Riding the World's Biggest 3D-Printed E-foil Board - Episode 2
0:00 Introduction: This episode focuses on riding the giant 3D-printed hydrofoil built in Episode 1. The hydrofoil utilizes 3D-printed wings, control surfaces, hinges, and waterproof servo enclosures. Aluminum reinforcement and fiberglassing were added for strength.
0:46 Assembly: The wings and tail assemble with tubes and spar connectors. Initial challenges included difficulties with the elevator servo electrical connectors and wire routing.
1:18 First Test - Buoyancy and Initial Success: Initial buoyancy tests revealed excess buoyancy, later addressed. The hydrofoil utilizes six 10Ah 6S LiPo batteries, with a battery box designed to accommodate a larger 100Ah LiFePO4 battery for future endurance tests.
2:17 Manual Height Control: Initial tests relied on manual height control, with plans to incorporate sonar sensors for altitude stabilization later. A kill switch was implemented for safety.
2:36 First Ride - Success and Control Responsiveness: The initial ride demonstrated successful lift-off and surprisingly good control responsiveness. Roll and yaw control performed well, even without active stabilization. Elevator control was initially reversed but later corrected.
3:19 Stabilized Mode and Maneuvering: Stabilized mode further enhanced control. Differential thrust was effective for turning. The center of gravity seemed reasonably balanced.
4:25 Center of Gravity Adjustments and Manual Control Preference: Experiments with the center of gravity and manual control suggested a preference for manual control, offering a more "spunky" feel.
5:08 Sponsor Message - Opera Browser: An extended segment highlights the features of the Opera browser, including its integrated AI assistant, Arya, tab organization with "islands" and workspaces, video pop-out, and built-in ad blocker.
6:38 Speed Test and Elevator Failure: A speed test led to a structural failure in the 3D-printed elevator assembly, likely due to excessive hydrodynamic forces. Post-failure analysis revealed cracks in the main wings as well.
8:51 Repairs and Design Modifications: Repairs included fiberglassing and carbon fiber reinforcement of the cracked areas, shortening the tail booms for reduced stress, and soldering the tail servo wires directly for improved reliability and water resistance.
12:23 Second Test - Unmanned and Shortened Booms: A second test with unmanned operation demonstrated successful flight, albeit with reduced pitch stability due to the shortened tail booms. Increased control system responsiveness was noted.
15:27 Second Test - Manned, Chair Mounted, and Sonar Integration: A manned test with a mounted chair and integrated sonar sensors demonstrated successful altitude hold. The rider experienced occasional "bumpiness," likely attributed to unfiltered sonar readings in wavy conditions.
18:08 Encounter with Kayak Camp: A brief encounter with a kayak camp and interaction with the campers.
19:31 Intermittent Control Issues and Battery Disconnect: Intermittent control issues arose, suspected to be caused by water ingress into a servo connector. The safety disconnect system successfully unplugged the batteries during an unexpected descent.
20:30 Further Testing and Future Plans: The video concludes with further testing and observations regarding bumpy performance in waves, emphasizing the need for filtering or improved sonar placement. Future plans include endurance testing and other improvements.