How to make a DIY RC boat using a 180 DC motor
Hello and welcome back, in this project, we will learn how to make an RC boat using an 180sh DC motor. This is my first RC boat experience. For that, I have used the FS-i6 transmitter and FS-iA6 receiver. Also, I used a 5mm foam board to make the boat body. I think this material is best for beginners. You can do it step by step with my honest advice.
FS-i6 Transmitter and FS-iA6 receiver
That’s the most famous and it’s a 6-channel 2.4GHz AFHDS 2A digital proportional computerized Remote controller. You can use it not just for RC boats, but also for drones, helicopters, model aircraft, and gliders. Plus, it’s compatible with FS-iA6B and FS-iA10B receivers.
Specifications of this transmitter and receiver
FS-i6 Transmitter
- Channels: 6 Channels
- Model Type: Glider/Heli/Airplane
- RF Range: 2.40-2.48GHz
- Bandwidth: 500KHz
- Band: 142
- RF Power: Less Than 20dBm
- 2.4ghz System: AFHDS 2A and AFHDS
- Code Type: GFSK
- Sensitivity: 1024
- Low Voltage Warning: less than 4.2V
- DSC Port: PS2;Output:PPM
- Charger Port: No
- ANT length: 26mm*2(dual antenna)
- Weight:392g
- Power: 6V 1.5AA*4
- Display mode: Transflective STN positive type, 128*64 dot matrix VA73*39mm,
- white backlight.
- Size: 174x89x190mm
- On-line update: yes
- Color: Black
- Certificate: CE0678,FCC
- Model Memories: 20
- Channel Order: Aileron-CH1, Elevator-CH2, Throttle-CH3, Rudder-CH4, Ch 5 & 6 open to assignment to other functions.
FS-iA6 Receiver
- Channels: 6 Channels
- Model Type: Fixed-wing/Glider/Airplane
- RF Range: 2.40-2.48GHz
- Bandwidth: 500KHz
- Band: 142
- RF power: less than 20dBm
- RF.receiver sensitivity:-105dBm
- 2.4ghz System: AFHDS 2A
- Code Type: GFSK
- ANT length: 26mm
- Weight:6.4g
- Power:4.0-6.5V
- Size: 40.4×21.1×7.35mm
- Color: Black
- Certificate: CE, FCC
- i-BUS port: NO
- Data Acquisition port: NO
If you want to know how to bind the receiver and more info about this Transmitter and Receiver, click on this link.
OK, let’s do this project step by step. The required components are given below.
- 180sh DC motor — Our store / Amazon
- RC boar shaft and propeller — Our store / Amazon
- 30A Mini brushed ESC — Our store / Amazon
- JST 2pin Male and Female — Our store / Amazon
- Li-ion battery holder — Our store / Amazon
- Li-ion battery x 2 — Amazon
- SG90 servo motor — Our store / Amazon
- FS-i6 Transmitter and receiver — Our store / Amazon
- Nylon Control Horn — Our store / Amazon
- 5mm Foam Board — Amazon
Disclosure: These Amazon links are Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step 1
Firstly, identify these components.
Step 2
Secondly, cut the back part and middle part of the boat body. For that, use the sizes below.
Step 3
Thirdly, cut the bottom parts of this boat.
Step 4
Now, cut the side parts of this boat.
Step 5
Next, paste the bottom parts on the boat’s back part.
Step 6
Now, paste the middle part. Then, create the front of this boat.
Step 7
Next, glue the side pieces and cut away the unnecessary pieces. Then smooth this boat using sandpaper.
Step 8
Now, glue the foam board strips onto the edges of the boat.
Step 9
Next, solder the JST female cable to the motor. Then, connect the boat shaft to the motor.
Step 10
Now, install the boat shaft and motor in the center of the boat. For that, use the pictures below.
Step 11
Next, cover the front of this boat. Then, paste a piece of foam board for mounting the battery holder.
Step 12
Now, let’s set up the boat rudder. For that, I have used a door hinge and a piece of foam board. But, you can use any other suitable material.
Step 13
After, install the servo motor and connect the push rod to the rudder. For that, I have used an iron stick and Nylon Control Horn.
Step 14
Now, install the battery holder and connect the motor and battery holder to the ESC. Then, connect the ESC and servo to the FS-iA6 receiver.
- ESC –> Ch 2
- Servo –> Ch4
Step 15
Now, cover the back and front sides as you like. Then, put the batteries into the battery holder.
Step 16
Finally, turn on the ESC and transmitter. In this case, you will hear the beep sounds. Now you can test this project. For that, use the channel 2 and channel 4 in the transmitter.
