September 23, 2015

Build the PiTank - a web-controlled tank with video streaming

What's better than a remote-control robot based around a Raspberry Pi? One with a cannon and real-time video streaming so you can control and watch the action from a web browser. The PiTank has all this and more thanks to synergy between the Pi and an Arduino.

Motor and servo control is taken care of with the Arduino, which communicates with the network-connected Raspberry Pi via the I2C bus. This is a neat solution as each platform works to their own strengths. A BBQ ignited is used for the cannon - giving a realistic effect as shown in the video below:

Apart from being a lot of fun, this project gives you the framework for a web-controlled robot with your Raspberry Pi. So to learn how, visit the project's Instructable page. And for more, we're on facebookGoogle+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.

Looking to work with Raspberry Pi and Arduino in the one project? Then consider the Freetronics PiLeven board:

The PiLeven is an Arduino-compatible board based on the Arduino Uno, but with a few changes. Obviously it's a bit of a strange shape! The PiLeven fits right on top of a Raspberry Pi (either model B or B+) using the Raspberry Pi expansion headers.

The PiLeven also has a high-current switchmode power supply, so you can plug in anything from 7V to 18Vdc using the standard 2.1mm jack. The PiLeven can power the Raspberry Pi, so you don't need a regulated 5V USB connection anymore.

Serial communications on the PiLeven is linked through to the Raspberry Pi, so your Pi can upload new sketches straight to the PiLeven or send/receive data and commands. We've included level shifters so the 3.3V Pi can talk safely to the 5V PiLeven. And you can plug standard Arduino shields right into the PiLeven, giving your Raspberry Pi access to the huge range of shields already available. For more information about the PiLeven, including our tutorials - and to order yours today, visit the PiLeven webpage.

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