The model level car is too expensive for middle school use. It seems to be too fast for my level of software and SF05 sonar sensing. I have found a commercially available electronic speed control that has no 'smarts', but that's $50 added cost to the package.

The 1/10 size gives me more room under the plastic car body for my solderless protokit plus an extra 4 AA battery package. This $50 toy car comes with a 7.2 volt rechargeable battery. There is still a mystery. How can the PIC detect that the RC transmitter is turned on? Presently turning on the transmitter with the trigger in a particular position stops the car in its tracks, but does not toggle to RC control.

All this sounds soo good. But.... go look at



It is not good. This has been frustrating. You can hear the car spin its wheels on the cement floor. I've not been able to get it to follow the wall. It turns too far when making what should be small adjustments. Could be my code. I'll share it if you want.

On the plus side this car cost $50 retail. It is light and very robust - as you can see. All my solderless kit easily fit underneath the plastic shell with holes for the sonar sensors.

As of right now It does seem that the model level car with the POT to adjust the speed is the way to go.

Ken