Are you looking for a new electronics hobby project to explore? You’ve come to the right place. We have a bunch of different hobby projects you can start this weekend. Some of these are more challenging than others, so read through the description carefully before starting.
LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – stock.adobe.com
1) Controlling an RC Car Using Arduino and a Servo Motor
Remote control (RC) cars have been on Christmas wish lists for decades. Here’s the good news. You no longer have to wait to receive one as a gift. To build your own, you simply need focus, the right parts and the instructions.
Hardware Components Needed For This DIY Project Includes:
From a design standpoint, a remote control car poses some interesting challenges. For example, do you want a longer battery life? If so, you might have to give up speed since extra batteries slow down the vehicle. Once you master the basics, you can rebuild the car with different motors to see how it performs. Developing your variations of a DIY project is half the fun!
2) Arduino-Based DIY Electric Skateboard
Ready for an advanced DIY electronics project? This do-it-yourself electric keyboard requires the option to use a 3D printer, software and multiple hardware components. That makes it one of the more complex projects on the market. We would not recommend you start with this project as a beginner.
Necessary Hardware For The DIY Electric Skateboard:
Tools:
Regarding software, this project requires several software resources (i.e. Arduino IDE, the “Arduino Nunchuk” library, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software and 3D-printing/slicing software).
This initial project will provide you with a functional electric skateboard. However, it will be missing some of the features you are used to in other vehicles. For instance, this plan does not include a battery life gauge or components to optimize your power. That means you could run out of power far from home and have to walk back. Look into battery management hardware to take your electric skateboard to the next level.
3) How to Make a Pokemon Go Egg Hatching Car Using Arduino
Do you love Pokemon GO? Fantastic! You’re about to learn about a way to become a Pokemon GO champion using your Arduino skills. With this remote control vehicle, you will be able to hatch your Pokemon GO eggs more efficiently by putting your smartphone into this fast electric car.
The Hardware Components You Need For This Project Include:
In this plan, your car can avoid obstacles by using an ultrasonic sensor. That means you don’t have to pick it up regularly. Note that the Bluetooth module we recommend has a maximum range of 10 meters (32 feet), so keep that in mind when you start the car.
Tip: this is a good beginner project since you will be starting with an existing remote control car and modifying it.
4) DIY RepRap 3D Printer for Beginners
3D printers started to become very popular a few years ago. However, many people were discouraged from using them due to their high cost. What if you could build your 3D printer? That’s precisely what you will learn to develop in this project! Keep in mind that a DIY 3D printer will have different capabilities compared to a commercial device.
Hardware You Need For This 3D Printer Includes:
What if you built all of the projects in this article and you’re looking for something more? This project will take you to the skies! You’re going to learn how to build your very own drone using Raspberry Pi technology. This is an excellent project if you are already a drone enthusiast and want to supplement your drone flight with a do-it-yourself addition.
DIY Drone Required Hardware:
Finally, to pilot your new drone, you will use an Android Phone. It is critical to choose the right type of battery charger. Using an incompatible battery charger is unsafe and unlikely to charge the battery successfully.
What’s Your Next DIY Electronics Project?
After you build one of these projects, you have a few options for your next DIY project. You can make a variation of the original project, like a drone with a higher resolution camera. Or you can focus your efforts on software — think of new capabilities to program into your device. You’re only limited by your imagination and skills.
Use Arduino to Control a Motor Part 3 – Making an RC Car Using a Servo Motor for the Steering
Use Arduino to Control a Motor Part 4 – Adding a Remote Control and Using Arduino pro Mini for Miniaturization
The Basics of Arduino Electronics: Controlling the Motor
Using Arduino with Parts and Sensors – Solar Powered Arduino (part 3)
Servo-Controlled DIY Camera Gimbal with Arduino
A Smart Bike Lighting System Using Arduino
