3D Printed Open Source RC Snowmobile V2

thingiverse

The OP3DRCSnowmobile is a fully working 3D printed RC snowmobile! Watch it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az5C2jzVpOo This is a project I've been working on for over a year and it turned out way better than I expected. A few years back I made the original OP3DRCSnowmobile using openRC F1 electronics. That was a fun project and it was fun to drive. It did however have some major drawbacks like lack of power and frequent repairs needed. I didn't have any experience with 3d printing tracks or how to make a snowmobile handle well at the time. It was a good first attempt and I did learn a lot. Because of that I decided to make a V2 where I implemented all that I learned. Update 2023-02-05: A higher kv brushless motor will make it a lot morte fun to drive. Instead of a 1000kv motor like the one initially used a 2000-3000kv motor will work even better. Some of the changes include: More powerful motor and simpler drivetrain. A wider ,longer and better designed track using 3d printer ptfe tube rails for low friction. A way better system for tensioning the track Positive suspension caster angle to handle better when turning. All these changes make it faster and more durable. It handles a lot better and doesn't get stuck as often in deeper snow. It is also a lot more modular and easier to work on in case something breaks. All the parts are relatively easy to print but you need a relatively well tuned printer and there are some parts that do need a bit of support. I've really tried to make as much as possible print without support but for some parts it wasn't possible without other compromises. There are also some tall prints that might need a skirt to stay stuck to the bed. I printed everything in PLA and it has held up great. For the frame holding everything together there are two options. One that is fully 3d printed in two parts and one cut from 3.5mm plywood and glued together. I made the CNC cut version and it has worked great. Some people might not have access to a CNC so because of that there is a printed version as well. Included in the download are assembly instructions and a list of all the hardware needed. There are also two assembly videos linked below. Some of the parts needed: 3542 brushless motor 1000kv from Hobbyking (That's just what I used but you cold probably find a lot of other other alternatives with similar specs)(the .step is also available if you need to make any modifications to the design)(slightly higher kv probably makes it even more fun 1000-2000kv. mg995 servo 60mm shocks (there is a rigid printed version) m5 threaded rod 4mm OD ptfe tube 6x 625 (5x16x5) and 4x 105 (5x10x4) bearings Look at the Hardware list in the downloads for more details on nuts/bolts and other smaller parts. Ask questions/discuss: https://discord.gg/sNKUmDu8at Watch the build guide: Part1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZJQfuHpiI8 Part2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9_cN2jAA9A Happy printing! Initially I used a 1000kv outrunner motor from kobbyking (3542). I have since then replaced it with a 2600kv motor and it is a lot more fun. There are many motors that will work. This is the one I got: https://www.banggood.com/Racerstar-3660-Brushless-Motor-60A-ESC-Waterproof-w-or-M0_6-Metal-Gears-for-Wltoys-104001-104002-RC-Car-Vehicles-Parts-p-1862898.html?cur_warehouse=USA&ID=511866 Any brushless 3660 motor 2000-3000kv will work. Even lower kv will work fine but might not me as fun since it will have a quite low top speed.