1d. Solder one 0.1-microfarad (μf) capacitor and a 24-gauge
wire from each lead of the atomic-tuned DC motor to the motor case.
Next, solder a third 0.1μf capacitor between the leads. This will prevent
electrical motor noise from interfering with the receiver circuit.
1e. Install the wheels as directed in part 6 of the buggy car instructions. However, don’t install the roll bar —
it will just be in the way later when you install the camera servo and the motor-control circuit board.
2. BUILD THE MOTOR-CONTROL CIRCUIT
2a. Get a printed circuit board. I emailed the schematic and Gerber files provided at makezine.com/14/
bajabuggy to Circuit Express ( circuitexpress.com). I chose their least expensive package, 10 boards for
$120, and they built the boards and mailed them to me within 24 hours. Other vendors are less expensive
for smaller quantities. Or you can buy a PCB build kit and make it yourself.
2b. Install the circuit components. All components used in the motor-control circuit can be purchased from Digi-Key ( digikey.com) or any
other electronic components supplier. For the battery, camera, and
charger connections, I used ElectriFly 2-pin male connectors to ensure
safe, secure connections. I chose the PIC12F683 MCU because it’s
small, has a pulse-width modulation (PWM) module onboard, and very
simple to work with. Here’s what the completed circuit board should
look like after all the components are soldered. Use the schematic
to guide you. A list of components and part numbers is available at
makezine.com/14/bajabuggy.
3. INSTALL CIRCUIT BOARD, BATTERY HOLDER, AND SERVOMOTORS
3a. Before you solder the motor leads,
twist them together. This will keep
electrical motor noise from interfering
with the receiver. Now solder them
to the circuit board at the locations
marked M1 and M2.
3b. Use a small piece of double-sided
tape to attach the circuit board to
the wooden chassis, all the way back
so that it touches the motor/gear
bracket housing.
Make: 101
