SunFounder PiCar-4WD User Manual

Preface
About SunFounder
SunFounder is a company focused on STEAM education with products like open source robots and smart
devices distributed globally. In SunFounder, we strive to help elementary and middle school students as
well as hobbyists, through STEAM education, strengthen their hands-on practices and problem-solving
abilities. In this way, we hope to disseminate knowledge and provide skill training in a full-of-joy way, thus
fostering your interest in programming and making, and exposing you to a fascinating world of science
and engineering. To embrace the future of artificial intelligence, it is urgent and meaningful to learn
abundant STEAM knowledge.
About This Kit
PiCar-4WD is a cost-effectively developmental smart car kit of Raspberry Pi, suitable for the Raspberry Pi 3
model B/B+ and 4 Model B. With the grayscale module, ultrasonic module, Photo-interrupter sensor
module, the car can realize obstacle avoidance, line following, object following, cliff detection, velocity
measurement, mileage calculation and so on.
Besides, the kits comes with operational examples of Web terminal, a rookie-friendly design. We also
provide the original python code for in-depth learning.

SunFounder PiCar-4WD Specifications

General

Compatibility	Raspberry Pi
Controller	Raspberry Pi
Motor Type	DC Motor
Motor Quantity	4
Wheel Diameter	65 mm
Connectivity	Wi-Fi
Programming Language	Python
Ultrasonic Sensor	Yes
Assembly Required	Yes
Type	4WD Smart Car
Chassis	4WD
Control Method	Remote Control, Autonomous
Operating Voltage	6V-8.4V

Summary

Introduction and Overview

About SunFounder

Company introduction and mission.

PiCar-4WD Kit Description

Details the product's features and capabilities.

Support and Legal Information

How to get help and copyright notice.

Safety and Raspberry Pi Setup

Product Warnings

Essential safety guidelines for product operation.

Raspberry Pi Setup Guide

Instructions for preparing the Raspberry Pi for use.

System Configuration

Network Connectivity

Steps to connect the Raspberry Pi to a WiFi network.

Remote SSH Access

How to establish and use SSH for remote control.

Software and Testing

Downloading Project Code

Instructions for obtaining the source code from GitHub.

Environment Initialization and Testing

Preparing the environment and verifying component functionality.

System Utilities

Power supply checks and controller reset functions.

Hardware Assembly

Motor Assembly

Attaching the four motors to the bottom plate.

Photo-interrupter & Encoding Disk

Installing the photo-interrupter and encoding disk.

Grayscale Sensor Mounting

Mounting the grayscale sensor module under the car's head.

Battery Holder Installation

Assembling the battery holder to the top plate.

Servo Motor Attachment

Mounting the servo motor with its output axis facing outwards.

Nylon Standoff Installation

Installing nylon standoffs for mounting components.

Top and Bottom Plate Assembly

Connecting the top and bottom chassis plates.

Spoiler Assembly

Attaching the spoiler component to the car.

Control Board Mounting

Mounting the Raspberry Pi and 4WD-Hat onto the chassis.

Module Wiring

Connecting the various modules to the 4WD-Hat board.

Radar Support Assembly

Assembling the radar support bracket.

Ultrasonic Sensor Module Mounting

Mounting the ultrasonic sensor module.

Final Wheel Attachment

Installing the wheels to complete the car assembly.

Operation Modes

Web Control Interface

Instructions for operating the car via web interface.

Python Program Control

Instructions for operating the car via Python scripts.

Code Structure Analysis

Analysis of the project's software architecture and modules.