The Snowcat project is over! Thanks to all those who supported it. In total, over 43,000 track links were produced and distributed to customers. Thats 400 vehicles with of track links.

The R/C Snowcat Kickstarter campaign raised $16,500 for injection molds and product development.

Project Scope

The initial goal of this project was to raise $4000 for an injection mold to mass produce tracks. This would be a more durable and less time consuming alternative to 3D printing each track link individually. After the funding goal was significantly exceeded, the scope of the project was increased to develop a full vehicle kit. The kit contains:

The full vehicle kit is not for everybody! Only purchase this kit if you have access to a 3D printer and have experience building things. The kit does not include:

• 3D printed parts (you’ll need a 3D printer)

• R/C radio system (aircraft radio with elevon mixer)

• Gear lube, tape, etc.

Kickstarter backers are able to purchase the full vehicle kit or individual track sets at cost. Everyone else can purchase it at a marked-up price.

Original Snowcat - Vehicle Details

Physical

17.5 Lbs (no battery)

22*20*6”

Configuration

The base vehicle platform is bi-directional so it can flip upside down and keep driving. This could be useful for search and rescue or inspection type applications. However, the inside of the shell is not easily accessible so batteries can not quickly be swapped out. If you decide to use it in this configuration, you’ll need to route a power switch and charge leads out of the shell.

Users can design and 3D print their own body models to attach on top of the base vehicle platform. Attachment point dimensions can be found here. Bodies can house batteries, electronics, FPV gear, and whatever else you want to put in your snowcat.

Components

Each track is comprised of 52 injection molded links. They are made of Nylon PA6 with a 30% glass fill. The joints use stainless steel M3*30MM shoulder bolts with bronze bushings molded in.

The shell is made of 3mm polycarbonate (the stuff bulletproof glass is made of) so it is very durable. It is vacuum formed over a mold, then post processed with a 4-axis CNC router.

The front and rear axels are 15mm aluminum tubes with ball bearing supports. The mid axels are 12mm aluminum tubes.

It’s powered by two brushless 4240 out runner motors that are available in 300KV and 600KV options. Those wanting more torque for plowing or towing should get the 300KV option. Those wanting higher speeds should get the 600KV option.

The motors are driven by 50A BLHeli32 ESCs. These come ready to go with Bi-directional control enabled and XT60 connectors pre-attached.

The pinion gears are machined steel. The next gear in the train is injection molded nylon with 30% glass fill. The drive gear is printed by the customer in whatever material they choose. PLA works fine.

Creation Story

For the design, manufacturing, and procurement process, see the Kickstarter Updates. Below are the Snowcat video postings in order from oldest to newest.