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Getting Started with 2WD Motor Chassis: A Beginner’s Guide

This tutorial is to help you get started with the 2WD Robot Chassis Kit. An excellent starting point for robotics projects. This simple yet functional mobile robot moves forward, backward, and stops in a controlled loop. Making it a perfect introduction to motor control.

Assembling the 2WD robot is easy since the chassis kit already includes an instruction manual. Additionally, I’ll share additional tips and insights to make the process even smoother. From properly securing the wiring to optimizing power input. I’ll help you not just build it but also enhance its performance for future projects. The pre-cut mounting holes make it simple to install the motors and battery holder, ensuring a hassle-free assembly. For better durability, I recommend soldering the motor connections to keep the wiring stable. You can also use a 6xAA battery holder for more power, making the robot run more efficiently. Even if you’re new to robotics, this tutorial will help you build it with confidence.

Once assembled, you can experiment with different movement patterns. Such as navigating a track, avoiding obstacles, or responding to sensor inputs. This tutorial gives you the foundation to modify and improve your robot based on your ideas. Try building your own 2WD robot, follow along with my tutorial, and see what you can create!

Components:

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:

Connections:

  • Attach the L293D Motor Shield to the Arduino by stacking it on top.
  • Connect the DC Motors:
    • Left Motor → M3 terminals on the motor shield
    • Right Motor → M4 terminals on the motor shield
  • Power the System:
    • If powering the motors directly from the Arduino, ensure it can handle the current load.
    • Recommended: Use a 9V battery or a 11.1V 18650 battery to power the Arduino for stable performance.
See also  6DOF Robot Arm

Notes:

  • Install the AFMotor Library (if not already installed):
    • Go to Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries
    • Search for AFMotor and install it.

Codes:

#include <AFMotor.h>

AF_DCMotor motor1(3, MOTOR12_64KHZ); // Left Motor on M3
AF_DCMotor motor2(4, MOTOR12_64KHZ); // Right Motor on M4

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(9600);
    Serial.println("Starting Motor Test");

    motor1.setSpeed(200); // Speed (0-255)
    motor2.setSpeed(200);
}

void loop() {
    Serial.println("Moving Forward");
    motor1.run(FORWARD);
    motor2.run(FORWARD);
    delay(3000);

    Serial.println("Moving Backward");
    motor1.run(BACKWARD);
    motor2.run(BACKWARD);
    delay(3000);

    Serial.println("Stopping");
    motor1.run(RELEASE);
    motor2.run(RELEASE);
    delay(3000);
}

Once the upload is complete:

  • Open the Serial Monitor (Tools → Serial Monitor) and set the baud rate to 9600.
  • The system will start running with the following sequence:
    • Moves forward for 3 seconds
    • Moves backward for 3 seconds
    • Stops for 3 seconds
    • Repeats the cycle continuously

Troubleshooting:

  • Motors not running? Check the power supply and motor connections.
  • Serial Monitor not showing text? Ensure the baud rate is set to 9600.
  • Motors running in the wrong direction? Swap the motor wires or modify FORWARD to BACKWARD.

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