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[Rodgearing]

I'm besieged with a dilemma.  How do I control a boat with two sets of planes, forward and aft, two motors port and stbd and steering not to mention solenoid valves for diving.
So at the moment the theory is, not put into to practise, a six channel radio two joy stick type controllers left forward planes and port motor, another after planes and starboard motor and a third for the steering.  Ah you say where does the third joy stick come from.  I'm re configuring and old Futaba 4 channel and an old 3  channel producing a new plastic box to encompass this arrangement then there is the solenoid valve control(s)(could be two one for dive one for TBD)
So the question do most people control the planes by one control ie one joystick.  How do you professionals drive your solenoid Vv by joystick or switch?
Advice recommendations welcome.
Thanks Fred

[Shipmate60]

You could use a mixer for planes.


Bob

[Rodgearing]

Sorry Bob
Whats a mixer?

[Shipmate60]

It allows 2 channels to be controlled with 1 stick.
It might be worth waiting for some of the sub experts though.


Bob

[TomHugill]

Rod, I have a sheerline akula and aside from having one prop I'm in the same situation. Basically I have my depth leveller on my rear planes. I run on the left stick rear planes and rudder, on the right I have ballast pump (left and right) and throttle (up and down). For the front planes I use the channel 6 knob.

Now my thinking behind this is I never really need to use the aft planes, the leveller keeps the sub level. The fore planes are essentially for trim so I'll use them to dive and set my depth. Throttle is unsprung so don't really need to worry about it, set throttle and go.

Now in your case if your running separate esc for your motors use a mixer. A mixer basically acts like tank steering. If your making a tight turn slows or reverses in inside motor and speeds up the outside to enhance turning circle. Means you only need on channel for a two prop setup.

Hope this helps.

[gingyer]

Can I suggest you get this book http://gb.trapletshop.com/simply-model-submarines-by-chris-jackson
I did and it helped me and it is not as advanced or technologically challenging as the Submarine technology one 
Also I wouldn't mess about rebuilding various radios into 1unit it would be easier to go and invest in a F14/16 radio
unit if you can then look at the add on boards for what you are needing or wanting to do.
anyway to answer your questions.....
What I use on my Trafalgar is a standard Hitec 6ch unit
Stick 1: speed control
Stick 2: Rudder and Rear planes
rotary switch: ballast tank

I have not fitted the front dive planes.

For my S Class it is my intention to use a F14 navy.
stick1: speed control (independent)
Stick2: rudder and Front planes
secondary switch(S) TBC: ballast tanks

Rear plane working off a sub level unit
I would stay clear of the mixers for the planes, unless it is a X-tail configured submarine
toms suggestion for a mixer for speed control is worth considering

there is a few submarine weekends being planned they are posted on mayhem you may want to go
visit these and take your submarine and see how the experts are doing it 

[inertia]

Mixers explained here http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/Twins%20Ver2.pdf
DM

[Shipmate60]

It doesnt usually take long for the experts to answer!!


Bob

[Rodgearing]

Thanks some good info there.  Ordered the book!
Fred

[Davy1]

My experience would suggest the KISS principle (Keep it Simple etc.)

i.e keep the number of functions down. You can always add things later including autolevellers.

In the same way , avoid using front dive planes if at all possible.  Rear planes have more "tilt" effect and are usually much easier to link up.

David F

[nemesis]

Hi, I would go along with Davy and keep it simple. Solve a lot of your problems and see if you can get a futaba 6 channel. That is what I used in my type V11c. I changed the retract to a normal function, cutting the case and putting another slider alongside the other one. Two up and down for independent motor control, right stick for rudder, left stick for interconnected planes and the two sliders for the pumps, forward and aft. I found that the forward planes were ineffective and that all the work was done on the aft planes which are really a horizontal rudder. By setting the trim over I could just glide under the water. Good luck, Nemesis