Hello, I am very new to circuits and building things in general and I've been spending a lot of time trying to learn the circuits and those sorts of things for building a hovercraft.



My hovercraft consists of 2 propulsion fans and 1 levitation fan and a 12V battery. I will eventually need to add an array of LED and IR sensors, a Light sensor and possibly a distance sensor. And the two servos are for the propulsion fans. I have the basic concepts of the battery and fans so far I think. I am a little confused on certain parts.

Everything needs to be connected to the one battery but I'm unsure of how to do that for the multiple fans, I know you can do it with the motors in parallel but I'm just not able to visualize what that would look like. It would probably be with a MOSFET right?? But I just don't know how to do that I guess. So if anyone could help me out there that would be great. Otherwise, how does this look? and any tips for figuring out how the sensors would work in?



Oh...and I did this in paint...is there a better program? I tried to find some but they didnt have any Arduino models.

 

U can use pen and paper and later scan the image and use ur phone to snap a photo.

What u are getting at is correct but there is a lot more to it.
U need to study the basic of mosfet driving motors as such.

And u said something abt servo's. I believe they for rudder control or something.

And to hover, just one rotor may not be enough.

U have to have out runner motors & Li-po batteries for tht kinda toy, I believe

 

First of all - you will need two lift fans (usually propelled by one motor - but can be two separate ones).
The force needed to move the hovercraft is significantly less than that needed to lift it. Therefore, you need to reassess and adjust accordingly.
..
I would suggest one propulsion ad two lift fan motors - but it is your project.
...
Motor controllers are a dime a dozen on the internet. I would suggest you use a Pulse Width Modulator (PWM) motor controller. This will allow you the convenience of variable fan speeds and will result in cooler running motors.
...
Here is a lift calculator to help you with the lift issues:
...
http://www.hoverhawk.com/lcalc.html
...
Here is some inspiration to get the feel of the basics:
...
http://www.engineering.com/Videos/S...oId/2689/Build-A-Hovercraft-You-Can-Ride.aspx
...
Here is a you tube video of a hovercraft build...
...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG9clKE6268
...
Whatever you do remember "keep everything simple and most f all "keep it light".
..
Batteries (lead acid) are a bad idea. They weigh way too much. Lithiun Ion Ferite oxide (Lifeo) will provide more power with a better power to weight ratio. But they are not cheap.
..Either way - I'm rootin for ya,,,
...
Hope all this info helps...
Good luck with your project...

 

Download Tinycad , it has Arduino in its library.