How to Make a Bluetooth RC Boat with Arduino | DIY Arduino boat with HC05 Bluetooth module

Hello and welcome back. In this project, we will learn how to make a DIY Bluetooth-controlled boat using the Arduino Nano board. I used the HC-05 Bluetooth module for Bluetooth communication, but you can use any other compatible module like the HC-06 or HM-10, depending on what you have. For controlling this boat, I used the SriTu Hobby Bluetooth controller app, which is very easy to use and works well with the HC-05 module. You can download this app using this link.

For the boat chassis, I used 5mm foam board. You can use other materials too, like plastic sheets or balsa wood. Also, you can customize the size and shape of the rudder, propeller, and shaft based on your design. It all depends on your budget, tools, and experience. To make the wiring easier and cleaner, I have designed a custom PCB for this project. So, we don’t need a breadboard or a lot of jumper wires.

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

• Arduino Nano board — Our store / Amazon
• HC05 Bluetooth module — Our store / Amazon
• 180sh / FC-280SA DC motor — Our store / Amazon
• RC boar shaft and propeller — Our store / Amazon
• 30A Mini brushed ESC — Our store / Amazon
• Female header x 1 — Our store / Amazon
• Male header x 1 — Our store / Amazon
• JST 2-pin 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
• 5mm Foam Board — Amazon

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

Step 1

Firstly, identify the components.

Step 2

Secondly, let’s order the PCBs for this project.

• First, go to the JLCPCB official website and log in to your account. If you are a new customer, please use my link here to register and claim $70 in new user coupons.

• Click the “Instant Quote” button and upload the Gerber file, which you can download from the link below.
• Gerber file – Download
• For this project, I ordered five Purple PCBs. Next, select the build time and shipping method. Finally, click “Save to Cart” and complete the payment.

Step 3

Thirdly, unbox your PCB package carefully.

Step 4

Next, solder the female and male headers onto the PCB.

Step 5

Now, let’s create the boat. For that, I used 5mm foam board pieces. First, cut foam board pieces in the following sizes to make the boat body.

Step 6

Next, carefully cut a curved shape on the 30×5 cm foam board pieces. After that, prepare the base piece to mount the curved pieces.

Step 7

Afterward, mount the curved foam board pieces onto the base piece. Then, glue an additional piece of foam board to fill in the gap and complete the boat’s body shape.

Step 8

Next, mount the back side foam board piece. For that, use the following dimensions.

Step 9

Now, drill a hole in the base to install the boat shaft. After that, insert the shaft through the hole and securely connect the motor and propeller to it.

Step 10

Next, install a piece of foam board to support the motor. After that, glue another piece to the rear of the boat, which will be used to mount the rudder.

Step 11

Now, install the boat rudder at the rear center of the boat.

Step 12

Afterward, mount the servo motor and connect it to the rudder using an iron rod or linkage wire for smooth movement. Then, cover the front side of the boat with a piece of foam board.

Step 13

Now, connect the Arduino Nano board and the Bluetooth module to the PCB. After that, connect the servo motor and the ESC signal wire to their respective pins on the PCB.

Step 14

Next, use a USB cable to connect the Arduino board to your computer, then upload the program provided below using the Arduino IDE.

• Program and Gerber file — Download

#include <Servo.h>
#define Spoint 90
#define left 150
#define right 30
#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();
      Serial.println(value);
      if (value == 'L') {
        servo.write(left);
        delay(10);
      } else if (value == 'R') {
        servo.write(right);
        delay(10);
       } else if (value == 'U') {
        analogWrite(ESC, 140);
        
      } else if (value == 'D') {
        analogWrite(ESC, 210);
        
      } else if (value == 'S') {
        servo.write(Spoint);
        analogWrite(ESC, 187);
        delay(10);
      }
    }

}

• Now, select the correct board and port in the Arduino IDE. After that, disconnect the Bluetooth module temporarily and click the upload button to upload the code.

Step 15

Okay, once the code is uploaded, remove the USB cable and reconnect the Bluetooth module. Then, insert the batteries into the battery holder and connect it to the ESC’s power input. Finally, turn on the ESC to power up the system.

Step 16

Now, download and install the SriTu Hobby app from the Play Store. Then, go to the Controllers tab and open the Bluetooth controller.

Step 17

Next, tap the gear icon and search for your device. At this step, make sure to enable location services and grant location permission. Then, select your device from the list. Once connected, you will see a green indicator on the controller screen.

Now, you can control your boat using your mobile phone. Enjoy the project! The full video guide is provided below. We hope to see you in the next project. Have a great day!

How to Make a Bluetooth RC Boat with Arduino | DIY Arduino boat with HC05 Bluetooth module