Wireless Arduino Controlled Tank (nRF24L01)

Hi!

Today I'll be showing you how to build an Arduino controlled tank and remote. The 3d printed parts of the tank (with the exception of the controller, track guide and tank cover) were designed by timmiclark and can be found here.

You will need the following materials to get started:

• 1x Arduino UNO(here)
• 1x Arduino Nano(here)
• 2x nRF24L01 2.4GHz wireless modules(here)
• 1x L298N Motor driver(here)
• 2x Gear motor (the yellow piece of plastic)(here)
• 1x Joystick(here)
• 1x 9v battery clip(here)
• 2x Power switch(here)
• 2x TR 18650 batteries (and a charger)(here)
• 1x TR 18650 battery holder for 2 batteries(here)
• 1x Male to female jumper set(here)

The 3D printed parts consist of (can be found on the bottom of this step):

• 2x Body
• 2x TrackMidFrame
• 52x Track
• 4x Cog
• 4x CogBracketInner
• 4x CogBracketOuter
• 1x TankCover
• 1x Controller

You'll also need the following tools:

• Soldering iron
• Various drill sizes
• Super glue
• Pliers
• Knife

After printing I assembled the tank. All the pieces except for the tracks, cogs and cover were glued together with super glue. The tracks ended up to be too tight around the cogs, it might be an issue with my printer, but I decided to add two extra tracks on each side and design a guide for the tracks. It's not the most convenient solution, but it works.

After I assembled the tank, I drilled holes to fit the wireless module and the power switch. I probably should have drilled the holes before I glued it all together, but it didn't make that much of a difference. I drilled holes and attached motor driver to the bottom of the tank with two M3 bolts.

Optional (if you have the same problem as me):

Print two tank guides from the 'optional' folder and some tracks (I suggest adding one or two on each side).

To program the arduino you will need the RF24 library installed. So download the files below and open arduino IDE. Go to Sketch -> Include Library -> Add .ZIP Library and import 'RF24.zip' into there.

Next you'll have to connect the arduino UNO and upload 'tank.ino' to the arduino. we'll conect the wires in the next step.

Now unplug the Arduino UNO and connect the Arduino Nano and upload 'controller.ino' to the Arduino.

Remember to change the 'board' and 'port' settings under tools to the correct board type and port.

Now, if all goes well, you should be able to control the tank with the controller. if the tracks move in the wrong direction you can either change the code(which is a pain) or you can flip the wires running to the motor driver.

If the tank doesn't work at all you should check the connections of the nRF24L01. you can also connect both Arduino's to the computer, open two different arduino instances, open serial monitor on both and check if the signals are sent and/or received. Please note that if the controller prints the reading of the X and Y values it doesn't mean those signals reach the module.

~Ryan