Mini RC Blimp

thingiverse

I built this "mini" RC blimp from one of those micro RC cars that used to be all the rage. It putters around my large living room with a slow lumbering grace and it is perfect for those who hate trying to fly those cheap little helicopters indoors. The total cost for this project is under $20 (with a free trial of amazon prime). I bought the car from amazon, frame 2 is modeled specifically for this car, the other parts should be compatible with the standard motor. This build is based on this instructable, except with printed parts for an easier and better construction.http://www.instructables.com/id/13-RC-Blimp Instructions First, I purchased this micro RC car from amazon.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MDTBXO I also purchased this vibrator motor from my local radio shack and removed the counterweight.http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2914700 The parts are printed with full infill of course. The shaft hole for the propeller will likely get filled in. I heated up a needle with a lighter and poked it through. The printed propellers work fine, but I'm sure they could be replaced with superior purchased ones. In taking apart the car, I cut off the lights and the steering coil, and soldered the steering motor in place of the coil. The circuit board should snap right into frame 2, along with the battery. Frame 2 is superglued to frame 1, and the switch and charging port are superglued to frame 2. A large straw is used to connect the steering motor frame 3 to frame 1. I also used straws cut in half and stuck to the tape that holds the balloons together for ballast adjustment. See the instructable for other details on the build.