The Hacksmith: Jet-Powered Snowboard

2021-01-28 | By The Hacksmith

License: See Original Project

This project was created by Engineering Superheroes of Hackmith Industries.

DO NOT ATTEMPT to Re-Create

Winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, are among the few perks of harsh Canadian winters. Unfortunately, many slopes are closed due to the current COVID-19 lockdowns, offering little opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to participate in their favorite cold-weather activity. While cross-country skiing is a good substitute for snowy flatlands, cross-country snowboarding isn’t a viable option.

A lack of open slopes wouldn’t stop the Hacksmith team (specifically Bogdan) from snowboarding. As a solution, they turned to an old Hacksmith Industries’ favorite for propelling vehicles: a jet engine. See how this jet-powered snowboard was made in the video below!

How Does it Work?

The jet engine sits on the back end of the snowboard behind the rider’s back foot — the only location safe enough to avoid injury to the rider’s foot. The fuel tank sits between the rider’s legs. The jet engine and the fuel tank are mounted onto a stainless steel plate made by a laser cutter mounted on top of the snowboard.

The fuel is pumped through a small hose from the gas tank controlled by a throttle. An Arduino Pro Mini controls the fuel pump and throttle, which can be squeezed to allow more or less diesel into the engine to increase or decrease the board’s speed.

Schematic and BOM

Check out the jet engine’s control circuit below!

Jet-Powered Creations From Hacksmith Industries

There are plenty of jet engine projects on Maker.io and the Hacksmith Industries Youtube channel. Visit the links below to learn more!

• Real-Life Double Jump Jetpack
• Arduino-Controlled Jet-Powered Motorcycle
• Interfacing Jet Thrusters on Iron Man’s Suit
• Silver Surfer Jetboard

More Arduino-Controlled Vehicles on Maker.io

The Arduino has been a go-to controller for remote-controlled vehicles and the motor control systems for vehicles with drivers.

• Remote Control Kickflipping Skateboard
• Remote Controlling a Baja with Arduino
• Arduino-Controlled LED System for a Baja
• Half Scale Tesla Cybertruck