🔍 Introduction to Electronics & Programming of the Rover 🚀
Although the "Programming" and "Mini Electronics" sections are the best places to learn coding, here I will give you a concise overview of all the electronic components of the Control Tower, as well as the fundamental programming principles used in the Rover's operation.
🖥️ What is Programming and What is Coding?
Before you start programming and writing code, it is crucial to understand the big difference between these two concepts.
🔹 Programming
Programming is the logical design process that defines "what" will happen and "when", without writing a single line of code.
For example:
📌 When the rear target is hit, the Rover will reduce its power to 10% for 15 seconds.
📌 After 15 seconds, the Rover will restore its power to 100%.
This is an example of programming for a Battle Bot game. It is written in plain English and does not involve any programming language yet.
🔹 Coding
Coding is the process of translating the programming logic into a language that a computer or microcontroller can understand.
Depending on the microcontroller we use, we will work with two different programming languages:
✅ C++ if using Arduino
✅ Python if using ESP32
📌 Important!
If your programming logic is incorrect, your coding will also be incorrect. Errors in logic lead to errors in execution.
If you can differentiate between programming and coding, your experience in developing the Rover will be much smoother! 🚀
⚙️ Control Tower Components & DIY PCB Modules
Just like the Rover’s mechanical design, I faced major challenges in finding suitable electronic components.
Since I couldn’t find the right hardware, I designed all the PCBs for the Control Tower. In total, I created 68 different PCBs, all of which can be stacked and interconnected!
📌 PCB Features:
✔️ Stackable design – All PCBs can be layered and work together.
✔️ Easy to repair – If something fails, you can replace only the faulty part.
✔️ Through-Hole Technology (THT) – Instead of Surface-Mount Devices (SMD), I used THT components so that repairs can be done with a simple soldering iron!
✔️ Modular pin headers – All modules connect with pins, so you can detach and replace them without soldering.
The Rover is not just a simple RC toy – it is a learning & experimentation tool, which is why all electronics are repairable and upgradable! 🔬
🔋 Battery & Battery Management System (BMS)
The battery is where the Rover stores energy for its operation.
📌 Why did I choose Li-ion instead of LiPo?
✔️ Safety – Li-ion 18650 cells are much safer and don’t risk explosions or fires.
✔️ Longevity – They last more charge cycles compared to LiPo batteries.
✔️ Durability – Unlike LiPo, they don’t get damaged easily from impact or punctures.
The Battery Management System (BMS) is the PCB that manages the battery pack and serves as the main power distribution system.
🔹 Features of the BMS in the Control Tower:
✅ Includes DC-DC converters to step down 16V to 9V, 5V, and 3.3V.
✅ Balance Charging Circuit ensures equal charge distribution across all battery cells.
⚡ DC-DC Converter (Voltage Step-Down Module)
DC-DC converters are small circuits that convert the 16V battery power to 9V, 5V, or 12V for different components.
📌 Why are these separate modules instead of being built-in?
✔️ Replaceable in case of failure – If a converter burns out, you replace just that module!
✔️ Reliability – Separating power circuits prevents failures from damaging the entire system.
🔌 Main Power Distribution Board (PDB)
The PDB is the main power board, responsible for distributing energy to all components.
📌 Why does it have two separate circuits?
✔️ One circuit for 5V controlled power (for logic circuits).
✔️ One circuit for 16V high-power output (for motors).
This dual-circuit system ensures that the Rover does not run off unexpectedly while you are programming! 🚀
🧠 Arduino Core Board (Main Control Module)
The Arduino Core Board is the brain of the Rover!
✔️ Compatible with both ESP32 and Arduino microcontrollers.
✔️ Includes an LCD screen and 3 buttons for easy interaction.
✔️ Removable & replaceable – If it fails, you can swap it out with a new one!
⚙️ H-Bridge (Motor Driver & Differential Steering)
The H-Bridge is the circuit that controls the Rover’s movement.
📌 How does it work?
✅ It receives 16V power from the battery.
✅ It has two outputs, one for each side of the Rover.
✅ It controls the speed & direction of the motors.
📌 For 4x4 Configuration:
✔️ Uses two motors per side.
✔️ Requires an active cooling fan due to higher power consumption.
📌 For 3x2 Configuration:
✔️ Uses one motor per side.
✔️ Does not require cooling as the load is lower.
🔹 This was a brief introduction to the Rover’s electronics & programming!
📌 Do you have questions? Send me a message, and I'll help you! 💬
📌 Continue to the "Programming" section for more details! 🚀
