Wi-Fi Controlled Car Using NodeMCU ESP8266, Blynk, and L298N Motor Driver
Ever imagined controlling a car without wires or a traditional remote Just operated remotely using a smartphone application via a Wi-Fi connection!
Here’s an in-depth guide how to make a Wi-Fi-controlled car using NodeMCU ESP8266, Blynk, and L298N Motor Driver.
How the Wi-Fi Controlled Car Works ?
⇒ Blynk App sends signal (ON/OFF) via Wi-Fi to the Blynk Cloud Server when buttons are pressed.
⇒ NodeMCU ESP8266, a microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, establishes wireless communication with the Blynk app.
⇒ The NodeMCU ESP8266 is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the smartphone. It constantly listens for incoming commands from Blynk.
⇒ When a command is received, the NodeMCU processes the commands and activates specific GPIO Pins.
⇒ The L298N Motor Driver is used to regulating the speed and rotation of the motors.
⇒ The L298N driver takes the signal from the NodeMCU and adjusts the polarity and power of the DC Motors, allowing the car to move forward, backward, left, or right.
Required Components for Wi-Fi Controlled Car Project
⇒ NodeMCU ESP8266 - Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller that Acts as the brain of the car⇒ L298N Motor Driver Module - Controls the motors based on the NodeMCU’s signals acts as muscle of car
⇒ DC Gear Motors (4x) - For moving the car
⇒ Wheels and Chassis - Base structure for the car
⇒ Power Source - 7.4V-12V battery pack
⇒ Jumper Wires - For connections
Overview of NodeMCU ESP8266
The NodeMCU ESP8266 is a powerful Built-in Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller that has become a favorite among DIY electronics enthusiasts. The ESP8266 chip inside the NodeMCU is a game-changer for IoT projects. It is easy to connect the projects to the internet and It is Easy to Program with the Arduino IDE, making it perfect for home automation, remote control systems.
Key Features of NodeMCU ESP8266
⇒Microcontroller: ESP-12E (ESP8266-based)- Handles all processing & Wi-Fi functions⇒TCP/IP stack – Allows internet communication
⇒Operating Voltage: 3.3V
⇒Voltage Regulator (AMS1117 3.3V)- Converts 5V (from USB or VIN) to 3.3V
⇒Processor - 32-bit (Runs at 80MHz, can overclock to 160MHz)
⇒Wi-Fi Support: 802.11 b/g/n (Direct internet access)
⇒Flash Memory: 4MB-Stores program code and data
⇒GPIO Pins: 11 (for connecting sensors, buttons, motors, LEDs, and more.)
⇒Analog Input (A0)- for reading sensor data(temperature sensors, LDRs)
⇒Supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for controlling brightness/motor speed
⇒Supports I2C and SPI for external module communication
⇒CP2102/CH340G- Converts USB signals to UART serial communication
⇒Communication Interfaces: UART, SPI, I2C
⇒Micro USB Port- Provides power and programming interface
⇒Flash Button- Helps in flashing firmware or debugging
⇒Reset Button (RST)- Manually resets the NodeMCU when pressed
⇒Power Pins (VIN, 3.3V, GND)- Provides power input/output options
Pin configuration of NodeMCU ESP8266
| Pin Name | GPIO Number | Function |
|---|---|---|
| D0 | GPIO16 | Can be used as a digital I/O (No PWM or I2C support) |
| D1 | GPIO5 | I2C SCL, PWM, Digital I/O |
| D2 | GPIO4 | I2C SDA, PWM, Digital I/O |
| D3 | GPIO0 | PWM, Digital I/O (Pull-up, boot mode sensitive) |
| D4 | GPIO2 | PWM, Digital I/O (Pull-up, boot mode sensitive) |
| D5 | GPIO14 | SPI SCK, PWM, Digital I/O |
| D6 | GPIO12 | SPI MISO, PWM, Digital I/O |
| D7 | GPIO13 | SPI MOSI, PWM, Digital I/O |
| D8 | GPIO15 | SPI CS, PWM, Digital I/O (Pull-down, boot mode sensitive) |
| RX | GPIO3 | Serial RX (Can be used as I/O but avoid if using Serial) |
| TX | GPIO1 | Serial TX (Can be used as I/O but avoid if using Serial) |
| A0 | ADC0 | Analog Input (0-3.3V) |
| 3V3 | - | 3.3V Power Output |
| GND | - | Ground (Common ground with other components) |
| VIN | - | Power Input (Can be 5V–12V for powering NodeMCU) |
Overview of L298N Motor Driver
The L298N Motor Driver is a high-power dual H-Bridge motor driver module it can control DC motors or stepper motor.It can handle high currents and voltages while providing smooth motor control.Since microcontrollers (like NodeMCU/Arduino..) Output is very low current and voltage , it cannot directly power DC motors, so we need a motor driver like the L298N which receives low-power control signals from the microcontroller and translating into high-power motor movements.
Key Features of L298N Motor Driver
⇒Operating Voltage: 5V–35V⇒Output Current: Up to 2A per channel
⇒Dual H-Bridge Design: Allows independent control of two DC motors
⇒Logic Voltage: 5V (compatible with most microcontrollers)
⇒PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Support: Enables variable speed control
⇒Motor Controls- Two Dc Motors Independently or a stepper motor
Pin Configuration & Connections of L298N Motor Driver
The L298N motor driver has multiple pins that control motor movement.Understanding these pins is essential for wiring it correctly in your Wi-Fi-controlled car.| Pin Name | Function |
|---|---|
| VCC | Main power supply for motors (5V to 35V) |
| GND | Ground connection |
| 5V | Provides a 5V output |
| IN1 & IN2 | Controls Motor 1 direction |
| IN3 & IN4 | Controls Motor 2 direction |
| ENA (Enable A) | Controls speed of Motor 1 (via PWM) |
| ENB (Enable B) | Controls speed of Motor 2 (via PWM) |
| OUT1 & OUT2 | Output for Motor 1 |
| OUT3 & OUT4 | Output for Motor 2 |
Building the Chassis for Wi-Fi Controlled Car
The chassis serves as the foundation, holding all components like the motors, motor driver (L298N), NodeMCU, battery pack, and wheels together .So a sturdy and well-designed chassis is essential for ensuring stability and smooth movement of the car.
⇒Some common Chassis materials: PVC Sheet, Acrylic Sheet, MDF Board
Please watch this youtube video, that can guide you through the step-by-step process of making the car chassis.
Assembling the Car Chassis
⇒Mark the Positions – Plan where the motors, motor driver, and NodeMCU , battery will be placed.⇒Attach the Motors – Fix Geared DC Motors using screws or glue.
⇒Fix the Wheels – Attach them to the motor shafts securely.
⇒Mount the L298N Motor Driver – Secure it with screws or adhesive tape.
⇒Place the NodeMCU ESP8266 – Mount it securely with screws or adhesive tape.
⇒Attach the Battery Holder – Secure it in a position that balances the car.
Circuit Diagram for Wi-Fi Controlled Car
This guide provides a detailed explanation of the circuit, pin connections, wiring, and power requirements to ensure smooth and error-free assemblyMotor Connections-Connect L298N Motor Driver to Motors
The L298N driver supports only 2 motor outputs. Since we are using four motors, connect them in parallel:
⇒Parallel connection: Connect both motors opposite terminals of one side together.Front Left & Rear Left Motor
| L298N Output | Motor Terminal |
|---|---|
| L298N OUT1 | Motor A Terminal 1 Motor B Terminal 2 |
| L298N OUT2 | Motor A Terminal 2 Motor B Terminal 1 |
Front Right & Rear Right Motor
| L298N Output | Motor Terminal |
|---|---|
| L298N OUT3 | Motor C Terminal 1 Motor D Terminal 2 |
| L298N OUT4 | Motor C Terminal 2 Motor D Terminal 1 |
Connections between L298N Motor Driver & NodeMCU ESP8266
| L298N Pin | NodeMCU Pin |
|---|---|
| IN 1 | D1 (GPIO5) |
| IN 2 | D0(GPIO16) |
| EN A | D2 (GPIO4/PWM) |
| IN 3 | D7 (GPIO13) |
| IN 4 | D6(GPIO12) |
| EN B | D5(/GPIO14PWM) |
Here, a Detailed circuit diagram showing the exact wiring between all components.
Click on the Download buttons to download the Circuit Diagram.
Power Connections between all components
NodeMCU Power
⇒Connect Vin of NodeMCU to 5V Output from L298N
⇒Connect GND of NodeMCU to Battery -ve.
L298N Motor Driver Power
⇒12V terminal → Connect to Battery +ve.
⇒GND terminal → Connect to Battery -ve.
⇒5V Output from L298N → Connect to NodeMCU Vin
Important Power Notes:
⇒Do NOT power NodeMCU directly with 12V (it operates on 3.3V logic so it must receive regulated power but can take 5V at VIN).
⇒Motors require higher voltage (7.4V - 12V), so ensure your battery can handle it.
⇒Use a common ground (GND) between NodeMCU, L298N, and the power source.
Please watch this youtube video, that can guide you through the step-by-step process of wiring Connections.
Setting Up Arduino IDE for NodeMCU ESP8266
Step 1: Download and Install Arduino IDE
⇒Visit the official Arduino website: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software
⇒Download the Arduino IDE for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
⇒Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.
⇒After installation, open the Arduino IDE.
Step 2: Add ESP8266 Board to Arduino IDE
By default, the Arduino IDE does not support ESP8266. We need to add the board manually.
⇒Open Arduino IDE.
⇒Go to File > Preferences.
⇒In the Additional Board Manager URL, enter the following URL:
http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
⇒Click OK.
⇒Now, go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager.
⇒search for ESP8266 in the search bar
⇒Select ESP8266 by ESP8266 Community and click Install.
Step 3: Install Blynk Libraries
To use IoT features with NodeMCU, we need to install additional Blynk libraries.
⇒Go to Manage Libraries.
⇒Search for Blynk in the search bar
⇒Look for Blynk by Volodymyr Shymanskyy.
⇒Select Library version 1.2.0
⇒Click Install.
Please watch this youtube video, that can guide you through the step-by-step process of Configure the Blynk Web Dashboard
Configure the Blynk Web Dashboard
Step-1: Log in to Blink
⇒Click the "START FREE" button
⇒Enter email address and click the "Sign Up" button
⇒Go to Gmail and click "Create Password"
⇒Create a Password and click "Next"
⇒Enter a Profile name and click "Done"
Step-2: Create a New Template
⇒Go to "Developer Zone" Click "+ New Template" button
⇒ Enter Template Name...
⇒Hardware-"ESP8266"
⇒connection type-"WiFi"
⇒click "Done"
Step-3: Setting Up Datastream
⇒Navigate to Datastream
⇒ Click on + New Datastream and select Virtual Pin.
⇒Create the following virtual pins:
o V0 (Forward) - Integer(Range: Min Value as 0 and Max value as 1)
o V1 (Backward) - Integer(Min Value as 0 and Max value as 1)
o V2 (Left Turn) - Integer(Min Value as 0 and Max value as 1)
o V3 (Right Turn) - Integer(Min Value as 0 and Max value as 1)
o V4 (Speed Control) - Integer (Range: 0-255 for speed adjustment)
⇒ Click "Save" button
Step-4: Adding Widgets to the Web Dashboard
⇒Go to the Web Dashboard tab.
⇒Drag and drop the following widgets to dashboard
o Button Widgets for Forward, Backward, Left, and Right movement.
o Slider Widget for Speed Control.
Step-5:Configure each Widget Button
⇒Click on the Gear button for Settings
⇒Enter Switch name, select Datastream and click "Save" button
⇒ Click "Save And Apply" button to activate the dashboard.
Step-6: Generate an Auth Token
⇒ Go to the "Home" tab and copy the 'Authtoken'
⇒ Keep this token safe as it will be needed for setting up communication with NodeMCU.
Upload the Code to NodeMCU
Configuring the Wi-Fi Connection
⇒ Open Arduino sketch in Arduino IDE
⇒ Enter your Blynk 'Auth Token'---- (char auth[])
⇒ Provide your Wi-Fi credentials to establish a connection.
char ssid[]-----WiFi Name
char pass[]-----WiFi Password
Click on the Download buttons to download the Source Codes .
Upload the Code to the NodeMCU ESP8266
⇒ Connect NodeMCU to computer using a USB cable.
⇒ Tools>Board "Arduino Nano">esp8266>NodeMCU1.0(ESP-12E Module)
⇒ Tools>Port>Select COM Port
⇒ Click the Upload button to flash the code to NodeMCU.
Please watch this youtube video, that can guide you through the step-by-step process of Upload the Code to NodeMCU
❌ When flashing code to the NodeMCU ESP8266, DO NOT power it with an external power source.
Setting Up the Blynk App to Control the Car
Follow the steps below to set up the Blynk app
Step-1: Download Blynk App
⇒ Open Play Store and search for Blynk
⇒ Install Blynk App
Step-2: Log In to Blynk app
⇒ Log In to Blynk app Using same email and password which isused in Blynk Website
Step-3: Add Widgets to Blynk
⇒ Open the earlier created Template
⇒ Click the "+" icon for add and arrange four "Buttons" & a "Slider" from Widget Box
Step-4: Set Button Properties
⇒ Click the Button for Set Up
⇒ Select the Datastream
⇒ Select Mode of Button as Push
Step-5: Customize the Button
⇒ Click the Design
⇒ Adjust button sizes and positions as needed
⇒ Enter the Button name
⇒ Customize the buttons as you like
Please watch this youtube video, that can guide you through the step-by-step process of Setting Up the Blynk App
Testing and Controlling the Car
After successfully assembling the hardware, programming the NodeMCU, and setting up Blynk, it is time to test the car’s functionality and overall performance.
Step 1: Powering the Car
⇒Ensure correct wiring between NodeMCU,L298N and Motor
⇒Connect the Battery to the motor driver and power it on.
Step 2: connect the car with the Blynk App
⇒Open Wi-Fi and search for available connections
⇒Click on the NodeMCU network
Step 3: Controlling the Car Using Blynk
⇒Open the Blynk Application
⇒Control the car using Button Widgets
Press Forward to move the car forward
Press Backward to reverse the car
Press Left or Right to steer the car accordingly
Adjust the Speed Control Slider to regulate motor speed.
⇒If the motors don’t move, check the L298N power supply is sufficient.
⇒If the motors rotate in the wrong direction, swap the motor connections on the L298N driver.
Step By Step Video Tutorial Of Building a Wi-Fi car using NodeMCU ESP8266, Blynk, and L298N Motor Driver
Conclusion
⇒Building a Wi-Fi car using NodeMCU ESP8266, Blynk, and L298N motor driver is an exciting project.
⇒This project will help you learn about electronics, coding, IoT, and robotics.
⇒This Wi-Fi Car project doesn’t just stop here —You can add LED headlights, obstacle detection sensors or cameras to make the car more Smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NodeMCU ESP8266?
NodeMCU is an open-source development board built around the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module. It combines a microcontroller with Wi-Fi capability, making it perfect for IoT projects like home automation, smart devices, and Wi-FI-controlled cars.
How to program NodeMCU?
NodeMCU can be programmed using the Arduino IDE. Just install the ESP8266 board package and Blynk library. Then, upload the code, select NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module) as the board, select the correct COM port and hit Upload.
Which microcontrollers can be used with Blynk?
NodeMCU ESP8266/ESP32, Arduino Uno/Mega/Nano, Raspberry Pi
How many motors can be controlled with L298N?
2 DC motors independently or 1 stepper motor (bipolar, 4-wire) or large DC motor using both channels for more current.
Thank you for being a part of this " Wi-Fi Controlled Car Using NodeMCU ESP8266, Blynk and L298N " project.
Happy Building!
Warm regards
Diy Tech Shop
Good explanation
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