Building My Autonomous Car by Dylan Rowe

In this FABLAB San Diego summer camp, I worked with instructors and classmates to build an autonomous car over the course of a week.  By doing this, I also learned how to program, solder, and develop.

We started out by learning how to use an Arduino development board and LEDs to create simple blinking and fading lights.  We learned to write a digital pin’s state using the Arduino development environment, create integer variables, and use the functions setup() and loop().  After this, we moved on to more complicated subjects.  We used wireless infrared sensors and emitters to sense amount of light and input this data to an LED and a serial monitor which writes out values on a computer screen.

We continued using new sensors. We used Wii Nunchuk which senses movement and position through an accelerometer.  These values were then sent to 4 directional LEDs, which showed which way the Nunchuk was tilted.  Another sensor was the ultrasound sensor, which sent high frequency sound waves at a wall and then listened to how long it took for these sound waves to return.  It outputs how far away the wall (or object) is away from it in centimeters.  I used this data to indicate distance on an indicator meter made out of 4 LEDs.  We learned how to use pre-written pieces of code (libraries) that did a lot of coding for us and saved time.

We then got to work on our remote control cars.  The plastic tops of the cars were already removed and the circuits had been soldered to wires by our instructors.  I soldered these wires to resistors (components that resist some electricity and protect other components) which were soldered to pin headers that connected to the Arduino (with help, of course).    We wrote code for the Arduino which powered the RC car’s motors.  I programmed the car to simply navigate the classroom.   I then proceeded to write code to power turn signal LEDs while others tried to program the car to navigate new courses.  I attached the signals and batteries to the car to confirm that they work, but realized I wouldn’t be allowed to use the breadboard (plastic board filled with metal used for prototyping) on the end car.  I proceeded to solder wires, resistors, and LEDs to a piece of cardboard.  I then attached this cardboard to the front of the car, tested the signals, tested the car, and admired my work as it navigated the classroom while signaling its turns.