APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Planning my remote-controlled battle car for the Fab Academy competition
Assignment Checklist
| Status | Task | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered | View | |
| Document what the project will do | View | |
| Document what has been done beforehand | View | |
| Document what you will design | View | |
| Document materials, components, sources, and costs | View | |
| Document parts and systems to be made | View | |
| Document processes to be used | View | |
| Document questions that need answering | View | |
| Document how it will be evaluated | View |
Final Project Overview
Battle Royale RC Car
My final project will be a remote-controlled car equipped with weapons to pop balloons in a competition against 20 opponents. This project integrates all the skills I've learned throughout the Fab Academy program, including:
- 2D and 3D design for the car chassis and components
- Additive (3D printing) and subtractive (laser cutting) fabrication
- Electronics design and production of custom PCBs
- Embedded microcontroller programming for control systems
- System integration and packaging for optimal performance
Concept Design
Initial 3D model of the battle-ready RC car
Competition Environment
The battle royale arena with multiple opponents
Balloon Popping Mechanism
Close-up of the weapon system design
What Will It Do?
Core Functionality
The remote-controlled battle car will:
- Be controlled via Bluetooth using an Xbox controller
- Navigate the competition arena with precision
- Deploy weapons to pop opponents' balloons
- Withstand attacks from other competitors
- Integrate multiple systems for optimal performance
Competition Goals
This project was born from a competition to improve my grades. It's been exciting to build my own remote-controlled car from scratch - going through the complete 0-100 process that I'm proud of. While I previously built a car with Arduino and MDF wood, this version is more advanced, built with help from teachers and classmates.
Functional Diagram
System architecture showing all components and their interactions
What Has Been Done Beforehand?
Technical Progress
So far I've solved several key challenges:
- Successfully paired the car with Bluetooth for remote control
- Finalized the design to withstand attacks from 20 opponents
- Developed the PCB for integrated electronics
- Created 3D-printed structural components
Code Development
The control code was adapted from an existing program, enhanced with ChatGPT, and refined through my own testing. This iterative development process has been crucial for reliable performance.
Bluetooth Module
HC-05 module for wireless control
Custom PCB
Designed board for motor control
Xbox Controller
Input device for car control
Weapon Mechanism
3D-printed balloon popping device
What Will You Design?
Custom Components
I will design and fabricate:
- The PCB for motor control and weapon systems
- 3D-printed chassis and structural components
- Laser-cut protective panels and mounting brackets
- The complete electronic system integration
- Balloon-popping weapon mechanisms
Integration Challenges
Designing components that work together seamlessly has been challenging. The electronics must fit within the chassis while allowing for proper heat dissipation and easy maintenance. The weapon system needs to be effective without compromising the car's balance or speed.
3D Model Explosion
Exploded view showing all designed components
Materials and Components
Bill of Materials
| ID | Product | Category | Price | Quantity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PLA Filament | Design | $20 | 1 roll | Local supplier |
| 2 | Xbox Controller | Control | $60 | 1 unit | Amazon |
| 3 | Wheels | Mechanism | $15 | 4 wheels | Esteren |
| 4 | MDF Board | Structure | $10 | 30 mm sheet | Local supplier |
| 5 | H-Bridge | Circuit | $8 | 1 unit | Electronics shop |
| 6 | XIARP2040 | Circuit | $12 | 1 unit | Online retailer |
| 7 | Power Button | Energy | $3 | 1 unit | Electronics shop |
| 8 | 9V Battery | Energy | $5 | 1 unit | Local store |
| 9 | Wires | Energy | $8 | 20 cables | Electronics shop |
Cost Calculation
The total estimated cost is $141. I arrived at this by multiplying quantities by unit prices and summing all components. I'll update this as I finalize the design and purchase materials.
Parts and Systems to be Made
Fabricated Components
I will manufacture:
- The car's base and structure with 3D-printed defenses
- Custom PCB for directional control, speed, and attack functions
- Protective housing for all electronics
- Weapon mounting system
- Wheel and suspension components
3D Printed Chassis
Lightweight yet durable structure
Weapon Assembly
Balloon popping mechanism
Electronics Housing
Protective enclosure for components
Processes to be Used
Fabrication Techniques
This project will utilize:
- Electronic Design: Creating custom PCBs for control systems
- Electronic Production: Manufacturing and assembling circuit boards
- 3D Printing: Producing structural and mechanical components
- Laser Cutting: Creating precise flat components from MDF
- Embedded Programming: Coding the microcontroller for all functions
- System Integration: Combining mechanical and electronic systems
Process Integration
Each fabrication method serves a specific purpose in the project. 3D printing allows for complex geometries in the chassis, while laser cutting provides precision for flat components. The electronic design and production ensure reliable control systems, and programming brings everything together.
Process Flow
Sequence of fabrication and assembly steps
Questions That Need Answering
Technical Challenges
Key questions I've faced:
- How to implement Bluetooth control with XIARP2040?
- What design will best withstand 20 opponents?
- How to balance speed and weapon effectiveness?
- What materials provide durability without excess weight?
Development Insights
Addressing these questions has been a long process with many iterations. Components sometimes worked and sometimes didn't, requiring multiple solutions. The Bluetooth configuration and mechanical design were particularly challenging but ultimately successful.
Design Iterations
Evolution of the car's design through testing
How Will It Be Evaluated?
Testing Methodology
I will evaluate the project by:
- Testing all wiring connections systematically
- Verifying PCB inputs and outputs match design
- Assessing Bluetooth connection reliability
- Measuring weapon effectiveness in trials
- Evaluating durability in simulated combat
Performance Metrics
Success will be measured by the car's ability to compete effectively in the battle royale. Key metrics include speed, maneuverability, weapon reliability, and structural integrity under attack. The project must demonstrate mastery of all Fab Academy skills through integrated operation.
Wiring Verification
Systematic checking of all connections
Bluetooth Testing
Ensuring reliable wireless control
Combat Simulation
Evaluating performance under attack
Final Reflections
What I Learned
- System integration of mechanical and electronic systems
- Bluetooth communication with embedded systems
- Design for durability in competitive environments
- Balancing multiple project requirements
- Iterative development through testing
Challenges Faced
- Bluetooth pairing and reliability issues
- Structural integrity under stress
- Power management for multiple systems
- Weapon mechanism effectiveness
- Time management with complex integration
This project has been more challenging than I initially expected. The Bluetooth implementation proved particularly difficult, requiring multiple iterations and assistance from knowledgeable peers. While this support was invaluable, coordinating schedules did slow progress at times.
The experience of designing a complete competitive system from scratch has given me a deeper appreciation for integrated engineering. I've learned to balance ambitious goals with practical constraints, and to persist through technical challenges. The project successfully demonstrates my mastery of Fab Academy skills across multiple domains.