Mini RC Airsled

For the Snow competition, I created this mini RC airsled. It is made out scrap Eachine E010 drone parts, and requires a little bit of bit of 3D printing. However, that is all your going to need for this project, despite maybe basic soldering skills. For that reason, it simple, easy, and all around fun!!!

Some other similar projects include:

• my RC Airboat (https://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-3D-Printed-...)
• Peter Sripol's RC Hovercraft (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F297FW81Fiw)

• Eachine E010 Drone*
• PLA Plastic*
• Hot Glue*
• Solder*
• Heat Shrink
• Blu-Tak

*required

Obviously, you do not have to design it yourself, as I have the STL files provided. However, I kind of wanted to give you a run-down on how it was 3D modeled. For the record, I used Fusion 360.

This is the process I followed:

1. Decide on the overall dimensions (imagine a box surrounding the entire product)
2. Rough out a cool-looking, effective body shape (make it smooth)
3. Make it a shell and create a door for easy access (measure electrical components and make sure they fit)
4. Create motor pylons, ensuring to account for the size of the propeller guards
5. Add in long skis or skates (we don't want this thing to tip over!)
6. Done! (but this is just the first step)

I designed this model for the purpose of 3D printing, so the process should be pretty straight-forward. I used a CR-10 and PLA plastic which I found to be strong enough.

The settings I used were:

• .2 mm layer height
• 200 C temperature
• 15% infill
• ✓ Supports

• ✓ Skirt

I did not do much post-processing on this print, however, now is the time to sand and paint the model if you so wish. I recommend keeping the tops of the motor pylons clear, as paint will make it harder to glue the motors on later. Also, a word of advice, make it bright, small, dark objects can easily get lost in the pure white snow.

First, you are going to want to thread the motor wires through the holes provided. Then, you should solder a length of wire about 1 inch (3 cm) to the end of each so that they are able to reach the board. To stay organised and prevent shorts, you should probably cover the connections with heat shrink. Next, re-solder the motors to the pins they were originally connected to. These are the two M+ and M- closest to the battery connector. Finally, you will want to solder the battery connector back to the board using another 1 inch (3 cm) wire. This will allow the battery to be plugged in, even when space starts to get cramped.

Helpful Hints:

• if the motors spin uncontrollably when the battery is plugged in, then you should flip the polarity of the battery connector
• always over cut your wires, you can cut them short later but not re-grow them

As the final step, you should fill the holes for the motor wires in with hot glue, and epoxy the two halves of the sled together. Be sure that no wires are caught while doing this though, it could cause problems for you later. Additionally, although the door should stay in place through friction, you can use Blu-Tak, or other putty of the sort to hold it down.

At this point, your mini RC snowmobile / airsled is finished, and ready for the great outdoors. Personally, I recommend testing it out on the flat area that has relatively hard-packed snow. Also, if you having trouble binding just move the left stick up and down to connect. Other than that, your free to do whatever you want with your own personal snow vehicle!

As promised, here are the files in STL format: