Topic: Not sure of the word but it just doesn't work properly (Read 4835 times)

pod · « **on:** June 29, 2011, 06:53:40 pm »

Firstly, I'm new to the model boating world so please be patient

I have recently bought an electric RC boat and it has a problem. If the (remote, transmitter, control) is right next to the boat, when I press for power it works perfectly.However, even out of water, when I turn round and my body is blocking the direct view to the boat the propellers intermittently starts/stops in 1/2 second intervals. In water the further it is away the worse it responds.

Does this sound familiar and can it be fixed easily or is it a major problem as the boat didn't cost that much

Any help would be much appreciated for a noob to this world

dougal99 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2011, 06:59:30 pm »

Is this a ready to run (RTR) boat with a pre installed radio? If so they can be problematic. The radio signal tends to broadcast across the frequency band and is prone to interference as the receiver is not tuned to a particular frequency. In my opinion they are a waste of money and great source of disappointment.

If thats not the case I would suspect a wiring problem.

HTH

CF-FZG · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:10:53 pm »

Silly question, but is the antenna extended, (only if it's on 27 or 40 MHz).

Better question is what boat is it?

Mark

pod · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:39:35 pm »

Ok i'm guessing more info is needed
It is a RTR boat ( like i say im new to this world) with a 27mhz frequency. I have used an identical 27 mhz controller and the same problem occurs.
Pasted from advert:Radio Controlled Storm Speedboat
Built for speed, the Cyclone R/C Hydro Boat is ready to race right out of the box!
The Cyclone Hydro Boat is 18 inches long and built to last!
The spoiler, rudder and turn fin all work together flawlessly to keep the boat firmly planted on the water.
Acceleration from idle is simply outstanding.
Its superb fiberglass construction and outstanding engines and radio equipment give you an out-of-box experience on par with most anything you could build for yourself.
Powered by a 380 type motor and twin torsion propellers this sleek boat glides across the water at speeds up to 15 mph.
The vector push design and streamline body provide easy handling at high speeds.
Designed for use on lakes or small ponds the Cyclone is as close as you can get to the adrenaline rush of real hydro racing.
The hi-capacity rapid charge battery provides maximum race time.
Features:
Fiberglass composite Fuselage
Dimensions: 18 in. L x 9 in. W x 4.5 in. H
Top Speed: 15 mph
380 type racing motor
Twin propellers
27 MHz frequency
Hi-capacity rapid charge 9.6 Volt battery

Includes:
Pistol grip remote control
Antenna
9 volt battery
Rechargeable 9.6 Volt battery
AC Power adapter

I have looked on e bay and there are two boats of this thype are described as having "no range". Now bit gutted.

I appreciate RTR boats are not the best but they are more for my son and myself to spend more time together on a sunday. I would like to know where to go from here regarding getting out the RTR boat pool and take this hobby up more seriously. Thanks for your time

DickyD · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:45:57 pm »

Is it this one ?

http://www.xnitrorc.co.uk/en/rc-electric-boats/2993-radio-controlled-storm-speed-boat-1-25-scale.html

grayone · « **Reply #5 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:47:33 pm »

Hi is the ariel in the boat unwound and held vertical (maybe through a tube)?

grayone · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:52:17 pm »

Quote from: DickyD on June 29, 2011, 07:45:57 pm

Is it this one ?

http://www.xnitrorc.co.uk/en/rc-electric-boats/2993-radio-controlled-storm-speed-boat-1-25-scale.html

I think I have the same one, except mine only turns by varying the two motors - bad news is I have never actually run it and plan to scrap the radio and use a spare spektrum and my DX6i.

Graham

pod · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2011, 08:55:12 pm »

DickyD. Yes thats the one.After watching related vids mine isn't the only one that has the turning circle of a snail, not happy. What are your views on this boat

greyone - the aerial is fully extended through the tube towards the back of the boat. Like i siad though as soon as it gets 1 metre away it starts spluttering. Is this a problem withthe controller or battery power of the boat do you think.

Thanks for the help guys

DickyD · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2011, 09:43:47 pm »

Sounds like you need a new radio system or put it down to experience and think of another boat.

triumphjon · « **Reply #9 on:** June 29, 2011, 09:46:40 pm »

has the model got the must be in water to run system ? these can cause an intermittent running fault ,

DickyD · « **Reply #10 on:** June 29, 2011, 09:48:40 pm »

He says he has the same problem in the water.

wibplus · « **Reply #11 on:** June 29, 2011, 09:50:01 pm »

The Spektrum RX with a DX6i is definitely a plan.

I run all my boats from a DX7 (EX heli flier) and have never had any problems with that system.

triumphjon · « **Reply #12 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:06:06 pm »

an intermittent fault is always harder to trace , where in the country are you , maybe theres a member close by who would be willing to look over your model with you !

nemesis · « **Reply #13 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:11:39 pm »

Hello, some of these boats have to be in the water to make electrical contact, safety I suppose, Nemesis

Philipsparker · « **Reply #14 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:23:03 pm »

Quote from: nemesis on June 29, 2011, 10:11:39 pm

Hello, some of these boats have to be in the water to make electrical contact, safety I suppose, Nemesis

Not this time - I had one of these and it was fine in and out of the water. Or at least as fine as it could be since it looks fast and isn't. My suggestion - take it back where you bought it and tell them it's faulty. Not your fault, just duff manufacture. These things are made by the ton and some are bound to get through quality control with being checked.

The problem is, fixing the issues is probably more trouble than building a boat yourself. These things have integrated raio and speed control gear so to replace it you have to chuck out all the electronics and then spend several times the cost of the original model replacing them.

Good Luck.

Phil

http://www.philsworkbench.co.uk

tigertiger · « **Reply #15 on:** June 30, 2011, 04:10:07 am »

I think the second poster hit the nail on the head.

This is an RTR boat, the radios are usually toy grade and suffer from a lot of interference, from lots of sources (not just other transmitters).
I have effectively reduced the range of other boaters radios to about 5m, just my using my hobby grade 27MHz radio.

If this is that case, and I believe it is the most likely, swapping out the radio (transmitter and receiver) to a hobby grade radio will make a huge difference.
You can probably pick up a second hand Futaba Attack 2ER or similar 2 channel 27Mhz radio for about a tenner.

malcolmfrary · « **Reply #16 on:** June 30, 2011, 10:05:18 pm »

When you look at the toy toy transmitters, they often have a bit of wire as an antenna, as opposed to the telescopic tuned length on a hobby grade one. To pile up the misery, they also often run on a PP3 9 volt battery as opposed to a fistful of AA cells. Output power and stability are both compromised. If it was a Monday morning one as well.........
Similar considerations apply at the receiver end as well.
If the people who are responsible for them would put the same effort into designing and producing the items as they lay out for the advertising copy writers meaningless drivel, they could have produced a boat the actually performed like the demonstrators. Unless the demo vids were shot with a somewhat modified one. Or should I not suggest things like that?

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #17 on:** June 30, 2011, 10:45:48 pm »

My 7d worth...

1. Remove the radio control gear that's in there.... it's junk!
2. Fit proper 2 channel radio gear - £30-£100
3. Fit a 'high' voltage Electronic speed controller (up to 36Volts) - £30- £250
3. Replace the motors - £30 - £120
4. Fit better voltage pack (7.2v 3Ah > 9.6v 4.2Ah.) - £25-£90
5. Use 2 battery packs - £50-180
6. Use light weight LiPo batteries - £20-£250
7. Go Brushless - £20 - £500!

Put this boat down to "experiance!"

... now about your next boat, would sort of boat do you have in mind? Another Race / Hydro??

pod · « **Reply #18 on:** July 01, 2011, 06:10:54 pm »

Ok new boat it is then. We have a stealthboat which I fitted a 4500 battery pack in. Difference was astounding! I like the look of hydro and my son and I agree that faster the better. But the market it huge and after this dissapointment I need to research further.

Few ?'s
Brushless - thats to do with the engine, right?
Can I buy a controller that controls more than one boat (not at the same time obviously)
How aboutkits? Ant good?

Any suggestions?

malcolmfrary · « **Reply #19 on:** July 01, 2011, 11:41:55 pm »

Quote

Brushless - thats to do with the engine, right?
Can I buy a controller that controls more than one boat (not at the same time obviously)
How aboutkits? Ant good?

2 families of electric motor - those that supply current to the rotating bit through brushes, and those that supply the current through devious magic to the fixed bit of the motor to make the moving part rotate., known as brushless. The brushless type are generally more efficient, and, lacking the losses introduced by brushes, can reach much higher RPM. For a given performance, brushless motors tend to cost less, but the brushless ESCs required make up for the saving. Terminology - electric ones are usually referred to as motors, engines are usually internal or external combustion. There has been confusion in the past.
Receivers dont really care about the transmitter and vice-versa, as long as they are in the same band and using compatible signalling, although it is usually safest to stick with one make, at least until the confidence has built up. The newish 2.4GHz sets seem to be heading down the path of every manufacturer trying to be incompatible with everybody else, and in some cases, not even with their own ranges. This might change in time, but as a guiding rule, one transmitter from a given manufacturer can be bound to, and work with, any number of compatible receivers, as you say, using one at a time.
Kits. Some great, some not, some need tweaking a bit. Best to lurk around the part of the forum dealing with the type that interests you and reading the queries and experiences, then ask again.

News:

Author Topic: Not sure of the word but it just doesn't work properly (Read 4835 times)

CF-FZG

grayone

grayone

triumphjon

wibplus

triumphjon

Philipsparker