I’ve been cooking up something small, scrappy, and wild in the workshop — a 1:32-scale RC car made entirely from leftover parts and pure stubbornness. Why? Because I’ve got zero budget but an unlimited supply of curiosity. 😅
I’m using a Raspberry Pi Pico, an L298N motor driver, and a couple of cheap brushed motors. I’ve got a bunch of 3.7V LiPos laying around, so I figured — why not make 'em dance?
Nothing fits. Nothing mounts. Nothing matches. I don’t have 3D-printed brackets, so we’re talking popsicle sticks, toothpicks, hot glue, and some creative praying. Steering is a whole other beast — not using a servo, so I’m rethinking how micro-scale directional control even works.
But that’s what makes it fun. The fact that it moves at all is a win.
Tune the PWM signals so it doesn’t yeet itself off the table.
Add basic obstacle detection with an HC-SR04 I found in the sensor kit.
Make it Wi-Fi controllable using the ESP32-C3 I’ve got stashed.
💬 Got an idea for a mini build? Hit me up on social and let’s brainstorm! Use #YoungstownRCClub and tag me with your wackiest RC challenges. I just might build it.