Chassis kit with line tracer D2-1

Product detailed description

The D2-1 Line Follower Chassis Kit is a simple electronic soldering robot that autonomously follows a dark line. While building it, you will practice soldering traditional through-hole components and gain practical understanding of how an optical reflection sensor, a voltage comparator, and transistor-based motor switching work. The robot requires no programming – control is handled by a purely analogue circuit with an LM393 comparator. The kit is suitable for beginners, school clubs, or as a joint project for parents and children, and can later be converted into a programmable robot using Arduino.

Specifications:

• Type: line-following robotic chassis kit (soldering required)
• Power supply: 3 V DC, 2× AA batteries (not included)
• Operating principle:
  • a pair of sensors (LED illumination + photoresistor) measure the reflectivity of the surface on the left and right
  • the LM393 comparator compares the sensor signal with the set level
  • 8550 transistors switch the left and right motors accordingly, causing the robot to steer back onto the line
  • red LEDs indicate which motor is currently running
• Sensitivity Adjustment: 2× 10 kΩ trimmer (R1 left, R2 right)
• Drive: 2× DC geared motors (TT), 2 wheels + swivel caster
• Track: a test track with a 15 mm line width is included; you can draw your own track with a black marker or use electrical tape on a light surface
• Control: on-board switch
• Programming: not required
• Expansion: instructions for converting it into a programmable robot can be found in the related files; suitable options include:
  • Arduino Pro Mini, ATmega328PB 3.3 V 8 MHz
  • LaskaKit CH9102 Programmer USB-C, microUSB, UART (for uploading programs to the Pro Mini)
• Recommended batteries:
  • Energizer Industrial AA 1.5 V
• Weight: approx. 138 g (including packaging)

Important assembly notice:

• A Chinese manual is included in the package. You can find the Czech manual for download in the related files of the product. The component layout in section 1.4 of the manual may differ in the current board version – in such cases, follow the board markings and the schematic in the photo gallery (resistor values are printed directly on the board).
• First, populate the components from the top side of the board, then install the sensors (LEDs and photoresistors) from the bottom side, approximately 5 mm above the surface.
• Pay attention to the polarity of electrolytic capacitors and LEDs, and the orientation of the LM393 in the socket.
• The board's copper traces are thin – solder quickly and avoid overheating the board to prevent pads from peeling off.
• The hole in the center of the wheels may need to be slightly enlarged. Tighten the screw gently to prevent the wheel from slipping on the shaft.
• If a motor rotates in the opposite direction, swap its two wires.
• The circuit is designed for 3 V. A higher supply voltage (e.g. for more powerful motors) cannot be used without replacing some of the components.
• Adult supervision is recommended for younger builders, as the kit requires soldering.

Package contents:

• 1× PCB (which also serves as the robot chassis)
• 2× DC geared motors
• 2× Wheels
• 1× AA Battery Holder (for 2 batteries)
• 1× electronic components set:
  • 1× LM393 comparator + DIP-8 socket
  • 2× 8550 PNP transistors
  • 2× 10 kΩ trimmer potentiometers
  • 2× 100 µF electrolytic capacitors
  • 2× sensor LED illumination + 2× photoresistors
  • 2× red LEDs (motor indicators)
  • resistors (51 Ω, 10 Ω, 1 kΩ, 3.3 kΩ)
  • 1× switch
• 1× screw with nut and sliding support, mounting hardware
• 1× test track (line width 15 mm)

Note:

• This product is not a standalone functional unit and may require professional installation.
• Batteries are not included.
• Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may sometimes differ from the actual appearance of the item. However, this does not change their basic properties.