Building a Bluetooth-Controlled Car Using ESP32

This guide demonstrates how to build a Bluetooth-controlled car using an ESP32 module, an L298N motor driver, and 4WD car chassis kit.

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Building a Bluetooth-Controlled Car Using ESP32

Things used in this project

Hardware components

4WD Car Chassis Kit

ESP32 Module

L298N Motor Driver Module

Jumper Wires

7-12 V DC Battery (in our case lipo 2s battery)

Story

This guide demonstrates how to build a Bluetooth-controlled car using an ESP32 module, an L298N motor driver, and a readily available 4WD car chassis kit. The project utilizes the freely available "Dabble" mobile app for control, compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Step 1: Assembly

Mounting the Motors and Chassis

Secure the motors onto the chassis using the provided connectors and screws.

Attach and secure the chassis plates.

Wire the motors: connect red wires together and black wires together.

Attach the L298N motor driver to the chassis using double-sided tape.

Step 2: Circuit Connections

L298N Motor Driver to Motors

Right-side motors → OUT1 & OUT2 (L298N)

Left-side motors → OUT3 & OUT4 (L298N)

L298N VCC → 12V Battery

L298N GND → Common GND

ESP32 to L298N Motor Driver

ESP32 receives 5V and GND from the L298N.

Motor control pins connected based on circuit diagram.

Step 3: Uploading the Code

Before uploading the code, ensure you have installed the ESP32 board support package and the Dabble ESP32 library in the Arduino IDE.

Step 4: Connecting with Dabble App

Download & Install the Dabble mobile app.

Pair with ESP32: Connect to "My Bluetooth Car."

Control the Car: Use the app’s gamepad controls for movement.

Final Demonstration

The car responds to Bluetooth commands sent from the Dabble app, allowing real-time control via a smartphone.

Code

#include <DabbleESP32.h>
 
#define IN1 16
#define IN2 17
#define IN3 18
#define IN4 19
#define ENA 5
#define ENB 6
 
void setup() {
    pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(IN3, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(IN4, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(ENA, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(ENB, OUTPUT);
    Dabble.begin("My Bluetooth Car");
}
 
void loop() {
    Dabble.processInput();
}
 
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_UP, []() {
    moveForward();
});
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_DOWN, []() {
    moveBackward();
});
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_LEFT, []() {
    turnLeft();
});
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_RIGHT, []() {
    turnRight();
});
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_STOP, []() {
    stopMotors();
});
 
void moveForward() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN3, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
}
 
void moveBackward() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH);
}
 
void turnLeft() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN3, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
}
 
void turnRight() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH);
}
 
void stopMotors() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
}

Building a Bluetooth-Controlled Car Using ESP32