Good news ! I finally found a solution that I like.

So by putting the bearings directly on the propeller, it seems to hold up. The axis is fixed. Exit the bearings and the fear of oxidation. It's simple. I like.

For the curious: Iglidur J3 plain bearings

I did some tests, with a rather positive result. My propeller starts around 3 km/h of wind. To do after with wear, salt, frost, etc. That said, wear = more play = less friction = even more sensitive?

Less fear for winter: with a 3mm diameter axle − therefore small − the ice breaks quite easily. Tested and approved after passing under the tap then overnight in the freezer.

In search of good form

Once the propeller problem was solved, I tackled the general shape of the Pioupiou. Or rather : " how to make it stay well against the wind? »

Once again: 3D printer, and life-size tests.

The new Pioupiou will be fluorescent pink! Nah, I'm joking. It's just that they gave me a free roll with the printer. So just use it...

So our little prototype has mutated:

And finally, I found a shape with a daggerboard large enough to keep this Pioupiou facing the wind. Even when it's blowing hard...

Except that !

Slimming diet

After observations and scholarly calculations: big problem of center of gravity. I'll skip the explanations, but we'll just remember that it was too far back, when we want it all up front.

So only one viable solution: to lighten the tail as much as possible.

Not so obvious − knowing that in addition we want to hide the antenna there.

So idea: light = carbon and fiberglass.

But where to find a carbon tube to prototype quickly?

Answer: in the archery department

(well in real life, later, we will find some elsewhere in a slightly more professional way)

But where to find a fiberglass plate to quickly prototype?

Uh but wait… What are the electronic circuit boards made of?

Anyway. THE FR-4 in 0,8mm seems to do the trick. In addition, we will be able to engrave the antenna directly on it. Cool !

(Bonus question for the experts: how does FR-4 age directly exposed to UV? And soldermask? And screen printing?)

Anyway. I had ideas with archery arrows, electronic cards and epoxy resin (and it was not necessarily a good idea, that by the way, epoxy).

There it is quietly drying the weather of the weekend. We'll see what happens on Monday.

But for now it's a surprise. It will be necessary to wait until next Friday to discover my new Machiavellian plan.