14 DAY TRIAL // If your kid is the kind who likes to accomplish things personally, then they may be receptive to the idea of creating their own toy car. Even if they aren't, they may appreciate the thought of you creating one for them yourself.
We say this because the toy car created by Austin Jones unfortunately lacks the glamor and “realistic” looks of normal RC cars, and toy cars in general.
The result actually looks a lot like a black crate on wheels. Still, even if it's not a fitting Christmas present, it could do fine as a science project.
Since electronic design and programming is a standard class in many schools and universities, something like this could be a good project for mid and upper-tier levels.
The Arduino-powered RC car
Austin Jones introduced the device as part of the MAKE: Hands-On Intro to Engineering course he participated in at University of South Florida.
The car is different from other Arduino-powered devices by virtue of being 3D printed. He actually posted an instruction kit on Instructables, where he walks you through all the steps.
Changing the size, wiring, and coding can be done as well. It all depends on how well you follow instructions and can add your own spin on things.
The Arduino sketch code uses four different headers, enabling the car to function in a normal fashion, pushed by the back wheels and steered by the front ones.
The solid parts of the car were designed after all the electronics were ready. It wouldn't have done for them to be produced first and for the actual tech parts to not fit properly. The cable and steering module at the front sticks out as it is.
Things still in need of refinement
Jones probably won't be working too much on this thing in the future, but anyone wishing to create their own RC car can make their own hardware and software changes. Unfortunately, Jones didn't deal with one particular thing, an issue in the design that consists of a glitch causing a short delay in the motor when turning left or right.
The shape of the 3D printed parts is another thing you might want to address. With a bit more time and effort, it should be easy enough to make a car frame that actually looks like a car, instead of a mysterious black box.
We suppose that what we're saying is that the 3D printed RC car is a fine starting point, but won't do well as a toy or present unless you make it look a bit better.
