How-to build your own wireless, autonomous hovercraft

by Evan Blass, posted Dec 31st 2007 at 11:17PM

So to be clear right off the bat, this is not the type of hovercraft that you might commute to work or class in, but rather a small RC version more suitable for transporting babies or adorable pets. That being said, Instructables user bradpowers has posted step-by-step guide for the ambitious modder to build his or her very own remotely-controlled or autonomous 'craft, from constructing the frame to assembling the lift and propulsion systems to setting up the onboard PIC. Definitely not a project for the easily distracted, however, a successful build will surely make you the delight of neighborhood children for blocks in every direction. Check out a video of the little guy in action after the break.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Transportation, Wireless

Tags: diy, hovercraft, how-to, mods, projects

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

671GD @ Dec 31st 2007 11:27PM

"however, a successful build will surely make you the delight of neighborhood children for blocks in every direction."

Yeah, and the horror of the parents.

Highest Ranked

johnnychipface @ Jan 1st 2008 6:18AM

Especially since there's no guard on the fans...

Kid: Hey can I touch it?
Hoverman: Sure go right ahead :)
Kid: OHMYGOD, ITS EATEN MY HAND!!!
Hoverman: Yes, yes it did; lol.

Neutral

gjp303 @ Jan 1st 2008 9:03PM

did the hoverman seriously say lol aloud!!! how embarrassing!!!

Neutral

rstark @ Dec 31st 2007 11:27PM

Awesome! Where's the instructions???

Neutral

671GD @ Dec 31st 2007 11:44PM

Try the read link.

Highly Ranked

Sam Zebian @ Jan 1st 2008 12:32AM

HOw to = some damn setup instructions = not this story

Neutral

Jason @ Jan 1st 2008 11:37AM

follow the read link chief, instructables has you covered

Highly Ranked

Max @ Jan 1st 2008 12:42AM

Finally, a way to entrust the transportation of my baby to a mindless, sightless machine capable of traveling over bodies of water!

Neutral

Roberto @ Jan 1st 2008 1:20AM

This hovercraft is commendable and noteworthy, but it is by no means autonomous.

Neutral

jmd @ Jan 1st 2008 2:27AM

so sorry...been there...done that...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PWJR82ZO-Oo

I actually owned the original typhoon rc hovercraft. it was awesome except for the sucky 8 minute run time.

Neutral

Simon @ Jan 1st 2008 6:42PM

wow, so you actually managed to *BUY* a rc hovercraft in a shop? amazing!

execpt, i wouldn't belive that piece of crap you bought could carry anything. though, it's quite hard to belive this *SELFBUILD* rc hovercraft can carry children, even though it's much larger and much more powerfull.

Neutral

Dan @ Jan 1st 2008 11:12AM

Why just build a model?

Plans here: http://members.aol.com/hiitec/kite/Sevs.html

Videos here (including a similar snow video): http://www.amphibiousmarine.com/photosvideos/download_videos/download_videos.html

Neutral

Bradpowers @ Jan 1st 2008 11:46AM

That's correct, in the current form shown in the video, it is being controlled via RC, however, we did get it running autonomously using a series of ultrasonic sensors, I just did not include instructions on how to make it autonomous, because that was extremely outside of the scope of the Instructable.

Neutral

midiwall @ Jan 1st 2008 11:56AM

RAWKIN' tunes!

Neutral

rmikejav @ Jan 1st 2008 2:07PM

JMD said:
so sorry...been there...done that...

Dude- did you really see a comparison? That little thing on Youtube is a sorry POS! Can't manage to move in shallow water at edge of pool.

This one seems to have a lot more potential.
BTW- Lose the music track- it's about the machine!!

Neutral

ajft @ Jan 1st 2008 8:56PM

AUTONOMOUS. The word does not mean what the author thinks it means.

This is not an autonomous hovercraft.

Neutral

Bradpowers @ Jan 1st 2008 11:05PM

Actually, it does, however, I did not include information on how to make the hovercraft autonomous in the Instructable, as it would have been outside of the instructable's scope.

Neutral

uShak @ Jan 2nd 2008 3:50AM

hmm.. i've made one of these like... back in middleschool. thats like 8 years ago.
granted it wasnt RC... but it worked the same.

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