Shrinky Dinks Control Horns

Theory:

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to quickly produce the FT Control horns, or even design your own, here is a quick tutorial tip to design your own using Shrinky Dinks Thermoplastic.

Shrinky Dinks is a thermo plastic designed to shrink 3x its size, and become about as think (if not a little thicker) than a gift card. This allows you to quickly design plastic components for airplanes, put them in the oven, and hey presto, you can fit it to an aeroplane! So far I have used this technique on all 3 of my planes and it works beautifly each time. The technique is super simple and you can pick up a packet of Shrinky Dinks for about 6 bucks! enough to make at least 45-50 horns of various shapes and sizes.

I am using the white shrinking plastic, perfect for taking sharpie. I am almost certain the technique will work with both the translusant type and transparant type. There are even versions that can be used in ink jet printers.

*DO NOT PLACE PRINTABLE VERSIONS IN A LASER PRINTER!!

Instructions:

Step 1: using either an image editing software or simply use print scaling to increase the size of your control horn to 300% of its original size. This will allow it to shrink to its size of your actual control horn.

Step 2: using a sharpie or permenant marker, trace out your design onto the plastic, avoiding getting any sharpie onto your wifes dinning room table.

Step 3: using your favorite pair of scissors, cut out your design. Once complete you will want to preheat your oven based on the instructions that are inside the shrinky dinks pack. Mine recomended 325 Degrees F.

Step 4: Place in oven and lt bake for 4-6 Minutes, keep on the oven light and observe how the plastice deforms and regains its shape.

Step 5: Let cool, and it available flatten under a heavy cook book.

As you can see, there is a big diffrence in the size and diffrence from the complete horn and the uncooked one. you can drill into the plastic, however I strongly recomend cutting out the center before cooking. This will allow you to install the horn right after it has been cooled down.

Install your horns onto the plane and your all set!

I hope this has been helpful to those looking for an easy way to replicate FT horns or even create your own. be sure to add your own designs and post them in the comments bellow.

Be on the lookout for more jacRC designs, Fly Safe and have fun!