Max RC Car - ESP32 + BLE Gamepad

A fun personal project designed for my toddler to enjoy a wireless RC car.

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🔧 Initial Setup & Wiring

• Microcontroller: ESP32 (x2)
• Motor Driver: L298N (H-Bridge)
• Battery: 7.4V Li-ion
• Motors: 4 DC motors (tank-style: 2 per side)

Basic Wiring:

• L298N IN1/IN2/IN3/IN4 → ESP32 motor control pins
• L298N ENA/ENB (PWM) → ESP32 PWM pins
• L298N VCC → Battery 7.4V
• ESP32 powered via L298N 5V out (or separate regulator if needed)

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🎮 WiFi Joystick Controller (Legacy)

Originally, the remote used a physical joystick connected to one ESP32 which sent values via ESP-NOW to the car ESP32. This version is still available under:

code/
├── wifi_joystick_controller/       # Sends joystick input
└── wifi_rc_car_controller/         # Receives input and drives motors

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🎮 Bluetooth Gamepad Upgrade

To make it more intuitive and fun for my toddler, the ESP32 now connects to a Bluetooth gamepad (e.g., PS/Xbox) using Bluepad32.

Controls:

• throttle → Move forward
• brake → Move backward
• left X axis → Turn left (slows left motors)
• right X axis → Turn right (slows right motors)

New code for this setup lives in:

code/
└── ble-gamepad-receiver-rc-car/
    └── ble-gamepad-receiver-rc-car.ino

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📁 Folder Structure

.
├── assets/
│   └── wiring_diagrams/             # Circuit diagrams
├── code/
│   ├── ble-gamepad-receiver-rc-car/
│   ├── shared/
│   ├── wifi_joystick_controller/
│   └── wifi_rc_car_controller/
└── README.md

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✅ Next Plans

• Add servo-mounted distance sensor for wall detection
• Add LED indicators (front/rear)
• Upgrade motor driver to TB6612FNG or DRV8833

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Made with love ❤️ for my curious little driver 🏋️‍♂️🚗