I’ve wanted a longboard to try and make the year long wait between snowboarding trips more manageable since doing a season between uni and growing up (getting a job). I used to skate a bit growing up but by no means an expert.
Living in a flat area of the UK has stymied me thus far, and Boosted boards are crazy expensive…then I saw this place and have been tempted ever since. Come 2018 and the dream is going to become a reality. Call it a 1/3rd life crisis if you will…
So here we go – build thread! The forum guidelines say the more detail the better…so this may get long. Haven’t thought of a name yet so Work In Progress for now.
Aims:
- Cruisy/fun – practicality and enjoyment above high performance speed & power
- Easy to transport – I usually cycle (London based) so the aim of this is last mile transport so able to go on public transport where necessary, and not too heavy
- High build quality – I want to be proud of my handiwork so will be taking my time, doing my research and utilising all friends and family I have with tools and creative ability. @whitepony is my forum hero so I have been poring over his builds for months now, hoping to get somewhere near his
- Good balance of price/performance – I won’t go for the most expensive components as I am not looking to make the most high performance board in the world, but will also try not to go too cheap to avoid getting something that will a) endanger me and/or b) break too easily
After much research I decided to go with the following parts:
e-:
- Hobbyking – I quite like how it all seems to work together, and everything was in stock…and matches my colour scheme…it was too good to ignore. o sk8 esc 4.12 o sk8 6364 190kv motor o Motor mount (will likely need milling) & pulley cover with bearing o Belt, wheel pulley and motor pulley with key
- Winning remote (have read mixed reviews so will see…the end goal is definitely a Firefly remote)
- 10s3p Li-ion battery o Samsung 30Q – spot welding build to follow o Supower 10s BMS
- @eLDoska anti-spark switch
- Bluetooth module
-sk8:
- Deck – Loaded Poke – a balance between fun and practicality. Whilst tempted by the snowboard style flex of the Vanguard, it eventually lost out to the smaller and lighter Poke. Pretty stiff deck so no split enclosure required – less need for hidden cable routing etc
- Trucks – Caliber II 50o – will be assessing bushings whilst I non-electric skate prior to my build – blue satin purchased when I was in the US – I love the orange and blue colour scheme which will go perfectly with…
- Wheels – Orangatang Kegel – hopefully won’t find I need the larger diameter flywheels - great colour! Bones Red bearings keep them rolling (FAST, as it turns out)
Thoughts on my parts list are more than welcome, and please point out any glaring errors in the diagrams below…
Quick (major parts to scale) diagram of my proposed electronics layout:
Very simple wiring diagram – thick wires in 12AWG I think should be able to handle the 45A current from a 10s3p 30Q battery:
Board all put together in unpowered mode – it is a whole lot of fun to ride, though the bushings feel quite soft; it is very turny! Most likely due to the wide trucks and big wheels on the deck aimed at a narrower setup. No wheelbite though, and I only have 1mm rubber shock pads (in blue…of course). I’m going to try to get some more time on it so I’m comfortable at speeds and stopping so I don’t have to rely on electronics. Really happy with the colour combo choices, and a bit gutted to have to cover up the graphic…
Motor, esc and wires have arrived…as well as the mounts and drivetrain. It’s getting serious now!
30x 30Q, insulator rings installed to be ready for when I have my welding solution in place:
And that is it for the moment!
The next build stage is being held off until I can assemble my battery, which I am not going to rush. Also going away for a week so won’t be able to get much done.
To be continued…