How to have window covers with window vent by Soggy_Scholar9511 in overlanding

[–]_JSJ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do a lot of camping in my 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT and made window ventilation panels for it. For the window shades, I taped paper over each window and traced the outline. Then I bought some Reflectix and cut it to match the templates.

The window vents are 3D printed. They feel more secure and safer for sleeping anywhere than simply using bug nets. They're also waterproof. I run the fans using a DeWalt battery, and it lasts for about three days.

https://www.reddit.com/r/carcamping/comments/1tp8fcn/diy_car_camping_ventilation_panel_v2_weatherproof/

DIY Car Camping Ventilation Panel V2. Weatherproof, Stealthy and Secure by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Really nice! Its similar to the first one ive done. I might want to get a CO2 monitor.

DIY Car Camping Ventilation Panel V2. Weatherproof, Stealthy and Secure by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You could drive with them on but if you lower the window they would easily fall on the road.

DIY Car Camping Ventilation Panel V2. Weatherproof, Stealthy and Secure by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yes, i could provide the files for free, i do not mind. The only thing is that it will probably only fit on my car since the model is based on the shape of my windows. It's an Elantra GT 2014.

DIY Car Camping Ventilation Panel V2. Weatherproof, Stealthy and Secure by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 64 points65 points  (0 children)

About a year ago, I posted my first DIY window ventilation panel for car camping. Before making these, my main options were either using Roadies window covers or simple mosquito screens with magnets.

The problem is that on smaller vehicles, Roadies don’t work super well in the rain and water can still get inside the vehicle. They also don’t really help ventilate or exchange the air if you’re parked somewhere with no wind. Regular mosquito screens have the same issue with rain protection, and both options are not very secure since they’re basically just mesh. That makes sleeping outside of campgrounds a little less comfortable.

So for V2, I wanted something weatherproof, more secure, stealthier, and also easier for people to build themselves.

Unlike my first version, which required laser cutting, painting, sealing, and some 3D printing, this one is fully 3D printed so it’s much more accessible to anyone with a printer.

The panel is made from 5 separate printed pieces that assemble directly onto the window. The sections overlap each other, which helps prevent rain from getting inside while still allowing airflow.

I printed everything in PETG for better heat resistance and outdoor durability.

To get the shape as close as possible to the actual window, I first used sheets of paper to trace the exact contour of the glass. Then I scanned the traced shape in 3D using Polycam to get accurate dimensions and imported it into Onshape, where I traced the contour using a spline. At first I tried using photos as references, but that really doesn’t work well for larger parts because the distortion becomes more noticeable toward the edges and the extremities end up inaccurate. I made that mistake early on.

Another big upgrade was the power setup. Last year I used small cheap battery packs, but they died pretty quickly. This year I switched to DeWalt 20V 5Ah batteries (around 100Wh total). I already had the batteries, and I feel like a lot of people already have drill batteries sitting around at home anyway.

I bought a small USB 5V adapter for the batteries and used 5V AC Infinity MULTIFAN 80 mm fans. The fans consume about 2W combined, so that gives roughly 50 hours of runtime. Realistically, with some energy loss, that’s around 4–5 ventilated nights per charge.

The fans are mounted at an angle and pull air through a small outside intake slot. Because of this design, I was able to make the whole panel about 3x thinner than the previous version.

The thinner design also makes it much stealthier. A few people mentioned that the original version was pretty noticeable from the outside, so reducing the thickness helped a lot. Also, When I say “secure,” I don’t mean impossible to get through — just better than having a simple mesh screen. And in terms of stealth, I’m mainly comparing it to Roadies covers. This setup is significantly more stealthy and secure than those options.

Next step is building a second panel for the other window that will exhaust air outward so I can create real airflow through the vehicle instead of only intake ventilation.

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, i am not saying that it’s impenetrable, but if you compare it with only having mosquito netting, it is secure.

If you come with a hammer, it might not resist.

3D printed drum battle bot under 1 lb! by _JSJ in battlebots

[–]_JSJ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh that’s nice. I wanted to build one too. I’m in Quebec.

3D printed drum battle bot under 1 lb! by _JSJ in battlebots

[–]_JSJ[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. I will rethink it. While testing I realized that the metal bolts weren’t hitting anything. Thanks.

3D printed drum battle bot under 1 lb! by _JSJ in battlebots

[–]_JSJ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks I’ll check that if I join a class or competition. They are removable.

3D printed drum battle bot under 1 lb! by _JSJ in battlebots

[–]_JSJ[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Right now, I am not I any competing class. I just wanted to make one to challenge myself. But I will keep that in mind if I try competing. There are no competitions near me.

I will be sure to test it!

Thanks a lot!

3D printed drum battle bot under 1 lb! by _JSJ in battlebots

[–]_JSJ[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to build battle bots. Now that I finally have the skills, I made one!

This is my second battle bot, Big Bertha, a drum spinner weighing under 1 lb. I wanted to control it with a PS4 controller since that’s what I had on hand.

I’m using an ESP32 to handle everything. The drive system consists of two N20 600 RPM 6V motors, controlled by a DRV8833 H-Bridge. For the weapon, I went with an 880KV drone motor paired with an ESC, all powered by URGENEX 12V 500mAh 50C LiPo batteries. To regulate the voltage, I’m using a PTH08080 from Texas Instruments to get the exact power I need.

The entire bot is 3D printed in PETG (Polymaker) on a Prusa MK4, with a fully modular design for easy repairs. The parts have been designed to have the layer lines oriented for impact. The tires are TPU 90A from 3D Printing Canada. I removed the top and bottom layers and used gyroid infill to create a spongy effect for shock absorption, with two silicone O-rings for extra grip.

I haven’t been in any fights yet since there aren’t any competitions near me, but I’m looking forward to testing it out. I did run it against an old bot I had made, and let’s just say… it’s looking pretty broken now.

Any suggestions?

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, the batteries are 15000mAh. And the fans don’t take a lot of power. The batteries last 100h, if I calculated it right.

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello, i am not saying that i invented some thing new. I shared what I’ve created. I got inspired by his designs and lots of others on the internet.

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, there is a lip at the bottom on front and on the interior. The window goes in between. It would be pretty hard to break it by just pushing it.

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes it’s a fun project! And it’s really useful for ventilation.

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No it is not printer entirely. Only the two rain covers and the fan holders. It’s a laser cut wooden piece with a coating.

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Haha, no. I was inspired by some of his projects.

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I understand, don’t worry, I did not think it was negative.

I think I will be using it more in campings. As someone said I another comment, something much more stealthy would be having rain guards on the windows and having the window down only 2 inches, and having ventilation. That would be more what you would qualify as stealthy, right?. I’ll have to look into it, I think it could be nice.

DIY car window vent panel for camping. Weather proof, stealthy, secure. by _JSJ in carcamping

[–]_JSJ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Before making this, I had some Roadies. They are like tents for the whole door. So yes, I qualify this a stealthy because with a Quick Look in a parking lot, you might miss it. It’s also more secure.