It's now easier than ever to build your own rover bot with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) control! Use the Adafruit Bluefruit app on an Android or iOS device to drive it and change the underlighting colors!

All thanks to CircuitPython, the coding is simple and straightforward. You can even add accessories or assign the buttons to different functions. There are lots of opportunities for modifications on the project, too, including accessing your phone's accelerometer for tilt control!

You'll use the powerful Feather nRF52840 Express, the Crickit robotics platform, a beautiful purple aluminum chassis, motors, wheels, a 24 NeoPixel ring and a few other parts to build this one-of-a-kind rover.

Parts

1 x Feather nRF52840 Express
Bluetooth Low Energy and native USB support
1 x Purple Aluminum Chassis
for TT Motors - 2WD
1 x NeoPixel Ring - 24 x 5050 RGB LED
with Integrated Drivers

Alternative motors:

2 x Skinny Wheel
for TT DC Gearbox Motors
1 x Ball Caster
3/4" Metal Ball
1 x 2x2 AA Battery Holder
with Premium Jumper Header Wires
1 x Male DC Power adapter
2.1mm plug to screw terminal block
1 x Circuit Playground Bolt-On Kit
6 M3 standoffs and screws

Materials & Tools

In addition to the parts above, you'll also need:

  • 4 Rechargeable NiMH AA batteries (such as Eneloop)
  • Eight small zip ties
  • Four M3 x 25mm long screws with nuts
  • Stranded hookup wire
  • Soldering iron and solder
  • Small screwdriver
  • Wire cutter and wire stripper

This guide was first published on Feb 16, 2019. It was last updated on Mar 15, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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