This is an all-in-one board for building DIY robots capable of mapping the environment and self-driving using the map. Think of this PCB as a miniature robot “motherboard” connecting with (sold separately):

A 2D laser distance (LiDAR) scanning sensor
Two brushless encoder motors (12V or 24V)
An ESP32 DevKitC v4 38-pin compatible board with WiFi communication
A battery

This board is similar to the BDC-30P driver board that accommodates 30-pin ESP32 development board – as opposed to this board accommodating a 38-pin ESP32 development board.

The board is optimized for easy, quick, low-cost robot builds and comes with

Free, open-source Arduino-based firmware and PC software based on ROS2/Nav2, micro-ROS and Kaia.ai
These step-by-step example instruction videos illustrate how to use BDC-30P. BDC-38C4 usage is similar, except BDC-38C4 is slightly longer than BDC-30P.

Recommended Usage:

Build a LiDAR-enabled Arduino/ROS2 robot (parts sold separately):

Insert an Espressif ESP32 DevKitC v4 module
Connect two 12V N20 encoder motors
Connect a 2D 360-degree LiDAR
Connect a 9V battery
Assemble the robot base, wheels and motor clamps
Upload Arduino-compatible firmware; set up PC software
Drive the robot around manually (or automatically) to create a map of your place, see instructions
Have the robot self-drive around your place using the map, see instructions

Connecting a LiDAR is optional, but highly recommended in order to use mapping and navigation.

The board contains:

An integrated motor power supply (12V default, configurable to 24V)
Two integrated motor drivers for brushed DC motors (low-cost N20 motors recommended)
Two dual-channel quad encoder interfaces
A socket for ESP32 DevKitC v4 development board (insert your ESP32 dev kit)
Additional breakout headers for the ESP32 module (in case you want to add your own custom peripherals)
A 2D LiDAR interface (with firmware support for more than a dozen popular LiDAR models)
- TX, RX, PWM and LiDAR enable,
- Includes a LiDAR motor PWM FET (for LiDAR models that lack a built-in motor control)
A 5V regulated power supply for the 2D LiDAR and ESP32
A circuit enabling ESP32 ADC to monitor the battery voltage
Terminals for a power supply battery
A power supply switch

Technical Details:

Board input voltage range: Vbatt 6V to 21V
- Vbatt 6V to 10V for Vmot=12V motor voltage
- Vbatt 6V to 21V for Vmot=24V motor voltage
Max total motors current 3A
Max total motors battery draw 2A
Individual motor current limit 2.2A
5V supply max output current 3.5A
Max total battery draw 3A
Do not apply reverse power supply voltage, this can damage the board

Board configuration reference

JP1 solder jumper selects the motor encoders power supply voltage
- Default: 5V
- Alternative: 3.3V
JP2 solder jumper selects the on-board regulated motor power supply voltage, Vmot
- Default (closed): Vmot=12V
- Alternative (open): Vmot=24V
JP3 solder jumper selects the motors power supply source
- default: use the on-board regulated power supply
- alternative: use an external power supply Vext
JP4 solder jumper selects the 5V power source for LiDAR, ESP32

Size 53.2mm by 63.2mm by approx.14.5mm. Weight approx. 35g. ESP32 module header spacing 25.4mm.

Documentation

Software and Firmware

Technical Support

Visit our support forum. Both hardware and software questions are welcome.
View instruction videos on our YouTube channel
Join our Facebook robotics groups here, here and here (software)
Join our Reddit forums r/ArduinoAndRobotics and r/MakersPet

Warnings

Maker’s Pet boards are designed to be used with non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. It is possible to power the boards using rechargeable batteries if you follow proper safety precautions.
- Rechargeable batteries can be dangerous if mishandled.
- Use PROTECTED rechargeable batteries only – with protection from short circuit, 5A peak overcurrent, over-discharge, over-charge, over-heating, and physical damage (e.g. 18650 in steel cans).
- You will need to charge batteries using your own adapter appropriate for your own batteries.
- Your use of rechargeable batteries is AT YOUR OWN RISK