DIY Raspberry Pi RC Car: SunFounder's PiCar-V V2.0 Kit

Ready, Set, Race!
Ash Ash (362)
0

RC devices are always cooler than the commercials make them out to be. If you're into remote-controlled vehicles, you may appreciate this DIY Smart Video Car Kit from SunFounder. The PiCar-V kit uses a Raspberry Pi as a central board to drive around and operate a real-time camera.

We're always on the lookout for new Pi kits from SunFounder, like their latest SunFounder RasPad 3, which we reviewed extensively. So we're doubly excited about this awesome car kit!

SunFounder PiCar-V Kit V2.0SunFounder PiCar-V Kit V2.0 ×1

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The car is lightweight, weighing just above 1lb without a Raspberry Pi. It has everything you need to operate wirelessly and remotely using a variety of smart devices.

Spec PiCar-V
Weight 1.1 lb
Dimensions 10" x 7.2" x 3.4"
Raspberry Pi Supported Raspberry Pi 2B/+, 3B/+, 4B
Camera 120° Wide-angle USB Camera
Power 2x 18650 Batteries
Manufacturer SunFounder
PiCar-V V2.0 Kit Contents
SunFounder

The kit comes with everything you need to build an RC car with a live video feed except for the Raspberry Pi, microSD card, and batteries. Here's a list of everything you can expect in the kit.

Package List:

  • 1 Plate set
  • 1 Robot HAT
  • 1 PCA9685 PWM Driver
  • 1 TB6612 Motor Driver
  • 1 18650 Battery Holder (supports two batteries)
  • 3 SunFounder SF006C Servos
  • 1 120° Wide-angle USB Camera
  • 2 Rear Wheels
  • 2 Front Wheel
  • 1 Ribbon (30cm)
  • 1 Cross Screwdriver
  • Multiple wires
  • Multiple screws
  • Multiple nuts
  • Wrenches
  • Standoffs
PiCar-V V2.0 Kit Assembly
SunFounder

The kit includes a paper booklet with instructions for assembly. The process will vary slightly depending on the Raspberry Pi model you choose to use. You also need to provide your own microSD card and 18650 batteries for the car.

You can program the car using Python. SunFounder provides Python code to help you get started. Makers can also develop their own code using a program called Dragit, a drag-and-drop-based application that's easy to grasp for young developers.

Once the car is wired up and programmed, you're ready to rock and roll! To control the car, you can choose from a selection of tools. It can be operated from smartphones and tablets through the official app (which also works on PC). Using the Python code, you can also choose to operate it from anything with a web browser. It would be possible to build a custom web interface, hosted with Apache on the Raspberry Pi.

PiCar-V V2.0 Kit
SunFounder

The PiCar-V Kit is one of many from SunFounder. You can pick yours up today on Amazon for just $99.99. If you want a kit with more sensors or a Raspberry Pi included, check out their inventory. You may appreciate the PiCar-S Kit which features ultrasonic sensors in lieu of the camera module.

These kits aren't intended to replace existing RC cars, so don't expect to win any races with them. But they definitely fill the spot for a fun DIY learning experience.

Bring your car into the future!
Zach Zach (248)
1 hour

Have you ever wanted to add an entertainment system to your car, only to find that most units are expensive, come with a lackluster feature set, and feature a terrible interface?