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How to Build RC Hovercraft!

Former Member

Dear All ,

I'm a Precision Engineering Student from Myanmar. I've to built a RC hovercraft for my university project.

But,I'm just a beginner for Electronic field.

I don't trouble for designing cover frame of hovercraft,but start difficulties in building Control System for this.

First , I don't know which radio Transmitter & Receiver use for this?

And then , I don't know how to connect this selected Control System to the motors that used in the hovercraft.

But before that, I had a little experience of Arduino , and so I hope if I use Arduino for Control System , I'll be OK.

So, I wanna request your advice for starting this project.

 

Thanks ...

  • 0

    Hello,

     

    I  think that the best thing you should do before is to post for us more detailed information on the mechanic and construction of the system. The number of channels of the RC controller, for example, depends on how many stuff you should control (probably with servos), as the weight and size has its influence.

    I know how an hovercraft by principle works (I've done one years and years ago, a small balsa wood model eheh) and I suppose that you should control at least two different motors, one for the hovering fan and one for the propulsion, if the propulsion is based on another fan too. In this case sizes makes the difference.

    Then how the stabilisation system is done? Do you use inclinometers ? It a GPS needed? How the real-time positioning is done? And so on.

     

    My general suggestion, if you have not yet defined 100% your electronics and micro controller usage plan is to use an arduino on-board so the radio control can act with a sort of "macro commands" while the micro controller process them translating a complex instruction to the entire system control. I suppose this consideration is almost obvious but as you say that you have not experience in this field I hope it maybe useful for you.

     

    I think that with some more detailed information we can also help you addressing where find good advices on the net for specific circuiting parts. My last general suggestion is to separate the electronic project in two parts: the first should be the on-board Arduino sketch then when the hovercraft can work fine with all the features you need for control, you can manage - in a very simple way - the RC connection to control it.

     

    Enrico

  • 0

    imageA radio transmitter/receiver to control your motors, doesn't matter which transmitter you use. Just choose a frequency allowed in your country.


    For testing the motors, you first have to solder an electric circuit to connect the battery to the ESC's and motors.

    - Use the gold connectors for connections between ESC and motor, and between ESC and thick black/red wire. Cover the connectors with heat shrink to avoid them from touching other connectors.

    - The three-colored cable from the servo can be plugged directly into your receiver. (the servo runs on the receiver-battery. LiPo)

    - The three-colored cable from the ESC's can also be plugged directly into your receiver, but...

    image! Do not plug the red/power (probably the ones in the middle) wires from these cables into your receiver. The ESC's are already being powered by your LiPo-battery. Just fold the red wires back and cover them with heat shrink or tape.


    imageI used Arduino to control the motors with a potmeter, I've also controlled this hovercraft with a PlayStation3 controller.

    imageThese are suggestions since I do not know the motor you choose. Follow these with your mind engaged since I make no warranties here.

    Clem

  • 0

    Check out hobbyking for cheap parts:

    http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__1117__190__Radios_Receivers-OrangeRx_Radios_Tele_Sensor_F_Stabilization.html

     

    You can find kits, parts etc

    http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__502__501__Multi_Rotors_Parts-Frame_Kits.html

     

    Most frames will have "additional items" at the bottom to guide you.

     

    if you are building a controller you will need a 3-axis gyro.  This project is not for beginner and will require using ATMEL code directly over the Arduino libraries due to speed constraints.

     

    Good Luck


  • 0 in reply to balearicdynamics

    Sorry for my late reply and Thanks for your advice.

     

    I think there will be 4 channels of controller ,

    I wanna move this hovercraft left & right,back & forward ,and then controlling this speed.

    Btw , I forgot to say something, that my Hovercraft can be sized to be small bcoz I'll use this just for demonstration.

    My idea is that this Dimensions are Length = 24 fts , Width = 12 fts.

     

    I afraid for not friendly with Electronic Fields, if I can't , I think should I buy a set of Radio Transmitter & Receiver?

    But if I can , I wanna control with Arduino.

    So, May I request u to recommend me about Arudino Project like the same as mine with example (Youtube Video Link , Web Link, etc?)

     

    Thanks for supporting me .

    image

     

    With Respects,

    Paing