Introduction: Mini Hovercraft From a Dead Computer!
Hi! this will be my entry for the dead computer contest. In this instructable I will show you how to make a small hovercraft using parts from a dead desktop PC!
Step 1: Step 1- Parts & Tools
Parts
>A 12 volt, 0.14 amp cooling fan
>Fan pipe thingy (in the picture it is the bottom black round thing). or a plastic can of equal diameter to the fan. (has to be at least 3 inches deep).
>erector set pieces (optional)
>4 9-volt battery clips
>4 9-volt batteries
>electrical tape
Tools
>pliers
>screwdriver
>Swiss-army knife
>soldering iron (or tin foil and even more electrical tape)
Step 2: Step 2- Aquiring Parts
To get the parts out of the pc you have, unless you already have, is pretty simple.
>open up the computer with the screwdriver (or Swiss-army knife)
>locate the part inside and remove it or rip it out violently. (the former is preferred as ripping can cause damage to parts)
>the erector set pieces I used are mostly for show. you can use screws instead of them or even glue if you like. it doesn't really matter.
>the 9 volt clips can be gotten at your local radio shack
Step 3: Step 3- Assembly
>the fan can be glued on top of the fanguide thingy/can.
>if you have the other rector set pieces you can put them on the hovercraft
>the 9 volts can be glued to the side of the fanguide thingy/can.
>now use your soldering iron to attach the 9 volt clips in parallel so the voltage is coming out at 36 volts. that will run the fan way higher than it is supposed to be but it is worth it.
>if you have done all this, it should be able to float about a milimeter above the ground. if not increase or decrease the the distance between the fan and the ground.
Step 4: Step- 4 Have FUN
when it is all complete you can take it to a basketball court and kick it around like a gigantic game of air hockey. HAVE FUN!
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30 Comments
9 years ago on Step 4
Now that's cool - I love folks who make stuff from trash or revamp broken things.
Big respect.
DZ
10 years ago on Step 3
Attach the batteries in series to create a higher voltage. When you attach the batteries in parallel you increase the amperage but the voltage is the same as one battery. see http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/voltage.htm
Reply 10 years ago on Step 3
oops. I forgot this instructable was even here. I was thinking of deleting it because it is so bad.
Reply 10 years ago on Step 3
The creation itself isn't so bad, but your explanation(pictures / video) is a little lacking.
11 years ago on Step 2
what kinada fan is that?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
It's a fan ripped from an old computer. I've since found that either styrofoam plates or a disposable pie pan work great for hovercraft. The styrofoam is cool because you can shape it into cool crafts. Just make sure you run the fan at the minimum twice its nominal voltage.
11 years ago on Introduction
i really want to know so that i can make one but with Styrofoam plates.
11 years ago on Step 2
can we replace the 9 volt clips with any wire?
Reply 11 years ago on Step 2
ok....thanx
Reply 11 years ago on Step 2
If you have to you can solder the wires straight to the battery...
BUT- there is a specific danger to soldering directly to batteries. Batteries will heat up faster than you think and EXPLODE. I recommend just buying the 9 volt clips at radioshack for 3 dollars.
12 years ago on Introduction
does both old desktop and or laptop or just one
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
What are u trying to say?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
what im trying to say is do you have to use a desktop, laptop or can you use both
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Oh, i see. I havent used one from a laptop, so I wouldnt know. I imagine u could.
13 years ago on Introduction
This looks like something from an old Macgyver episode.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Why do you say that?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Because there was this one episode where he was trapped in this top-secret-underground-base-type-thing and that looks like the little laser-shooting-heat-seeking-security-robots.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
oh. cool. Go Macgyver!
13 years ago on Introduction
This is awesome! But I dont have that round top thingy. What could I use to replace that? Anyyway Its still cool
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
the round top thingy is just an extra bit to keep your fingers from being sliced off and is totally optional.