Custom Amphibian
 

Hello all,

I am currently working on a project to build a full scale tracked amphibious vehicle. To test some of my concepts (especially propulsion) I am planning on building an RC model at around 1/10th or 1/8th scale.

For this project I have purchased a uPrint 3D printer and am planning to model the entire amphibian in SolidWorks and then scale parts of it down and print them to assemble the model. Before I can get to that point, I need to figure out how to transfer power to the tracks. Right now I am envisioning two electric motors driving two track-drive wheels. If my drive wheel is 1" in diameter I need 6726 RPM at the drive wheel to achieve the speed I'm looking for (20MPH actual).

I've started looking around to find a motor and have discovered it's not as easy as I thought it would be to find one. Is there anyone out there who might be able to give me some assistance in choosing a motor and motor control? I'll also need a hand control unit suitable for steering a tracked vehicle. Steering in water and on land will be achieved by running each track at different speeds.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Wes

RE: Custom Amphibian
 

You might consider chatting with a representitve for Pittman Motors.
http://www.ametektip.com/index.php?o...=168&Itemid=99

Pittman make all sorts of gear head motors and direct drive motors that might meet your specs.

For seals, possibly Chicago Rawhide...
http://www2.chicago-rawhide.com/

http://www2.chicago-rawhide.com/popu...kup_457010.htm

Most 2.4ghz radios would suit your needs.
Economically,... maybe a Spectrum DX5 would give you the dual stick control for the tracks, and
a few extra channels for any options you might be considering.

:)

RE: Custom Amphibian
 

Getting @7000rpm should not be a problem.  Knowing how much power you need in your application might be.  Questions like "How much weight is involved?" and "How much resistance are the tracks and idler wheels going to introduce?" spring to mind.<div>Still, now it is known that someone in the Cleveland area had a 3D printer, you might not actually get a chance to finish the project for answering the knocking on the door from hopeful modellers.......:D</div>

RE: Custom Amphibian
 

A similar model already exists. You could model your project on that.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv1TKWYbT_Y[/youtube]

Or you can make enquiries with Poncin or Argo
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUQItsOtYQ8&feature=related[/youtube]

RE: Custom Amphibian
 

Kyosho used to make a tracked Sno-Cat type of vehicle in both electric and nitro versions, I have no idea if they're still available or not.
The guys up in the RC Tank forum might be of some help also as far as transmissions and the like go.

RE: Custom Amphibian
 

Yup, they still make them in both versions