# Electronics Upgrades

Beyond the initial SHADOW system I have several upgrades planned based on other MSE builds.

* Convert to use 18v Ryobi rechargeable batteries
* Upgraded sound system, from 5v amplifier (3 watt output) to 12v amplifier (50 watt output)

# Glossary

A

- **Arduino** - A simple computer board usually used by electronics hobbyists. It has very little memory and low CPU speed so it is very good for simple use-cases. It is a precursor to the more powerful but more complex Raspberry Pi. There are many manufacturers that make "Arduino Compatible" or "Clone" boards that are valid.
- **Arduino IDE** - A desktop "Integrated Development Environment" for editing code and uploading it to an Arduino compatible development board.

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B

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C

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D

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E

- **Electronic Speed Controller** - **ESC** - This is the device that controls the speed of your RC car. The battery usually plugs into this unit and has big wires going to the Motor. There are 3 wires (Black, Red, White) that go from the Receiver to the ESC.

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I

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R

- **Receiver** - The "little black box" that originally receives the Radio Control (RC) transmissions and makes the appropriate signals to the Steering Servo and the ESC. Note: This gets bypassed / cut-out when installing a SHADOW system.
- **RC** - Remote Control

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S

- **Small Handheld Arduino Droid Operating Wand** - **S.H.A.D.O.W.** - This is a replacement system for the standard Radio Control (RC) for driving your RC car. The standard controller is a "PSD Move Navigation" controller. Shadow will also support sound.

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V

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Z

# Convert to Ryobi batteries