computer controled RC vehicle

[tokr]

I have two questions:
   1. Would it be difficult to modify an inexpensive RC vehicle to be run wirelessly by a computer?
   2. If I had programed such a vehicle to follow a predefined path, how accurately would it follow that path since it has no sensors and the computer has no feedback?

[Razor Concepts]

1. You could probably use BlueTooth to control it wirelessly.

2. If it is the typical RC car (4 wheels, two wheels turn for steering) it will be very inaccurate. The turning radius changes depending on the angle of the wheels and the speed, and a bunch of other factors. If it is a differential drive type vehicle, then it will be fairly accurate as long as the path isnt very long.

[tokr]

You could probably use BlueTooth to control it wirelessly.

Actually, I was thinking that I could use the existing RF remote controller. Would it be difficult to hook that up to a computer?

[izaktj]

You could probably use BlueTooth to control it wirelessly.

Actually, I was thinking that I could use the existing RF remote controller. Would it be difficult to hook that up to a computer?

There are some controllers that have an output port for the computer. But I don't know if it also works as an input.

[madchimp]

I've come across many projects where they control a cheap rc car from a computer using the transmitter that came with the car.

http://www.jbprojects.net/projects/rc/

The hardware end looks pretty easy the software would be more difficult. I also don't think you can achieve any kind of accuracy of a preprogrammed path with no sensors and no feed back.

[tokr]

Lets say I had a differential drive type vehicle, what kind of sensors would I need to make it more accurate?
Could I improve the accuracy of a preprogrammed path by occasionally driving it up against a wall or two? That should reorient the vehicle and correct any positioning errors.

[Admin]

tokr, have you read the line following tutorials yet?