RPM motor requires between 9 to 12 volts of current. In regard to this, rechargeable batteries will always remain the best option, naturally because of its sustained output. Other more conventional options include the utilization of Alkaline or Zinc batteries. Moreover, if you can work out the optimized circuitry relating to series and parallel combination, the power output can be enhanced.

The maneuvering part of the vehicle, that is conversion of electrical energy (from batteries) to mechanical kinetic energy comes from the motor component. In RC cars one has to use a DC motor, which is to be inherently geared down to result in lower speed but higher torque (or moment of force in physics). Motors within the range of 300-500 RPM are optimum for the maneuvering criteria. It should be remembered that motors should be connected with their shafts in a line with each other, for an output pertaining to differential turning mechanism.

Finally coming to wheels, it should be duly noted that there basically two types of wheels that can be utilized for steering. The first type is the rear one that may be directly connected to the motor setup. The second and more advanced type is the frontal castor wheel, which has the capacity for 360 degrees rotation. The wheels in turn can be affixed to the shaft by means of screws or by wrapping masking tape around the shaft length.

Frequently asked questions

How to create the remote control kit?

The designing of a remote control kit all by yourself may prove to be tricky. So for beginners, it is best to order them online.

What is the performance level of a RC electric car?

Most of the cars have the ability to perform for about 6 to 8 minutes. Top speed for such electric cars can range between 20 - 30 mph.

Where to get the motor and wheel components?

You can get the products at specialized electronic stores and even at electrical appliance stores. Moreover, you can also specifically order them online at a reasonable price.

Quick tip

The lightness of the chassis is directly proportional to the level of maneuverability of a car. This imparts a greater degree of weight to power ratio. But, if you want to have a boisterous build, then you can go for heavier metallic parts. Though, that can serve you better visually rather than practically.

Things to watch out for

As with all battery powered conceptions, there can be cases of leakage from the battery component. This active chemical leakage in turn can then damage the equipment that the batteries were inserted into. So they should be removed from the car, if not in use for extended period.