YouTuber diorama111 has created a fantastically small remote control car at a scale of 1:150. The micro RC car build has been kindly published for your viewing pleasure and has to be seen to be believed. diorama111 explains a little more about the project which was finished last month.
“I modified the TOMYTEC ‘THE Car Collection’ 1/150 TOYOTA CROWN to work with a remote control. The car is controlled by a self-made infrared remote control. The remote control format is proprietary. The battery installed in the car is a lithium polymer battery (3.7V 40mAh). I used motors by removing weights of the vibration motors. In order to write the program of the microcontroller (ATtiny1616) used on the car, you need ATMEL STUDIO 7 or later and a device that can use UPDI. I use MPLAB PICkit 4. AVRISP mkII cannot be used.”
Technical Details and Challenges
Creating a remote control car at such a small scale presents numerous technical challenges. One of the primary difficulties is sourcing components that are small enough to fit within the limited space of a 1/150 scale model. The use of a lithium polymer battery (3.7V 40mAh) is particularly noteworthy because it provides a balance between size and power, ensuring that the car can operate effectively without adding unnecessary bulk.
The motors used in this project are modified vibration motors, which are typically found in mobile phones. By removing the weights from these motors, diorama111 was able to repurpose them to drive the tiny car. This kind of ingenuity is essential when working with such small-scale electronics, as off-the-shelf components are rarely suitable without modification.
Programming the microcontroller (ATtiny1616) is another critical aspect of this build. The use of ATMEL STUDIO 7 or later is required to write the necessary code, and a device capable of using UPDI (Unified Program and Debug Interface) is essential for uploading the program to the microcontroller. diorama111 uses the MPLAB PICkit 4 for this purpose, as the AVRISP mkII is not compatible with the ATtiny1616.
Applications and Future Possibilities
The creation of such a small RC car opens up a world of possibilities for both hobbyists and professionals. For hobbyists, it provides a fascinating challenge and a unique addition to their collections. The skills and techniques developed in building micro-scale RC cars can also be applied to other projects, such as miniature robotics or custom electronics.
For professionals, particularly those in the fields of engineering and design, the principles demonstrated in this project can be applied to the development of micro-scale devices and systems. For example, the techniques used to miniaturize the RC car could be adapted for use in medical devices, where small size and precision are often critical.
Moreover, the proprietary infrared remote control system developed by diorama111 could inspire new methods of remote operation for various applications. The ability to control devices wirelessly at such a small scale has potential implications for fields ranging from consumer electronics to industrial automation.
In conclusion, diorama111’s 1/150 scale remote control car is a remarkable achievement that showcases the potential of micro-scale engineering. The project not only highlights the technical challenges and solutions involved in creating such a tiny RC car but also opens the door to future innovations in various fields. Whether you are a hobbyist looking for your next project or a professional seeking inspiration, this micro RC car build is sure to impress.
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