Animation Reality
Animated nose sensors for the Roban Apache
Many of my customers who bought the animated M230 cannon have been requesting for a matching nose sensor unit to complete their dream heli. Well here it is, available as a 48-part high detail kit or an auto-run, plug n play (95% built and painted) system together with the gun, preprogrammed motions, all electronics, sound and smoke components.
Edited: a significant design improvement is made to the nozzle. It is now more accurately shaped and features an internal diffuser to better disperse smoke and forces sideway gas ejection. See second video.
Level up with recoil action
30mm chain gun without recoil is like...(fill in the blank). Here's the near-final version. Next is to test the durability of the recoil mechanism. Working on a new version that features an internal CNC strike plate instead of a 3d printed one.
Durability and consistency improvement
In order to increase durability of the recoil mechanism, a CNC aluminum strike plate will replace the 3d printed resin component. Not only will this prolong its longevity, it will also maintain motion consistency. #m230chaingun #ah64apache #robanhelicopters #minimatronix
Muzzle flash
Let's level up the M230 again! Yes, I'm glad you noticed the wrong light color for the muzzle flash:) planning to add a flickering effect to the SMD light next, I think we're in business. #ah64apache #rcscaleheli #m230chaingun #robanhelicopters #minimatronix
Muzzle flash- correct color
Didn't think it was possible to add muzzle flash to such a small gun barrel, but here it is. After redesigning some tricky plumbing and wiring solutions, this is almost the exact visual effect I had envisioned. Will try a flickering light effect next.
Strobing muzzle flash
I think you'd agree the strobing muzzle flash is the coup de grâce for this chain gun🙂.
Final Version
Version 3 of the Man Cave Air Freshener is finally completed. Notable features include: 1) Recoil mechanism with internal CNC aluminum strike plate, 2) 2x SMD lights at the muzzle, 3) Strobing LED effect to simulate muzzle flash.
Many have asked about the smoke fluid used: the system works with baby oil, Holloween smoke fluid, essential oil and vape fluid.
The gun can be purchased by itself with or without motion control electronics, or as part of an entire plug-n-play system, which includes: 4-servo nose sensor (TADS/PNVS), smoke system, sound system with speaker and motion control electronics. User only has to supply 2s power and plug into an aux. RC channel, flip a switch and watch the 45-second pre-programmed performance.
Desktop version- MCAT Apache
This desktop Apache variant is now being developed as the Man Cave Aroma Therapy dispenser. Due to too many requests from non-rc collectors, this is now turning into a standalone desktop display toy. The fuselage is now accurately scaled (previous one was haphazardly done), includes over 35 external scale details and features a removable cockpit to better access the interior. Windows are blanked out for now until a detailed cockpit is offered in the future.







17 Comments
This is an incredible work of engineering! Patrick is bringing this to HeliStorm!!
Thanks Mike. The next version will have recoil action.
So, cool
Very impressive, nice engineering. Respect!
Awesome! May i ask what kind of smoke generator you are using?
Atomize smoke fluid with heated Nichrome wire.
Patrick, the recoil effect is amazing , I mean FANTASTIC !!!!!
Thanks, glad you're entertained: )
Cool…!
The smooth realism is very impressive Patrick
Now we’re talking’!
I think with the flickering light effect, you'll reach the top of this awesome project. What you'll do next?
I think if everything works out, this is as far as I can take this. Next is to create an instruction manual for the DIY version so that customers have the option to purchase this as a kit and build separate components (nose sensor or gun) themselves. Currently very time consuming for me to build and sell these as a full plug n play system.
Hats off, Patrick. Wonder if same device could have a variant dedicated to non-air vehicule, like a tank with dedicated effect.
Well done!
I'm Speechless..... I mean "Fantastic !!!!!"
That looks amazing Patrick.
Thanks, it's turning out better than expectation, but complexity has gone up.