FDL-GONK: FDL-3 but Solenoid and 200fps

UpdateS:

08/08/23

• Flywheel Printed.stl updated once again, centre shaft hole is now exactly 5mm in cad and now has locking tabs to tighten the wheel easier
• Firmware updated for faster rev down, and semi auto solenoid now auto-retracts

26/06/23

• Added Muzzle Rifled.stl

20/01/23

• Flywheel Printed.stl updated with small ring inside to make it easier to fit the flywheel onto the motor stator without it being fitted unevenly.

18/12/22

• Firmware working and added to fileset.

I always liked the FDL-3, but I joined the Nerf hobby a bit too late to have my own official one, so I decided to make my own!

This version of the FDL-3, appropriately named FDL-GONK, utilises new motors and flywheels capable of hitting 200+ FPS, space for a 35mm Solenoid (FTW Hyperdrive might work but this is untested), a dual stage trigger with the option for capacitive touch, M3 heat inserts all over for assembly, and no proprietary boards or hardware to make sourcing parts simpler!

I've also designed the muzzle to be able to take any kind of 19mm muzzle attachments, such as the Worker ones or even tracer units! Theres also a threaded file that works with the Black Raisins Pathfinder tracers!

I did have to lose the screen for this to work unfortunately, but with a couple of 3 position switches on either side, you can still easily control RPM and select fire. This is also only compatible with Short darts.

With the amount of space lost in the original battery tray due to the solenoid, I've make a separate battery stock that uses an airsoft M4 AEG buffer tube. It has enough space to fit my 4s LiHV 4500mahs, so should be good for nearly everyone else! Nerf stock points are also in the files incase you want to use your own stock.

Due to the amount of parts I've had to remix, many existing remixes of the FDL-3 will not be cross compatible with this, however I have included .step files so it shouldn't be too tricky to make it work ;)

Firmware is also included, its not the prettiest but it has worked fine for me during several events, you are more than welcome to use your own code or take elements of mine. 2 sets are included, one with the touch sensor and one without, you will need to install the ADCTouch Library for the touch sensor to work: https://github.com/martin2250/ADCTouch

Like the original FDL-3, this project is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial Attribution Share Alike 4.0 license, which means you can print it, remix it, share it, and if you do and give myself and Project FDL credit. You cannot sell this without permission from myself and Project FDL.

Pinout for Arduino Nano:

• D2 = Rev Switch
• D3 = Trigger Switch
• D4 = Left Select Switch 1
• D5 = Left Select Switch 2
• D6 = Right RPM Switch 1
• D7 = Right RPM Switch 2
• D8 = MOSFET
• D9 = ESC 1
• D10 = ESC 2
• A0 = Capacitive Rev (Only if using touch sensor firmware)

Hardware:

• 48x M3 Heat Insert, 5mm OD, 4mm H
• 35x M3x8mm Bolts
• 4x M3x6mm Bolts
• 2x M3x5mm Bolts
• 4x M3x12mm Bolts
• 3x M3 Thumbscrews
• 3x small springs for Trigger, Mag release and Stock locking pin (I don't have measurements for these since I cut down assorted springs)
• 2x Axis AF223 2910KV motors (With M5 nut and M3 bolts to hold them in place)
• 2x 35A BLHeli_32 ESCs
• 1x Arduino Nano
• 1x Buck converter/BEC
• 1x 35mm Push Pull Solenoid (You will need to upgrade the return spring on this depending on your needs)
• 1x MOSFET board or kit to drive the Solenoid
• 2x 3 Pos switches (SS-23D32G6)
• 2x KW11 style 10A Microswitches
• 1x XT60 Connector
• 16 AWG power wires
• 22 AWG signal wires
• 4s Lipo/LiHV to reliably hit 200fps
• 1x metal rod for trigger (Only if using touch sensor firmware)

You can switch out and use your own electronics if needed, if you want to use different motors, make sure to double check the measurements on the flywheels and motor mounts to see if they will fit.

I would like to give a big thanks to the team at Project FDL for the original design, this would not have been possible at all without their contribution to the hobby.

For further questions and support, please ask in my discord (Link in printables bio via Instagram).