MiOYOOW Line Following Robot Car Kit (Model 10168) Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The MiOYOOW Line Following Robot Car Kit is an educational electronics soldering project designed for beginners, students, teenagers, and DIY hobbyists. This kit provides a hands-on learning experience in mechanical structure, basic electronics, sensor principles, automatic control, and soldering skills.

• Educational Project: Ideal for school science projects, teaching about mechanical structures, electronic basics, sensor principles, and automatic control.
• Line Following Principle: The car utilizes photoresistors to detect differences in light reflectivity between white and black surfaces. This allows the smart car to automatically follow a black tracking line.
• Customizable Runways: Users can design complex tracks using 1.5-2.0 cm black electrical tape, enhancing the interactive experience.
• Easy Assembly: The kit features a clearly mapped and labeled PCB board, simplifying the assembly process for beginners.

2. Components in Package

Before beginning assembly, please verify that all components listed below are present in your package. Refer to the 'Components in Package' image for visual identification.

Figure 2.1: All components included in the kit, laid out and numbered.

1. LM393 Dual Op-Amp IC
2. 74HC14 Hex Inverter IC
3. Electrolytic Capacitors (e.g., 50V 100uF)
4. Potentiometers (10KΩ)
5. Resistors (various values, e.g., 3.3KΩ, 1KΩ, 51Ω)
6. LEDs (Red, 5mm)
7. LEDs (Clear, 5mm)
8. Diodes (e.g., 1N4148)
9. Photoresistors (LDRs)
10. Transistors (e.g., S8550)
11. Power Switch
12. DC Motors
13. Wheels (Non-slip rubber)
14. Rubber Bands (for wheels)
15. Battery Holder (for 2 AA batteries)
16. Screws and Nuts (various sizes)
17. Metal Universal Wheel (caster wheel)
18. PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
19. Connecting Wires

3. Assembly Instructions

This kit requires soldering. Ensure you have appropriate soldering equipment (soldering iron, solder, desoldering braid/pump, safety glasses) and a well-ventilated workspace. Follow the instructions carefully, paying attention to component polarity and placement.

1. Prepare the PCB: Familiarize yourself with the PCB layout. The board is clearly labeled for component placement.
2. Solder Smallest Components First: Begin by soldering the lowest profile components, such as resistors and diodes. Ensure they are correctly oriented (diodes have a polarity band).
3. Install IC Sockets (if included): If your kit includes IC sockets, solder them before inserting the ICs. This protects the ICs from heat damage.
4. Solder Transistors and Capacitors: Install transistors, paying close attention to their orientation (flat side or pinout). Solder electrolytic capacitors, ensuring the longer lead (positive) matches the '+' marking on the PCB.
5. Solder LEDs and Photoresistors: The LEDs and photoresistors (LDRs) are typically soldered on the bottom side of the PCB. Leave their leads long enough so they can extend below the board to detect the line. Ensure correct polarity for LEDs (longer lead is positive).
6. Install Potentiometers and Power Switch: Solder the potentiometers and the power switch into their designated spots.
7. Assemble Motors and Wheels: Attach the gear sets to the DC motors. Secure the motors to the PCB using screws. Mount the wheels onto the motor shafts and secure them with rubber bands or other provided fasteners.
8. Connect Motor Wires: Connect the motor wires to the appropriate pads on the PCB.
9. Install Caster Wheel: Attach the metal universal wheel (caster wheel) to the front or back of the PCB using the provided bolt, nuts, and acorn nut.
10. Install Battery Holder: It is recommended to install the battery holder last. Solder its leads to the PCB. Position it carefully to avoid obstructing other components or wiring.
11. Insert ICs: If using IC sockets, carefully insert the LM393 and 74HC14 ICs into their sockets, ensuring the notch on the IC aligns with the notch on the socket and PCB.

Figure 3.1: Fully assembled robot car with key components labeled.

Figure 3.2: Top and bottom views of the assembled smart car kit.

4. Operating Instructions

Once assembled, your MiOYOOW Line Following Robot Car is ready to operate. The car is designed to follow a black line on a light-colored surface.

4.1 Creating a Runway

You can create a track for your robot car using black electrical tape (approximately 1.5-2.0 cm wide) on a light-colored surface such as white paper or a light floor. Design simple or complex paths, ensuring clear contrast between the line and the background.

Figure 4.1: Examples of robot cars following black line runways.

4.2 Initial Setup and Potentiometer Adjustment

The two potentiometers on the PCB control the sensitivity of the photoresistors, which detect the line. Proper adjustment is crucial for smooth line following.

1. Insert Batteries: Place 2 AA batteries (not included) into the battery holder.
2. Place Car on Track: Position the robot car on your black line track.
3. Turn On Power: Flip the power switch to the 'ON' position.
4. Adjust Potentiometers: Start with both potentiometers at their center position. Slowly and incrementally adjust each potentiometer (e.g., slightly counter-clockwise) while observing the car's behavior. The goal is to find the setting where the car consistently follows the black line without veering off. The potentiometers set the threshold for the Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), influencing how the dual op-amp (LM393) controls the motors based on reflected light.

4.3 Demonstration Videos

5. Maintenance

• Battery Replacement: Replace AA batteries when the car's performance diminishes or it stops moving. Ensure correct polarity when inserting new batteries.
• Cleaning: Keep the photoresistors and the underside of the car clean from dust and debris to ensure accurate line detection. Use a soft, dry cloth.
• Solder Joint Inspection: Periodically inspect solder joints for any cracks or cold joints, especially if the car experiences rough handling. Re-solder if necessary.

6. Troubleshooting

Issue: Car does not move or moves erratically.

• Solution 1: Check battery installation and ensure batteries are fresh.
• Solution 2: Verify all soldering connections are solid and there are no cold joints or solder bridges.
• Solution 3: Ensure the power switch is in the 'ON' position.
• Solution 4: Check motor connections to the PCB.

Issue: Car does not follow the line correctly or veers off.

• Solution 1: Adjust the two potentiometers. Small, incremental adjustments are often needed to fine-tune the sensor sensitivity for optimal line tracking.
• Solution 2: Ensure the black line is within the recommended width (1.5-2.0 cm) and has good contrast with the background.
• Solution 3: Clean the photoresistors on the underside of the car.
• Solution 4: Check the placement and soldering of the photoresistors and LEDs to ensure they are correctly positioned to detect the line.

Issue: One motor is not working.

• Solution 1: Check the motor's wiring and soldering connections to the PCB.
• Solution 2: Inspect the motor itself for any physical damage or obstructions.
• Solution 3: Verify the associated transistor and other components in the motor drive circuit are correctly installed and soldered.

7. Specifications

8. Schematic Diagram

For advanced users or those interested in the circuit's design, the schematic diagram provides a detailed view of the electronic connections and components.

Figure 8.1: Electronic schematic diagram of the robot car.

9. Warranty and Support

For any questions, technical support, or warranty inquiries regarding your MiOYOOW Line Following Robot Car Kit, please contact the manufacturer or seller directly through the platform where the product was purchased. You may also visit the official MiOYOOW store for additional resources and contact information.

MiOYOOW Brand Store: Visit MiOYOOW Store