Custom RC Snowblower Vs. 3 inches of dense snow! Custom Snowcat V1.2

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Published on ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqiRlcF9NK8



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Sorry for the lack of uploads lately, lots of exciting projects in the works! The slight slipping sound is belt related, and is now fixed!

This project was in the works for about a year, but was only started a few months ago as I was waiting to come across a pre-designed, ~1/10th scale tank/robot chassis that was able to be 3D printed. This project is still in development, please like and subscribe if you're interested.

The chassis of my design was thanks to @HowToMechatronics , who designed and built an amazing robotic tank! Here are links to the build video of his tank, downloadable plans (that were free, but are now a few dollars), and amazing step-by-step instructions:

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3XNYwNZ97w&t=735s
STL files - https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/fully-3d-printed-tank-tracked-robot-platform
Instructions and parts list - https://howtomechatronics.com/projects/fully-3d-printed-tank-tracked-robot-platform/

After completing a RC model conversion of a 1/16th scale snowcat (which I have not posted yet!), I loved the design and wanted to mount a blower to the front. Unfortunately, there were no pre-made designs for a snowcat cab in 1/10th scale, so I quickly modeled my own. The designing of the chassis and cab, which features an interior, over 30 lights, custom lifting servo mounts for the snowblower, removable ultra-clear windshield, and openable doors, rear hatch, and side compartment, took about 2 months.

The 5 sections of the cab unfortunately did not print the same colour, likely due to slight deviations in print environment temperature. Almost everything lined up the first try, minus the doors and part of the main cab. It took almost a month just to print and assemble the chassis, cab, and the Spyker Workshops 1X snowblower. The filament I used was Duramic PLA+, it works really well, link below!

Pla+ black and silver - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08HH9HWMZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Nonetheless, ignoring the mismatched colours, it looks amazing, works very well, and is 1 of 1! I may release the files for free on thingverse so that other people can assist in making the design significantly better, as I do not have those skills at the moment! This is the first item I have ever designed, and could use some work. For the electronics, I am using a FlySky 10ch transmitter and receiver, 2 x ISDT 90A ESCs, 2 x 35KG servos for lifting the front mount, and the brushed motors recommended in the tracked tank plans from @HowToMechatronics. The snowcat is powered by 2 x Zeee 3s 5500mah LiPo batteries. The main LEDs in the roof are GT Power high powered LEDs. These were on AliExpress for very cheap, but have risen significantly in price. The other LEDs were 5mm, and wired to a micro controller with a few different functions. I made holes in the main chassis for LEDs as well, but have not installed any yet. The rotating emergency lights on the top have many functions and really make the build come alive at night! They are 1.3cm wide and about 1.5cm tall. Links to all items below:

Radio and receiver - https://www.amazon.ca/Alaohu-FS-i6X-Transmitter-Receiver-FS-iA10B/dp/B0BYK9Y149/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=flysky&qid=1703797079&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
ESCs - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BVYZMDPD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Motors - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B072N84V8S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Servos -https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09QXHD166/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Batteries - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09ZS73CCG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Rotating LEDs - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Q4NJ6B4?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
GT Powered high powered LEDs - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005685324739.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.12.21ef1802OOPZ7m

Most hardware used to assemble the cab was left over from the construction of the tracked tank chassis. The main cab portions were glued together with CA glue, and had small tabs to ensure all parts lined up well. The rear hatch, both doors, and both side panels were all printed separately and attached to the cab using small M2 screws. The plastic for the windows and doors were found around my home from packages and such. The front window is held on by these M2 screws as well, so that its easily removable for future upgrades. Hardware and glue linked below:

M2 screws - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B291LTSN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
CA glue (this brand is amazing) - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B084RJBYWQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

For snowblower information, check out the description of this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXy6JgN5arg

This project is still in testing, and so are custom modifications to the snowblower. I have already installed brushless power, which will be getting more testing once snow is falling again!







Tags:
snow
snow removal
satisfying
snowblower
satisfying snowblowing
RC snowblower
Remote Controlled snowblower
tank
rc tank
tracked vehicle
3d printing
3d printed
snowcat
1/10th scale