Project 1: paddle-wheel boat

Starting with a Project

I decided that the best way to start learning is by working on a project. This will help me understand how to write code, power devices, and figure out what components I need. Plus, it’ll give me hands-on experience and a chance to learn from my mistakes.

Project Idea

For my first project, I chose to build a toy for my child — a small paddlewheel boat with remote control, like the one in the picture.

Why did I pick this idea? It’s simple — as the joke goes: “I didn’t choose it because it’s easy, but because I thought it would be easy.”

In my mind, it seems straightforward: two small motors controlled by an Arduino, no need for a steering mechanism since the boat will turn using its wheels; radio transmitters to communicate with the remote control; and four buttons on the remote. I plan to power everything with IKEA batteries.

Main Challenges

There are two main challenges I foresee:

1. Designing and printing the model. Creating a model that can float and support the weight of all components is definitely not easy. Fortunately, I can use a simple wooden plank for initial testing, which will make the task much easier.

2. Powering the motors. Here’s the tricky part: I have two motors that run on 3V, an Arduino, and a voltage booster that provides 5V. I’ll need to figure out how to connect everything properly.

Project Components

Here’s the list of components I plan to use for this project:

• Arduino Nano — 2 units (I’m using what I already have at home).

• Battery holders: one for 3 AA batteries for the boat and one for 2 AA batteries for the remote.

• Voltage boosters — 2 units (up to 5V).

• Radio transmitters NRF24L01 — 2 units.

• Motors — 2 simple 3V motors.

• Motor controller — L298N.

• Buttons — 2 switches (on/off) and 4 regular buttons for the remote.

• Wires of various lengths for prototyping.

First Steps

I’ll start by figuring out how the motor controller works and learning how to use it. Along the way, I’ll also learn how to power the Arduino properly.