Build a DIY Fire Truck with Arduino UNO R4 Minima
This project shows how to build a DIY fire truck controlled via Bluetooth using the Arduino UNO R4 Minima board. It is a simple and affordable build, suitable for anyone looking for a practical, interactive microcontroller project.
The heart of the project is the Arduino UNO R4 Minima board, used together with an HC-05 Bluetooth module and the Bluetooth controller app from SriTu Hobby, which lets you control the truck remotely. The goal is to move the vehicle and activate a small water pump via remote control.
Components needed
The list includes:
- Arduino UNO R4 Minima
- L298N motor driver
- HC-05 Bluetooth module
- Mini breadboard and 5 V relay
- Two gear motors with wheels and two caster wheels
- Mini water pump and small tube
- Battery holder with 18650 batteries
- Jumper wires and dot board for the chassis
Mechanical assembly
Chassis and wheels – Start by identifying the components and mounting the gear motors and wheels on the dot board, which acts as the chassis base. The caster wheels are installed at the rear for stability.
Board and driver installation – The Arduino board and L298N motor driver are placed on top of the chassis, connecting the gear motors to the driver.
Bluetooth module and wiring – The HC-05 module is fixed on the breadboard with the relay and connected to the Arduino. The connections between the module, relay, driver, and board follow a diagram shown on the project page.
Programming
After connecting the project to a computer via a USB Type-C cable, upload the sketch using the Arduino IDE. The code lets the truck receive Bluetooth commands to:
- move forward, backward, left, right
- stop
- turn the water pump on/off via the relay
Cosmetic customization
The front of the truck is made from pieces of foam board to create a fire-truck-like shape. Once the structure is complete, add the battery holder, the water tube with a pen cap as a nozzle, and test the pump itself.
Testing and use
Once the truck is powered with the 18650 batteries, you can download the Bluetooth controller app, connect the device, and try driving and activating the pump. The page recommends checking the wheel rotation direction and, if necessary, swapping the gear motor wires.
At the end of the project, the fire truck is ready to be used and tested with small water sources like a glass of water, or shown as an educational or demonstrative Arduino-based project.
