RC Engine is an ESP32-S3 controller and dynamic sound synthesizer for RC scale models, trucks, crawlers, tracked vehicles, and locomotives.
It pairs with the RadioKit mobile app over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to deliver physics-based engine simulation, multi-channel sound synthesis, lighting automation, and motor drive control.
- Real-Time Engine Simulation: RPM curves, flywheel inertia, automatic transmission torque-converter slip, and start/stop state management.
- Sound Effects: Turbo spool, blow-off valves, diesel engine knock, Jake brake, air release, horns, sirens, and train bells.
- Pre-Tuned Profiles: Over 70 sound profiles covering highway trucks, off-road scalers, heavy construction machinery, tanks, and diesel locomotives.
- Drivetrain Modes: Ackermann steering with servo endpoints or dual-motor differential skid-steer.
- Drive Actuation: Direct H-bridge DC motors and hobby RC ESC support with configurable PWM frequencies and direction mapping.
- Auxiliary Machinery: Control channels for dump truck tippers, cement mixers, winches, and excavator attachments.
- Scale Lighting Channels: Directional headlights, high beams, 2-stage tail/brake lights, turn signals, and hazard flashers.
- Auxiliary & Cabin Lights: Dedicated cabin, step, ground, and dual alternating ditch lights.
- Pattern Sequencer: Configurable LED animations for beacons, strobes, and emergency lightbars.
- RadioKit Mobile App: Low-latency BLE control interface with tailored cockpit layouts for road trucks, machinery, and trains.
- Live Telemetry: Real-time battery voltage monitoring and vehicle speed telemetry.
- LittleFS Config Bundles: Hardware and vehicle parameters stored in JSON files that hot-reload without firmware re-flashing.
| Board | Target Vehicles | Key Peripherals |
|---|---|---|
| TRACKLINK V3 | 1/14–1/16 trucks, crawlers, locomotives | Dual high-power motor channels, servo rails, expanded lighting outputs, I2S audio |
| MIKRO V2 | 1/24–1/35 micro scale models | Compact footprint, dual motor driver, servo rail, integrated I2S amplifier, LED outputs |
| GTRACK | Tracked machinery, excavators | Dual track motor channels, aux motor drivers, lighting rails, I2S audio |
- Hardware Configuration Guide: Pin assignments, motor driver types, servo endpoints, lighting channels, and battery monitoring.
- Vehicle Configuration Guide: Engine RPM limits, inertia ramping, transmission dynamics, and sound volume mixing.
- RadioKit Ecosystem: Built with RadioKit and ESP32_EasyKit.
- Sound Engine: Engine synthesis concepts and baseline audio structures adapted from Rc_Engine_Sound_ESP32 by TheDIYGuy999.