Automated Thrust Testing Stand Powered by Arduino

This model provides a cheap and universal means for reliably measuring the static thrust of your brushed or brushless motors. It is powered independently of the motor, allowing a wide variety of configurations to be tested. 

Build Video with Demonstration:

Features:

• No aluminum extrusion or machining is required!
  • All you need are a soldering iron, a screwdriver, and a 3D printer.
• Standalone operation!
  • Once programmed, this is a stand-alone device that will not require a computer.
• Single Button Control!
  • Pushing the button begins the test and pushing a second time ends the test. After files are saved, a new test is ready to start right away.
• Live force reading and max force reading
  • Displayed right to an LCD screen in grams-force.
• So much data!
  • The force readings, timing, and ESC output value are stored to new files on an SD-card for each test, with unique filenames guaranteed. A data hoarder's dream.
• No data loss!
  • If an SD-card is not inserted or fails to initialize, a warning will be displayed on the screen and the option to continue without recording data will be provided. 
  • 999 unique files are supported. If you somehow manage to reach this limit, a warning will be displayed asking if you want to start overwriting old data.
• Manual or fully automated modes!
  • In automatic mode, the Arduino will control the ESC through a standard servo port and sweep it linearly from low to high and back to low, with a short pause at the high point. 
  • ESC control is detected automatically! The Arduino tests the ESC with half-throttle to determine if it is connected before proceeding with the test. If no ESC is detected, a warning will be displayed and the test will proceed in manual mode.
  • Automatic mode can be disabled in the configuration, so you can skip right to manual.
• Multiple mounting configurations!
  • Table-top mount leveraging 3D printable C-clamps
  • Secure bench mount with screw holes for permanent installation
  • Suction-cup mount for everything else
• Motor mounts are provided for a wide variety of common motors!
  • Small - 9mm spacing
  • Medium - 12mm spacing
  • Large - 16-19mm spacing
• Extendable sensor range!
  • The load cell is connected using standard 4-channel 3.5mm audio jacks which means extensions are abundant!
  • Allowing you to mount the sensor in a wind tunnel, across the bench, down the stairs, anywhere!
• Fully Configurable!
  • The code is open-source and a variety of configurations are made easy to adjust even with minimal coding experience.

Code:

https://github.com/NiklasMelton/AutomatedThrustTester.git

Print settings Unless Otherwise Noted:

• PLA or PLA+
• 15% infill
• Organic Supports

Printable Parts:

Non-Printable Parts:

Pinout: