Thank you Flatterman, wonderful

Here is a vector thrust unit I am developing using 3d print technology.

Remote Control Vector Thrust Gimbal (1 min 43 sec)

Not sure how to embed this video here?

If anyone is interested, I will post the stl files on my website for anyone to print their own. Otherwise I can make one for you if you cover the costs.

Very Nice ! How Much if you make one?

Probably about $20. I haven't fully tested it yet to see how much abuse it will take or if any areas need strengthened. So far the print seems very strong and difficult to break.

Originally Posted by HigherVision

Probably about $20. ... .

I am already impressed. Count me in when you have one, two, or a few more for sale. I have been itching to try something like this.

That's very nice. Very good design too. Looking at it I can't think of anything I'd remove or modify to make it lighter. How many different sizes can you make? The design looks perfect for scaling down to 10g motors and 5g servos.

I designed this in freecad and it is not too dificult to change the dimensions for any size motor and servo combination.

I would like one as well. Nice job

I like it....makes me wish I had a 3D printer! When you get ready to do a production run, lemme know!

You have a winner on your hands, I think.

Have you uploaded it to the Thingiverse yet?
Looks fantastic, another reason to buy one of the many 3d printers...

If you don't mind me asking, which one are you using and how do you like it?

I haven't uploaded to Thingiverse.com yet as I am still working on the prop gaurd and attachment struts that will make a complete unit easily attachable to any wing or kite. I hope to have it ready for some filght tests on a new kite design this weekend.

Stay tuned for the video!

As far as 3d printing, I am using a Prusa Mendel. The open source engineering plans and info is here:
http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

Very nice, good to see some innovation in this section. I think more people would try RC kites if they were cheaper. Make sure to take care of the ball links - those are critical - and difficult to find in the correct size.

Originally Posted by HigherVision

I haven't uploaded to Thingiverse.com yet as I am still working on the prop gaurd and attachment struts that will make a complete unit easily attachable to any wing or kite. I hope to have it ready for some filght tests on a new kite design this weekend.

Stay tuned for the video!

As far as 3d printing, I am using a Prusa Mendel. The open source engineering plans and info is here:
http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

Let us know when it makes it to thingverse. I just found out a buddy of mine has just completed his Mendel, and he owes me a favor or two...

"The design looks perfect for scaling down to 10g motors and 5g servos"

I would love to get two when avaliable. I have a big VectorKite Canard and would love to make something a little smaller.

K.J.
St Paul, MN

To scale down 'normal' size of vector units, best suitable seems the design based on a small and lightweight universal joint.

LEGO offers one for less than 50ct., made from hard plastic. This only 1 gr. weihging universal joint appears to be strong enough to withstand control and drive loads.

Using two 6grs. Metal-Gear Submicro Servos in combination with 2 Micro-Heli balljoints and 2 shrink-tube joints, I built a 35grs. weighing interchangeable vector unit,.
I used a Micro Midget 7.5 grs. 12N-16P 'Gold-Line' BL-motor, a 5030 GWS prop and a 360 mAh 3S-LiPo, delivering 160grs. of thrust.
This LiPo allows a total flight time of around 9 minutes. All components are mounted on a 10cm cfk-rod, fixed with small drops of thick ca-glue (easy and fast). The universal joint allows an operating angle of 45 degrees, a bit less than gimbel based designs, but enough.

The attached photos show the use of this small Vector Unit in combination with a pendulum adopter for my 'MICROROTATOR' - Spinkite. It also will be used in different other 'Micro' Vector Kites and Foamflyers.

flattermann