BLE Remote Controlled Robot

Build a Robot!

These guides will walk you through building a two wheeled robot that you can remotely control over BLE from a Xamarin app that runs on iOS and Android using the same code base.

These guides assume that you have your Build Environment and Hardware Configured, and that you're able to successfully Deploy an App to your Netduino 2 or 2 Plus.

Requirements

In order to build the Robot above, you'll need the following items. All told, your robot will cost about $75:

• 2-wheeled Robot Chassis w/Motors - Just about any 2 wheeled robot chassis with motors and gears will work, but we like these. They're only $11 and they work well. Spark Fun also makes a similar robot chassis for $15, but the battery holder is difficult to access, otherwise, it's also very nice.
• Netduino 2 - From Secret Labs, the Netduino is a programmable micro controller that runs the .NET Micro Framework.
• BLE Mini - From Redbear Labs. Used to communicate with the robot from Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android.
• 400 Point Breadboard - The breadboard is where our electronics will all get connected. It has holes in it to put chips, sensors, wires, etc., into.
• Breadboard Wiring Kit - Any wiring kit will work, but we especially like these. You may also want to get some male-to-male flexible jumper wires.
• Dual H-Bridge Chip - Used to power the motors, H-bridges are simple chips that allow you to control motors with external power, so you don't burn out your Netduino trying to drive them with that. :) You can also build an H-bridge with some simple components, but buying a chip is easier and will likely cost about the same.
• iOS or Android Device w/BLE Support - If using an iOS device, you'll need an iPhone 4 or later. If using an Android Device, you'll want to make sure that it has BLE support and is running at least Android v4.3.

Instructions

Make sure you have you development and build environment setup, and then follow the guides below to get this thing up and running!

• Step 1 - Assemble the Robot Chassis
• Step 2 - Wire up the Robot
• Step 3 - Deploy the Robot Code
• Step 4 - Drive the Robot!