Minimal TVC mount

WARNING: This is a HUGE work in progress! A LOT of stuff might change!

I have recently started a project that involves actively aiming the engine to keep the model rocket stable without using fins. This allows the rocketeer to use an underpowered engine to make the rocket launch slowly and more realistically.

I based my design loosely on https://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Rocket-Guidance/ and what Joe Barnard at https://bps.space/ is doing. I was very inspired when I saw Joe Barnard's article in Make: Magazine, but knew I unfortunately didn't have the money yet for an advanced flight computer and propulsion system, not to mention the expensive 29mm motors for each flight. Instead, I wanted to scale it down and see if I could design a mount that would work with an E engine or smaller.

Parts list:

• 3D printed TVC mount
• Arduino Nano or cheaper clone
• (2x) SG90 micro servomotors
• MPU6050 6 axis IMU
• 9V battery or 2S LiPo with connector
• LM7805 voltage regulator
• Large paper clip
• Small paper clip

As I update this design, I'll upload the latest version here! Hopefully soon I can get a working TVC system! Input on my design is greatly appreciated.

Print Settings

Printer:

TEVO Tarantula

Rafts:

Doesn't Matter

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0.2mm to 0.3mm

Infill:

20% - 100%

Filament:

Hatchbox PLA

Blue

Notes:

Any reliable PLA filament works!

Post-Printing =============

Axle pins made from paperclips

Add axles

Snip large paperclips down to lengths of 1/4" to 1/2" (~1cm) and use pliers or wire cutter to bend them. Slide them into the holes in the mount and glue them in place with CA glue or plastic cement. Repeat for each hole skipping the two 45° offset holes. These are for the servo pushrods.

Add servos

Glue servos into the rectangular holes in the back of the mount. The wires should come out the bottom. Add single-side, smooth horns to the servos. Push flattened smaller paperclips into the servo horn holes and bend it to secure. Repeat this on the other servo.

Connect the paperclips into the gimbal rings and bend and trim if needed.

Custom Section

Changes and Future Updates

Future updates:

• Add Arduino code
• Test other axles
• Check servo size

Changelog:

*(7/9/2019) Added more servo pushrod holes *(7/9/2019) Added notches for servo wires *(7/9/2019) Added Fusion 360 design file for mods *(7/9/2019) Moved Y axis servo hole *(7/8/2019) Adjusted servo hole size and engine mount dimensions *(7/7/2019) Thingiverse page created

Category: Models