How to make a Bluetooth control boat using Arduino Nano

Hello and welcome back. In this project, we will learn how to make a Bluetooth control boat using Arduino. For that, I’ve used the Arduino Nano board and HC05 Bluetooth module, but you can use any Arduino board you have. It’s a cool project and doesn’t cost much. I believe you can do it easily. No need for extra remotes or receivers for the boat. You can control it with your smartphone using the SriTu Hobby Bluetooth controller.

Also, for controlling the 180DC motor, I used a 30A Brush ESC, but you can use the L298N motor driver module if you prefer. Also, I made the boat body using the 5mm foam board, and you can easily follow our instructions to do the same.

• How to make Bluetooth boat using Arduino UNO board – Click on me

OK, let’s do it step by step. The required components are given below.

• Arduino Nano board — Our store / Amazon
• HC05 Bluetooth module — Our store / Amazon
• 180sh DC motor — Our store / Amazon
• RC boar shaft and propeller — Our store / Amazon
• 30A Mini brushed ESC — Our store / Amazon
• JST 2pin Male and Female — Our store / Amazon
• Li-ion battery holder — Our store / Amazon
• Li-ion battery x 2 — Amazon
• SG90 servo motor — Our store / Amazon
• Nylon Control Horn — Our store / Amazon
• 5mm Foam Board — Amazon
• Jumper wires — Our store / Amazon
• Breadboard — Our store / Amazon

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, cut the back part and middle part of the boat body. For that, use the sizes below.

Step 3

Thirdly, cut the bottom parts of this boat.

Step 4

Now, cut the side parts of this boat.

Step 5

Next, paste the bottom parts on the boat’s back part.

Step 6

Now, paste the middle part. Then, create the front of this boat.

Step 7

Next, glue the side pieces and cut away the unnecessary pieces. Then smooth this boat using sandpaper.

Step 8

Now, glue the foam board strips onto the edges of the boat.

Step 9

Next, solder the JST female cable to the motor. Then, connect the boat shaft to the motor.

Step 10

Now, install the boat shaft and motor in the center of the boat. For that, use the pictures below.

Step 11

Next, cover the front of this boat. Then, paste a piece of foam board for mounting the battery holder.

Step 12

Now, let’s set up the boat rudder. For that, I have used a door hinge and a piece of foam board. But, you can use any other suitable material.

Step 13

After, install the servo motor and connect the push rod to the rudder. For that, I have used an iron stick and Nylon Control Horn.

Step 14

Now, install the battery holder and connect the motor and battery holder to the ESC. Then, cover the front and back sides using the foam board pieces.

Step 15

Next, place the Arduino nano board and Bluetooth module on the breadboard.

Step 16

After that, connect the all components to the Arduino Nano board. For that, use the circuit diagram below.

Step 17

Next, install the breadboard as you like. I have installed it on the front of this boat.

Step 18

Now connect the Arduino board to the computer. Then, remove the Bluetooth module.

• Code and circuit diagram — Download
• Next, copy and paste the following program into the Arduino IDE.

#include <Servo.h>
#define Spoint 90
#define left 130
#define right 50
#define ESC 3

Servo servo;
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  servo.attach(9);
  servo.write(Spoint);
  pinMode(ESC, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
    if (Serial.available() > 0) {
      char value = Serial.read();
  
      if (value == 'L') {
        servo.write(left);
        delay(10);
      } else if (value == 'R') {
        servo.write(right);
        delay(10);
       } else if (value == 'U') {
        analogWrite(ESC, 120);
        delay(10);
      } else if (value == 'D') {
        analogWrite(ESC, 250);
        delay(10);
      } else if (value == 'S') {
        servo.write(Spoint);
        analogWrite(ESC, 187);
        delay(10);
      }
    }

}

• You can change the servo motor values as you like. It depends on your servo motor installation location.
• Now, select the board and port. After, click the upload button.

Step 19

After that, remove the USB cable and reconnect the Bluetooth module. Now, put the batteries into the battery holder and power on the ESC.

Step 20

Next, let’s set up the Bluetooth controller. For that, I used our SriTu Hobby app.

• First, download and install it from the Play Store.
• SriTu Hobby App — Download
• Then, open this app and click on the control tab. After that, select your remote control.

• Now, click the gear wheel button and click the “Connect to device” button. Then, you can select your device. In this case, you have to enable location and location permission.
• If you complete all the steps, the app will connect and you will see the green indicator.

Now, you can test your boat. The full video guide is below. So, we hope to see you in the next project. Have a good day.

Troubleshooting

• Check the power source.
• Check the motor and ESC wire connections.
• Check the Bluetooth module jumper wires.
• Update the SriTu Hobby app.

How to make a Bluetooth control boat using Arduino Nano