Bruder CAT Excavator RC conversion pt1: linear actuator

This next project starts to develop a way of automating the imitation hydraulic pistons on the Bruder CAT excavator. Having previously used Actuonix (Firgelli) linear servos on a Hobby Engine excavator I am trying to develop a cheaper alternative that does not return to centre when you let go of the transmitter sticks. The solution that I am trying uses 8mm twin threaded lead screws meant as a component for 3D printers.
So far the results are encouraging - the speed & torque using an N20 1:200 gearbox motor seems pretty good although I can see that I am going to need to strengthen the places where the actuator attaches to the model and find a better solution for attaching the motor (I expect I'll try electrical tape next). I'll be using micro-switches for the electric end stops to limit the travel and I'm going to need to cut a slightly longer lead screw to get full movement.
Any thoughts and ideas that you have for me would be most welcome in the comments box. If you like this video and want to see more as this model develops in the coming weeks, please like & subscribe. I have a whole bunch of Bruder models/toys waiting to be converted to radio control.🙂👍

[@robertrosson1990]

So glad you are showing this how to series.Im looking forward to this build and how you set up all the electronics along with the lead screws.Having a few of those Bruders myself will be doing the same kind of thing so my grandson and I can play in the dirt LOL.Thanks for sharing

[@RCModders]

thank you! I just need to finish the trailer so that I can get on with this now .... 👍

[@James06__]

RC Modders what rpm are the motors used for the main raise

[@witneydiggersrc3251]

Great video👍

[@RCModders]

Many thanks🙏🏻

[@kerryhunter4513]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your build. Your off to what I think is a amazing build. Can’t wait to see more of what you have in mind for this.

[@RCModders]

Thank you. I did finish it (as shown in the rest of the build series). But I do do want to come back to it at some point with some refinements & possibly 3D printed parts to make it easier for others to follow.

[@TheDaddy187]

glad to see you got that other n20 working... dremel bit looks perfect for detailed work... nice idea with the 3d printer parts... they have smaller versions in old disk drives from computers and hifis... seeing as cd's are becoming obsolete you may be able to pick some up cheap... they come with motors attached and if you get just rom drives, they run off 5v... 12v if it has burner built in but should still run off 5v as they can draw power from both lines....

[@RCModders]

I'm waiting for some more N20's to come through the post - I'm experimenting with different speeds, I will also try 600RPM to see if they still have enough torque .. Dremel bit perfect for this plastic, again many thanks for this .... thanks for the CD tip, I had no idea - I'll have to try this on the smaller pistons on the other other models .... going to need to figure out gears for the 'turret turn' - I've got a slip ring to allow 360 movement, will probably try HengLong tank components if I can't figure out anything else 👍

[@UnwrappingByMimiKoteng]

Perfect fit!

[@RCModders]

Cheers! 😀👍

[@thatsmyrc]

Your welcome bud I knew you would benefit from this 8-) Looking like a great start you got going there..I just got my first run in my diecast 1/16 ertl farm tractor.. Its a beast..Looking forward to your next vid big thumbs up bud #7

[@RCModders]

thank you - I was waiting for an idea like this before I started doing anything with hydraulic cylinders .. tractor looks brilliant, I thought I had subscribed to you - now I have, with alerts🙂I'll add your channel to my homepage recommendations

[@davidarmshaw848]

Trying to find the video of the trailer going up and down. Can you send link please?

[@RCModders]

There are a number of vids where this happens. My latest video shows most of the conversions (Nov 2021). 😀👍

[@pieko6846]

where did you buy the linear actators?

[@findholger6077]

Hallo there fellow modder. I do have a request for a future video! I would very much like a video on the tools/ glues you a using. I see you use some kind of activator for the gluing part, but I can't find it. So to sum up! A video on what glue/s to use on Bruder!! That would be very nice. Keep up the good work and video's !!! I really like you videos, VERY WELL EXPLAINED.

[@RCModders]

Thank you for watching the videos, I'm glad you enjoy them! I tend to use what ever I pick up at the hardware store. Bruders are 90% ABS (hard plastic - the soft plastic will not glue, but can be drilled & bolted/screwed etc) which glues very well - especially if you roughen the joining surfaces a little with sand paper and when using double sided sticky pads, wipe with pure (99.9%) alcohol (isopropanol - you can get it from Amazon). Most super glues (cyano) are fine - I like the one made by Gorilla, with the brush inside as an option, I often use a cyano kicker (activator) the one I've been using in the videos for a while is this one : www.logicrc.com/?s=c:0,c:70,c:70-75,c:70-75-10&ItemId=S-G05/200. Epoxy comes in useful when I want to reinforce something & Evostick express is quite nice as it goes off quite quickly (ie doesn't run much), but remains adjustable for a while and sets properly over night usually. I have so many videos in the pipeline to do I thought I would list the glues out here for you rather than do a video saying the same thing! Hope all this helps. 🙂👍

[@ToyzRule]

I really like your videos! 😎 Cool! :)

[@RCModders]

Thank you! This is a real complement coming from a fellow Bruder RC converter. Your videos are a great inspiration to me! 🙂👍

[@kooswelling2738]

hi, great idea & explanation! and the speed of your linear motor is also great. was thinking something similar, maybe even take a T6 rod instead.. could you please add a little more details: N20 motor: -ratio 1:200 (right?) -> ?? rpm -6V Spindle: -Diameter 8mm -2 leads -pitch ?? (mm/rotation) tnxs a lot! :)

[@RCModders]

Sorry for the delay. N20's are indeed 6v 200rpm. Lead scews are T8 (double thread I think). I am working on 3D printed cylinders with travel limits to replace these. 😀👍

[@rahulneemrauth601]

Hi sir 200 rpm N20 moter is produced enough torque??

[@RCModders]

Yes 6v 200rpm for the bucket and arm swing. 2 x 6v 100rpm for the arm lift. 😀👍

[@RandomAutomotive-w2s]

How size use the thread rod? Lead 8mm? pitch 2 mm?

[@RCModders]

Hi. Thank you for watching the video. This is what I used. 2 x 8mm Stainless Steel Lead Screw Rod ebay link: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-of-3D-Printer-T8-8mm-Lead-Screw-Rod-Copper-Nut-2-included/253840916184?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=553137408566&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 😃👍

[@RandomAutomotive-w2s]

Thank you..thank you for your tutoring video...☺

[@gakuteeechjpu2975]

There is a link to buy that machine

[@RCModders]

I'm sorry, there is not. 😀👍

[@sunarsinarsi1844]

Fullmetal?

[@RCModders]

No. All ABS plastic. But strong enough. 😄👍

[@user-wj4st2dt9q]

Сделай RC CRANE Bruder.

[@RCModders]

Translation : "Do RC CRANE Bruder" - at some point I hope to do the whole range! 😀👍

[@user-wj4st2dt9q]

@@RCModders кран радиоуправляемый из игрушки Брюдер.

[@giuseppe2425]

Rpm of motor?

[@RCModders]

I've found that 6v 200rpm best for the bucket and arm swing and 6v 100 rpm best for the twin jib lift motors. Plus a separate ESC for EACH of these 4 motors (one esc shared between the twin jib lift motors does not work well - as it results in one motor stalling and then the other one binding). Hope this helps. :)

[@giuseppe2425]

@@RCModders thank you

[@junerblackmafia1904]

nice

[@RCModders]

thank you