My first custom 3D design, still a work in progress! Video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqiRlcF9NK8&t=150s
This project began a year 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 send me an email or any questions you have! Expect a version 2 within the next year or so!
The chassis of my design was thanks to HowToMechatronics on YouTube, who designed and built an amazing robotic tank! Here are links to the build video of his tank, able plans (that were free, but are now a few dollars), and amazing step-by-step instructions. You WILL need to buy the tracked vehicle for my project!!
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3XNYwNZ97w&t=735s
STL files - https://cults3d.sitegames.net/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, I loved the design of a "Snowcat" and wanted design a 1/10th scale cab for the chassis, and mount a model snowblower 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 deg 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 3 months.
The 5 sections of the cab unfortunately did not print the same colour, likely due to slight deviations in print environment temperature and print orientation. 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, link to the files below. 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 and works very well.
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. I have however since determined that there is an overheating issue after about 20 minutes of use (when the snowblower attachment is attached), that will be addressed in the version 2! If you are just driving the snowcat around, I have not found any overheating issues after 30+ miniutes of use in sub-zero temperatures. Motor fans can be wired and installed if desired!
The snowcat is powered by 2 x Zeee 3s 5500mah LiPo batteries for long runtimes. 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 are 5mm, and wired to a micro controller with a few different functions. I made holes in the modified 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?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
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/Chanmoo-Car-Led-Flash-Lights/dp/B0CJRKCVXM/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.71BSFofEIhpErzZ_ucfUb8Jms7gIB6iBIk-Y717Ye1GIbJdlNmggLhQPX6LWBVIVkPbnVHjQt2AolQTawhrYsPW-YvECjhVBuxTIUPaDxQLDxEJpHutk6zFBhlJxOWnBC1KOSwCZ2y5u8Iawg7cc4ytZyn4CHOhaZqGnECHbg7SRE3xlXhHEZa7ZlAX0Gsle9tPAOS_Rqa8mPpLP7FdcxR4StSvMAMMeo7Qrh_Zd2kO6G1IMls7QFkLHTU0r91JWd2G-HOQluyPEUjkim4V2hAxE60NvFhubAvEbmbo5Erb6rO0ift4MvvT7pnusV3i9DX4wIoF3laWx60bQWOaiBjmWlaIVwcb6ZgpvLjlfw1j6X_l1CcB96KVpJpessd1QjV4TX_71DKnZ_zK1inaHru5igv6ah0OS4GvXXjfhJ_9SGChxtFIhpFrqlLg8waeY.1HQEv6ftl6yIyX9Smb14nDJhDGgz81RL5s4npIouQn8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Circular%2BUltra%2BBright%2BLED%2BPolice%2BFlash%2BLight%2BRotating&qid=1738078628&sr=8-3&th=1
GT Powered high powered LEDs - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007988127142.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.11.2d074f6cLd8Po6&algo_pvid=d8d9d0cd-e3f4-4ce1-ab92-caf8cca4e93b&algo_exp_id=d8d9d0cd-e3f4-4ce1-ab92-caf8cca4e93b-5&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21CAD%2122.76%2119.81%21%21%2115.45%2113.45%21%402101c5b217380787128308835e6794%2112000043170484893%21sea%21CA%210%21ABX&curPageLogUid=GsSWdqwvywkU&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A
Most hardware used to assemble the cab was left over from the construction of the tracked tank chassis (wide assortment of M3 hex hardware). 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 s 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. M2 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/B0BRBR9NQ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1
The snowblower is not included and will need to be made by you. The body mounts for the Snowcat and the snowblower mounts are included.
Spyker Workshops 1X Snowblower - https://spyker-workshop.dpdcart.com/product/102652
I have already begun testing a functional set of model windshield wipers, modified rear hatch cover, FPV camera and transmitter mounts, widened tracks for better traction, along with custom attachments like an airsoft/gel blaster turret, powersweeper/broom, and snowplow. Stay tuned to my YouTube channel for updates and releases!
https://www.youtube.com/@RattlesnakeRCandHobbies
Disclaimer - The modified chassis is a free remake included with the design, but needed for my cab design zip. file!
