Convert your Toy Jeep into an Arduino Powered Bluetooth Jeep

Hello and welcome back. In this project, we will learn how to convert a toy jeep into an Arduino-powered Bluetooth Jeep. For that, I have used the Arduino Nano board, the HC-05 Bluetooth module, and the L298N motor driver board. Also, I used a toy jeep for this project. It already included two motors, one for steering and one for moving.

The Arduino Nano works as the main controller, and the Bluetooth module helps to connect the car with your smartphone. The motor driver controls the motors according to the commands sent from the phone. For this project, I used the SriTu Hobby Bluetooth Controller app to control the jeep. With this app, we can drive the car forward, backward, left, and right very easily. This is a simple project, but it is very useful for beginners to learn about Arduino. Also, you can add more lights, a horn, or even sensors and modify your jeep.

Ok, let’s do this project step by step. The required components are given below.

• Arduino Nano board — Our Store / Amazon 
• HC-05 Bluetooth module — Our Store / Amazon 
• L298N motor driver — Our Store / Amazon 
• Li-ion Battery x 2 — Amazon
• Battery holder — Our Store / Amazon
• Jumper wires — Our Store / Amazon 
• Breadboard — Our Store / Amazon 
• Toy jeep

Disclosure: These Amazon links are Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Step 1

Firstly, identify these components.

Step 2

Secondly, remove the top cover of the toy jeep. After that, mount the L298N motor driver in the center of the toy.

Step 3

Thirdly, connect the motors to the motor driver board. After that, place the breadboard in a suitable position inside the toy.

Step 4

Now, place the Arduino Nano board on the breadboard. Then, connect it to the motor driver board by following the circuit diagram below.

Step 5

Next, place the Bluetooth module on the breadboard. Then, connect it to the Arduino Nano board.

Step 6

Now, install the battery holder and connect its power wires to the motor driver board. Then, connect the Arduino Nano board to your computer.

Step 7

After that, copy and paste the following program into the Arduino IDE.

• Code and Circuit Diagram — Download

#define IN1 2
#define IN2 4
#define IN3 5
#define IN4 6

#define ENA 3
#define ENB 9

#define Speed1 255
#define Speed2 255

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN4, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  if (Serial.available() > 0) {
    char value = Serial.read();
    Serial.println(value);

    if (value == 'U') {
      Forward();
    } else if (value == 'D') {
      Backward();
    } else if (value == 'S') {
      Stop();
    } else if (value == 'L') {
      Left();
    } else if (value == 'R') {
      Right();
    } else if (value == 'T') {
      Forward();
      Left();
    } else if (value == 'F') {
      Forward();
      Right();
    } else if (value == 'H') {
      Backward();
      Left();
    }  else if (value == 'G') {
      Backward();
      Right();
    } 
  }
}

void Forward() {
  analogWrite(ENA, Speed1);
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
}
void Backward() {
  analogWrite(ENA, Speed1);
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH);
}
void Stop() {
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
}
void Left() {
  analogWrite(ENB, Speed2);
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH);
}
void Right() {
  analogWrite(ENB, Speed2);
  digitalWrite(IN3, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
}

• Now, select the board and port in the Arduino IDE. Then, remove the Bluetooth module.

• Afterward, click the Upload button and then reconnect the Bluetooth module.

Step 8

Finally, remove the USB cable and insert the batteries into the battery holder. Then, download and install the SriTu Hobby app from the Play Store.

• After that, open the Controller tab and choose the Bluetooth Car remote. Then, tap the gear icon, search for your device, and connect it.
• Now, you can control this toy jeep using your smartphone. If you want, you can also control it with your voice or gesture mode.

Convert your Toy Jeep into an Arduino Powered Bluetooth Jeep