I bet everything on red!

Translation : I launched the manufacture of plastic parts for the body.

It's a little " no way back ". That means: no more change possible in the overall design of Pioupiou. The machine is launched, and I have invested all the money.

It's scary, huh?

Not even afraid, in fact. I refined this Pioupiou to the end to be (almost) certain that it held up.

It therefore took a few more iterations before obtaining the perfect hull.

I started by reinforcing the pivot link. Longer, to limit the lever arm on the bearings. Wider to reinforce solidity at the right angle. It also makes it possible to fit larger bearings − and therefore wear out less quickly.

New (top), and old (bottom)

Close-up on the bearings not even afraid of salt ". POM (=acetal) plastic body, glass balls.

I also added a small skirt, which will allow the water to flow outside to limit frost blockage a little more.

Finally, a last modification a little less visible but just as important: the connection of the battery.

It would still be silly to have a Pioupiou that no longer works, just because the battery contacts have rusted. When you see the head of the springs in the flashlights, it's hard to imagine what it can look like outdoors after several years in salt and humidity.

Suddenly, new system: tongue welded on the battery, and screwed directly on the electronic board.

(Note for do-it-yourselfers who read this blog: never solder anything on a battery with a classic iron. You need special equipment. Otherwise it's BOOOUUMM and it stings the eyes!!!)

With that, we should have a solution that holds water.

Now that all these parts are ordered, all that's left to do is wait.