SunFounder PiCar-S User manual

SunFounder PiCar-S
www.sunfounder.com
Nov 10, 2021

CONTENTS
1 About the PiCar-S 1
1.1 Components List ............................................. 2
1.2 Introduction ............................................... 10
1.3 Building the Car ............................................. 11
1.4 Circuits Building ............................................. 23
1.5 Get Started with Raspberry Pi ...................................... 27
1.6 Servo Configuration ........................................... 37
1.7 Calibration ................................................ 43
1.8 Arming the Car! ............................................. 46
1.9 Appendix ................................................. 71
1.10 Thank You ................................................ 80
2 Copyright Notice 81
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CHAPTER
ONE
ABOUT THE PICAR-S
The PiCar-S is a cool smart car that can work with Raspberry Pi 3 model B, 3 model B+, and 4 model B. Equipped
with three sensor modules including ultrasonic obstacle avoidance, light follower, and line follower, you can better
learn the programming on how to control the car.
In this manual, we will show you how to build the PiCar-S via description, illustrations of physical components, in
both hardware and software respects. You will enjoy learning how all this work. You can view the latest PDF user
manual or clone the code by click the link: https://github.com/sunfounder/SunFounder_PiCar-S/tree/V3.0.
If you want to learn another projects which we don’t have, please feel free to send Email and we will update to our
online tutorials as soon as possible, any suggestions are welcomed.
Here is the Email: [e-mail].
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SunFounder PiCar-S
1.1 Components List
1.1.1 Structure Plates
1. Upper Plate x 1
2. Front Half Chassis x 1
3. Hex Front Wheel Fixing Plate x 8
4. Ultrasonic Support x 1
5. Bearing Shield x 8
6. Steering Linkage x 1
7. Steering Connector x 2
8. Ultrasonic Connector x 1
9. Back Half Chassis x 1
10. Sensor Connector x 1
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SunFounder PiCar-S
1.1.2 SunFounder SF006C Servo x 1
1. Servo x 1
2. 1-arm Rocker Arm x 1
3. arm Rocker Arm x 1
4. 4-arm Rocker Arm x 1
5. Rocker Arm Fixing Screw x 1
6. Rocker Arm Screw
1.1. Components List 3

SunFounder PiCar-S
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SunFounder PiCar-S
1.1.3 Mechanical Fasteners
1.1. Components List 5

SunFounder PiCar-S
1.1.4 Wires
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SunFounder PiCar-S
1.1.5 PCB
1.1. Components List 7

SunFounder PiCar-S
1.1.6 Other Components
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SunFounder PiCar-S
1.1.7 Tools
1.1.8 Self-provided Components
The following components are not included in this kit.
Note: 1. You are recommend to use 18650 batteries without a protective board. Otherwise, the car may be cut power
and stop running because of the overcurrent protection of the protective board.
2. For unprotected batteries, please purchase those with the anode bulged out (as shown below), so that it can ensure
the well connection with the battery holder.
1.1. Components List 9

SunFounder PiCar-S
3. In order to keep the car working for a long time, use large-capacity batteries as much as possible.
1.2 Introduction
The PiCar-S is a SMART SENSOR car robot based on Raspberry Pi, which comes with three sensor modules,
including the light follower, line follower and ultrasonic obstacle avoidance. With these modules, this smart car is
capable of some simple automatic actions. Thus, you can learn some basics of programming in Python to control the
car with these sensors. Let’s start with building this smart car!
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SunFounder PiCar-S
1.3 Building the Car
Extremely excited when opening the box and checking so many components? Keep your patience and take it easy.
Please note that some details in the following steps need CAREFUL observation. You should double-check your work
based on the figures in the manual after finishing each step. Don’t worry! Kindly reminders will be given in some
particular steps. Just follow the tutorial step by step. Okay, with no further ado, now let’s start!
1.3.1 Front Half Chassis
Assemble the Front Half Chassis with four M3x25 copper standoffs and four M3 nuts as shown below:
1.3. Building the Car 11

SunFounder PiCar-S
1.3.2 Front Wheels
Note: Please pay attention to the direction of Steering Connector before assembling.
Insert an M4x25 screw through a Steering Connector, 3 Bearing Shields, 3 Hex Front Wheel Fixing Plates, and a
front wheel, into an M4 Self-locking Nut (note the direction) as shown below:
You can use the Cross Socket Wrench to secure the M4 Self-locking Nut, then use the screwdriver to tighten the
M4x25 screw.
Note: The Self-locking Nut should be screwed tight enough. It would be better to tighten the screw until the wheel
and Steering Connector cannot move first, then loosen the screw a little, so that the Steering Plate can just move. Thus,
the wheel can turn flexibly when the connection would not be too loose.
Assemble the other front wheel in the same way, but bear in mind the Steering Connector on the wheel should be
symmetric with the previous one:
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SunFounder PiCar-S
Now two front wheels have finished assembly.
1.3.3 Steering Part
Connect the Steering Linkage and the 1-arm Rocker Arm with the M1.5x4 Self-tapping Screw.
Note: Insert it into the FIRST hole of the arm (as indicated by the arrow below) which is the farthest from the gears.
1.3. Building the Car 13

SunFounder PiCar-S
Note: Fasten them as tightly as possible, and then loosen the screw a little so the Steering Linkage can move flexibly.
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1.3.4 Upper Plate
Mount the M2.5x8 copper standoffs and M2.5 nuts into the upper plate first. Pay attention that the side the protrud-
ing prop should face up.
1.3. Building the Car 15