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Solenoid Gimbal

A project log for Project Rockoon

Actively stabilized model rocket by means of a motor gimbal, originally designed for launching a rocket from a high-altitude weather balloon

julian-costasJulian Costas 07/19/2016 at 01:100 Comments

I decided that instead of using coils and magnets, an easier, more reliable method would be to use solenoids. Doing so would still give me the small profile and quick reaction time I wanted with my original gimbal design. I used some small solenoids, a spring, some screws, and a 3D printed case. The whole thing fits together pretty well, and is working nicely so far.

Here it is with just one solenoid:

And with all 4 solenoids running a program to tilt the engine in a little circle:

And going a little faster:

Up next is programming a gyro to direct the movement, and then testing.

Whether or not this gimbal will work remains to be seen, but I'm really happy with the way this prototype is turning out so far. It looks clean, and its compact enough to fit inside of a toilet paper tube or a paper towel tube. The excitement is definitely motivating.

I have a basic idea of how the code will work, but I'm still trying to figure out how I'm gonna test and calibrate the program effectively and without burning through tons of cash in rocket motors. This will be my next challenge.

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