Source-led build · Robotics

Phone-controlled rover

Drive a small rover from a local phone interface.

Not yet assessed Not built by CAIBI

A source to explore and a proposed direction to develop. This is not a full build assessment.

Share your build

Source reference for Phone-controlled rover; not a CAIBI build — Source reference from Random Nerd Tutorials. It shows the original tutorial or project, not a completed CAIBI build.

Make it useful to you

Drive a small rover from a local phone interface.

CAIBI’s proposed addition: Add a stop-on-disconnect rule, a power switch and a chassis with protected wiring.

Start with the original

Tutorial foundation

Tutorial located; parts, current dependencies and physical results have not been tested by CAIBI. Additional source inspected 10 October 2026: Additional four-motor route. Resolve combined stall current, driver ratings and regulator supply; require stop-on-disconnect and wheels-raised checks before driving.

From source to something you can finish

What the source provides: Two source routes for locally controlled vehicles.

What still needs doing: Resolve motor stall current, driver and supply ratings, and stop-on-disconnect behaviour.

Your first milestone: Prove a commanded stop with wheels raised before driving.

Prompts to move it forward

Copy a prompt into your AI tool with the source material and your actual parts. Work through one small step at a time and check the output before using it. Choose an AI tool or practise the skills first.

Check the source before buying

Review the source material I supply for Phone-controlled rover. Make a table of what is provided, missing, contradictory or dependent on a paid service. Identify exact hardware revisions, firmware files, library versions, CAD files and licences. Separate creator claims from your proposed additions. Do not fill gaps with guessed specifications. Finish with one small test that can resolve the biggest uncertainty before I buy parts.

Sources:
Random Nerd Tutorials: https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-wi-fi-car-robot-arduino/
Schematik four-wheel rover: https://www.schematik.io/projects/four-wheel-rc-car-wiring-nz8f

Plan the next step

I want to develop this idea: Phone-controlled rover. Intended outcome: Drive a small rover from a local phone interface. The source is https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-wi-fi-car-robot-arduino/. CAIBI suggests: Add a stop-on-disconnect rule, a power switch and a chassis with protected wiring. First inspect the source I supply. Separate what it already does from proposed additions. Ask for my actual board, parts, skill level and missing files. Produce a small staged plan with one bench test per stage. Do not invent pin assignments, dimensions or completed test results.

Sources:
Random Nerd Tutorials: https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-wi-fi-car-robot-arduino/
Schematik four-wheel rover: https://www.schematik.io/projects/four-wheel-rc-car-wiring-nz8f

Design a measured enclosure

Help me design a practical enclosure for Phone-controlled rover. First ask for measured component dimensions, mounting holes, connectors, cable clearance, ventilation and operating conditions. Suggest a printable or off-the-shelf approach. Begin with a fit-test piece before a complete case. Label assumptions and do not invent an enclosure rating.

Sources:
Random Nerd Tutorials: https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-wi-fi-car-robot-arduino/
Schematik four-wheel rover: https://www.schematik.io/projects/four-wheel-rc-car-wiring-nz8f

Check and document the result

Create a test log for Phone-controlled rover. Intended outcome: Drive a small rover from a local phone interface. Separate expected behaviour from observed results. Include power restart, disconnected inputs, communication failure and the actual physical use. Ask me to provide results, firmware versions, changes, photos and unresolved problems. Never mark a test passed without my evidence.

Sources:
Random Nerd Tutorials: https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-wi-fi-car-robot-arduino/
Schematik four-wheel rover: https://www.schematik.io/projects/four-wheel-rc-car-wiring-nz8f

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