Claycopter Ground Launcher

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Claycopter Ground Launcher

This is a Ground Launcher for Caldwell Claycopters!  This will launch both the 90mm and 110mm discs, individually.  It cannot throw 2 discs at once...yet…  During testing i was able to launch the 90mm copter 80yrds! Plenty far for a good day of trap!

 

Function video found here

 

 

Based around the Ryobi 18v tool batteries, you'll only need a few additional items all available on amazon and basic soldering skills.  Print time is approximately 25hrs for all parts. Total cost for individual parts minus filament, wire and screws is about $20, purchased in quantities cost about $50 with lots of extras, perfect to build my Hand Launcher...

 

How it works!
wired together via the buck converter and dc motor controller, the 550 and n20 motors spin up together via the push and hold of the momentary button under the foot pedal.  The 550 motor reaches rpm before the n20 rotates the release cam into position to force the claycopter off the hub.  once it flies away let go of the pedal!  

 

Before launch set your desired launch distance by increasing the speed knob which also functions as the on off for the 550 motor, 50% throws a good distance.  The n20 will always be live but only when the pedal is pressed.  Make sure the release cam is perpendicular to the claycopter on the opposite side of the rotation to give it the most time possible, as it spins as long as you hold the button.  The 550 motor should spin clockwise looking from the rear, the n20 doesn't matter.

 

What you will need... Don't fear the list, its all on Amazon, buy in small bulk and you will have enough to build my Ground Launcher! Purchase links at the bottom

1x Spool PLA Material
1x Ryobi One+ 18v tool battery, (any capacity, testing done with old 1.5ah)
1x RS550 18V 20k rpm motor with 10mm long, 3.175mm shaft...stay under 25k rpm
1x 12mm momentary push button switch normally open
1x Propeller adapter 6mm OD output shaft, 3.175mm ID 
1x N20 12V 30rpm gear motor
2x Keystone 209 contacts
1x DC Motor PWM Speed Controller
1x LM2596 DC Buck Converter
2x m3 nuts
2x m3 washers
2x m3 x 6mm Socket Head Screws
remaining m3 screws are can be whatever as the most holes are deep enough for 20mm screws, use what you've got.
Lengths of 18awg and 22awg wire

 

Wiring description for parallel power distribution: 12v to n20 motor, battery voltage 18v to 550.

Battery Positive to switch leg 1, 
switch leg 2 to input positive of buck converter and input positive of dc motor controller, (solder jumper wire from buck converter pad to motor controller)
input negative of dc motor controller and buck converter to battery negative,
output positive and negative of buck converter to n20 motor positive and negative respectfully,
output positive and negative of dc motor controller to 550 motor positive and negative respectfully.

 

Wiring description for serial power distribution: 12v to dc motor and n20 motor via buck converter.

Battery Positive to switch leg 1, 
switch leg 2 to input positive of buck converter, 
input negative of buck converter to battery negative, 
output positive of buck converter to input positive of dc motor controller, 
on same solder pad attach positive of n20 motor wire, 
n20 negative wire to buck converter output negative, 
dc motor controller input negative to battery negative, 
dc motor controller output positive and negative to positive and negative respectfully of rs550 motor, 
buck converter n20 output wires positive and negative to positive and negative respectfully of n20 motor.

 

If you've wired it correctly, when you push the launch pedal the n20 and 550 motor will spin up, the n20 being slow allows enough time for the 550 to reach desired rpm before the attached cam reaches the claycopter rim forcing it off the hub.

 

Use a few strips of electrical tape on the 550 motor housing to make the motor cover "snug" as it simply slides over.  Or use a couple more m3x 4mm screws in the side holes to snug it.
N20 motor wires have separate channels along the inner face of the shroud to go around the motor shaft

Assembly is simple, everything screws together, the 2 m3 nuts go inside the motor mount in the hex recesses, use m3 screw from outside to suck them into position.
the gimbal can be mouted in 2 ways, directly to the top cover plate or using the dovetail version with he dovetail receiver, this option is inted to make the head removable to be able to place the unit in a case for easy transport.  if you go with this method youll need to also make the wired from the motors removable so use some dc barrel jacks and pugs in the provided holes.

 

note special thanks to the og designers of the ryobi battery reciever found at Ryobi Battery Receiver link
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5412740

 

Purchase Links Amazon ASIN #s

mode switch B0CSCZGR68, momentary switch B0811QKG1R, 30rpm n20 motors B0DK76RW6G, buck converters B0FDB25T5L, 

rs550 motor 18v B07DYTM7NQ, dc motor controllers B07GP72BWV, keystone 209 contacts B06VTPWM6M, 

m3 screw assortment B072FKMYMF, dc barrel jacks B07XMKBCSP, propeller adapter B0D1V5MBKB

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