Lesson 11: miniAuto Assembly and Construction

Building Your Complete Arduino Robot Car

📖 Official Assembly Guide:

Hiwonder miniAuto Wiki Documentation →

🎯 Learning Objectives

Assembly Goals:

  • • Assemble complete miniAuto robot car
  • • Connect all sensors and actuators
  • • Test individual components
  • • Troubleshoot common issues

Skills Developed:

  • • Mechanical assembly
  • • Electrical wiring
  • • System integration
  • • Problem-solving

📦 Section 1: Parts Inventory

Electronic Components:

  • • Arduino Uno microcontroller
  • • Motor driver board
  • • Ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04)
  • • IMU sensor (gyroscope/accelerometer)
  • • Jumper wires and connectors
  • • Battery pack and holder

Mechanical Parts:

  • • Chassis frame (acrylic or metal)
  • • 4x Mecanum wheels
  • • 4x DC motors with encoders
  • • Screws, bolts, and spacers
  • • Motor mounting brackets
  • • Sensor mounting hardware

🔧 Required Tools:

  • • Phillips head screwdriver
  • • Hex keys (Allen wrenches) - various sizes
  • • Small pliers
  • • Wire strippers (if needed)
  • • Anti-static wrist strap (recommended)

📚 Official Documentation

🔗

Hiwonder miniAuto Wiki

Complete assembly and programming guide

Visit Official Documentation →

What you'll find in the official docs:

  • 📋 Detailed assembly instructions with photos
  • 🔌 Complete wiring diagrams
  • 💻 Ready-to-use Arduino code samples
  • 🔧 Troubleshooting guide for common issues
  • 🚀 Advanced project examples

🔧 Section 2: Assembly Process

Step 1: Chassis Preparation

  1. Unpack all components and verify against parts list
  2. Identify the main chassis frame and mounting holes
  3. Remove any protective film from acrylic parts
  4. Organize screws and hardware by size

Step 2: Motor Installation

  1. Attach motor mounting brackets to chassis
  2. Secure DC motors to mounting brackets
  3. Ensure motors are properly aligned
  4. Attach Mecanum wheels to motor shafts
  5. Verify wheels rotate freely without obstruction

Step 3: Electronics Mounting

  1. Mount Arduino Uno to designated mounting points
  2. Install motor driver board near Arduino
  3. Mount ultrasonic sensor at front of chassis
  4. Install IMU sensor in stable location
  5. Secure battery pack in designated compartment

🔌 Section 3: Wiring and Connections

⚠️ Safety First!

Always disconnect power before making any connections. Double-check polarity before connecting batteries or power supplies.

Power Connections

  • • Connect battery pack to motor driver power input
  • • Connect Arduino power from motor driver 5V output
  • • Ensure all ground connections are secure
  • • Verify voltage levels before powering on

Motor Connections

  • • Connect motor wires to driver outputs (A1, A2, B1, B2)
  • • Connect PWM control pins to Arduino digital pins
  • • Connect direction control pins to Arduino digital pins
  • • Test each motor individually before final assembly

Sensor Connections

  • • Connect ultrasonic sensor Trig and Echo pins
  • • Connect IMU sensor via I2C (SDA, SCL)
  • • Ensure sensor power connections (VCC, GND)
  • • Route wires to avoid interference with moving parts

🧪 Section 4: Testing and Troubleshooting

Initial Testing Checklist

  • ✅ Visual inspection of all connections
  • ✅ Power-on test (LEDs and indicators)
  • ✅ Individual motor function test
  • ✅ Sensor reading verification
  • ✅ Communication test (Arduino to sensors)
  • ✅ Mechanical movement test

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Motors not turning

Check power connections, verify motor driver wiring, test with simple code

Problem: Sensors not responding

Verify power and signal connections, check pin assignments in code

Problem: Robot moves erratically

Check wheel alignment, verify motor directions, calibrate sensors

Problem: Power issues

Check battery charge, verify voltage levels, inspect power connections

📝 Assessment & Next Steps

Assembly Verification

Before proceeding to programming, ensure your miniAuto is properly assembled:

  • 🔧 All screws are tightened securely
  • 🔌 All electrical connections are correct
  • ⚡ Power system functions properly
  • 🎯 Components are properly aligned
  • 🔄 Wheels rotate freely
  • 📡 Sensors are mounted securely

🎯 Preparation for Week 12

With your miniAuto fully assembled, you're ready to begin programming! In Week 12, we'll learn how to control the Mecanum wheels for omnidirectional movement, implement sensor reading, and create your first autonomous behaviors.

Take Lesson 11 Quiz →
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Course Overview
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