Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Clear your workspace. Plan the structure and draw a set of construction plans. Assemble your materials.
Use your plans to trace an outline of your gondola. Lay out your electronics (receiver, battery, speed controller) inside the outline to ensure you have enough room. Adjust the dimensions as needed. Use foam sheeting to build your gondola.
Drill a hole through the gondola that is the same diameter as the wooden dowel. Line the inside of both holes with tape. Measure and cut the dowel so that it extends about 4 inches beyond the gondola on each side. Slide the dowel through the hole in the gondola, then through the hole in the medium gear and out the other side of the gondola. Drill small holes on the ends of the dowels and use zip ties to mount a motor on each end of the dowel. Use zip ties to secure the engine wires along the dowels. Add a propeller to each motor. Cut small slits in the gondola and feed the engine wires through the holes. Glue a gear onto one of the servo motors and mount it inside the gondola so that its gear meshes with the gear on the dowel. The servo will rotate the dowel, which in turn will rotate the engines giving you vectored thrust to help control the blimp's altitude.
Cut a piece of foam the same height as the gondola and a quarter of its length to use as a rudder. Use tape to attach the rudder to the rear of the gondola leaving a small space so that the tape creates a hinge. Glue a control horn to the rudder. Make a small hole in the rear of the gondola and feed a control rod through for the rudder. Connect the rudder control rod to the second mini servo.
Install the receiver and battery based on your original layout. Connect the motors to the speed controller, and connect the speed controller to the battery. The speed controller feeds power to the motors based on throttle movement, allowing you to control the speed of the motors. Connect the rudder control servo into the receiver. Connect the geared servo to the receiver. Use double-sided foam tape to keep the servos in place. Turn on the power and test your electronics. When you are satisfied that everything works as intended, power down your electronics. Line the top edges of the gondola with Velcro tape.
Open the space blanket and fold it in half lengthwise. Check your plans to determine the size of your blimp's envelope. Cut the blanket to the right size and shape. Use the glue to seal the ends of the blanket creating an open bag. Use Velcro tape on the open side so that you can open and close the bag as needed. Make sure the bag is secured. Fill the balloons with helium. Put as many helium-filled balloons into the bag as it will hold. Seal the bag using the Velcro.
Attach the gondola to the envelope with the Velcro lining the top of the gondola. Let the blimp float and adjust the balance and weight so that it is level and neutrally buoyant. Use the pennies to add weight to balance the blimp as needed.
Turn on your electronics and take your blimp for a test flight.