BUG’S-EYE VIEW
With wireless cameras on board,
these radio-controlled racers give you
virtual reality telepresence.
Do you like radio-controlled (R/C) cars? Do you like the
desert, but hate the heat? Well, sit down and kick back as you
engage in the excitement of Living Room Baja Buggy Racing.
This off-road competition combines the fun of homemade
R/C cars with the air-conditioned convenience of a fake,
indoor desert landscape — without the big dollar price.
There are no rules, no expensive automotive racing equipment, and a total disregard for public safety (because these
cars are only 6" long and 4" tall).
You don’t even have to look at your car as you negotiate the
terrain — an onboard camera and a virtual reality headset
can be installed for your lackadaisical safety!
So chase the dog, race against the kids, or just put the
electrons to the PC board and hold on for a bug’s-eye view of
the whole racecourse. It’s the best thing to hit urban living
since the Man Cave.
FULL DISCLOSURE:
The author is an employee
of Microchip Technology,
which manufactures some
of the components used in
this project.
Photograph by Robyn Twomey
Set up: p. 99
Make it: p. 100 Use it: p. 105
John Mouton is an applications engineer with Microchip Technology’s Security, Microcontroller, and Technology
Development Division (SMTD).
Make: 97
