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Installing the Code!!!

Part 1: Dependencies

The software relies on other programs to run smoothly. We'll install these now.

  1. Install Main Dependencies  
    sudo apt install git -y
sudo apt install python3-pip -y
sudo apt install python-setuptools -y
sudo apt install python3-flask -y
sudo apt install python-flask -y
sudo pip install django-templates
  2. Now, we're going to install the official PiCar-V code. 
    cd ~/
git clone https://github.com/sunfounder/SunFounder_PiCar-V.git
  3. Enter the directory 
    cd ~/SunFounder_PiCar-V
  4.  Install smaller dependencies 
    sudo ./install_dependencies
  5. VERY IMPORTANT!!! REBOOT THE CAR
sudo reboot now

 

sudo reboot now

Right now's a great time to move the car to battery power if plugged into the wall.

Part 2: Extra Settings

In this part, we'll enable I2C in the Pi's Config. This allows you to control the motors. Don't worry, this one's quick, and you're almost ready to drive :}}}}

  1. Enter the Raspberry Pi config 
    sudo raspi-config
  2. Select interface options by using the number on the option, and using your keyboard.
  3. Enable I2C by moving down to the option and pressing enter.

Part 3: Drivers and Services

Now, we'll install the drivers for the servos on the car, and we'll make some code to ensure the program runs on bootup.

1. Navigate to the PiCar Code Directory

cd ~/SunFounder_PiCar-V

2. Run the Servo Setup Script - This will move servos in the car, so make sure it is on the floor in an open space.

picar servo-install

3. This next part sets up AutoStart for the remote control program. We'll make a new "service file" so the pi knows to start it after booting.

sudo nano /lib/systemd/system/PiCar.service

4. Paste the following code, then exit.

[Unit]
Description=PiCarServer
After=multi-user.target

[Service]
Type=idle
ExecStartPre=/bin/sleep 15
ExecStart=/usr/bin/python3 /home/pi/SunFounder_PiCar-V/remote_control/manage.py runserver 0.0.0.0:8000

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

5. Now we'll enable the service with the following commands.

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable PiCar.service

DONE! The next page explains how to connect to the car.

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