Building a Bluetooth-Controlled Car Using ESP32

Webdroid.Edutech Mar 27.2025

0 617 Easy

This guide demonstrates how to build a Bluetooth-controlled car using an ESP32 module, an L298N motor driver, and a readily available 4WD car chassis kit. The project utilizes the freely available "Dabble" mobile app for control, compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Components and Supplies

4WD Car Chassis Kit - BUY NOW

ESP32 Module - BUY NOW

L298N Motor Driver Module - BUY NOW

Jumper-Wires - BUY NOW

7-12 V DC Battery (in our case lipo 2s battery)

Step 1: Assembly

Mounting the Motors and Chassis

Secure the motors onto the chassis using the provided connectors and screws.

Attach and secure the chassis plates.

Wire the motors: connect red wires together and black wires together.

Attach the L298N motor driver to the chassis using double-sided tape.

Step 2: Circuit Connections

L298N Motor Driver to Motors

Right-side motors → OUT1 & OUT2 (L298N)

Left-side motors → OUT3 & OUT4 (L298N)

L298N VCC → 12V Battery

L298N GND → Common GND

ESP32 to L298N Motor Driver

ESP32 receives 5V and GND from the L298N.

Motor control pins connected based on circuit diagram.

Step 3: Uploading the Code

Before uploading the code, ensure you have installed the ESP32 board support package and the Dabble ESP32 library in the Arduino IDE.

Step 4: Connecting with Dabble App

Download & Install the Dabble mobile app.

Pair with ESP32: Connect to "My Bluetooth Car."

Control the Car: Use the app’s gamepad controls for movement.

Final Demonstration

The car responds to Bluetooth commands sent from the Dabble app, allowing real-time control via a smartphone.

CODE

#include <DabbleESP32.h>

#define IN1 16
#define IN2 17
#define IN3 18
#define IN4 19
#define ENA 5
#define ENB 6

void setup() {
    pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(IN3, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(IN4, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(ENA, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(ENB, OUTPUT);
    Dabble.begin("My Bluetooth Car");
}

void loop() {
    Dabble.processInput();
}

GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_UP, []() {
    moveForward();
});
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_DOWN, []() {
    moveBackward();
});
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_LEFT, []() {
    turnLeft();
});
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_RIGHT, []() {
    turnRight();
});
GamePad.onPressed(GAMEPAD_STOP, []() {
    stopMotors();
});

void moveForward() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN3, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
}

void moveBackward() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH);
}

void turnLeft() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN3, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
}

void turnRight() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH);
}

void stopMotors() {
    digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
}

License

All Rights

Reserved

Webdroid.Edutech Mar 25.2025

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