How-to build your own wireless, autonomous hovercraft

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.

[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.

[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.

[gjp303 @ Jan 1st 2008 9:03PM]

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

[rstark @ Dec 31st 2007 11:27PM]

Awesome! Where's the instructions???

[671GD @ Dec 31st 2007 11:44PM]

Try the read link.

[Sam Zebian @ Jan 1st 2008 12:32AM]

HOw to = some damn setup instructions = not this story

[Jason @ Jan 1st 2008 11:37AM]

follow the read link chief, instructables has you covered

[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!

[Roberto @ Jan 1st 2008 1:20AM]

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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[midiwall @ Jan 1st 2008 11:56AM]

RAWKIN' tunes!

[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!!

[ajft @ Jan 1st 2008 8:56PM]

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

This is not an autonomous hovercraft.

[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.

[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.