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[neilesmith]

I have been modelling since I was old enough to squeeze a piece of plasticine, was an IMPS member & aeromodeller for many years & latterly built & flew many r/c helicopters. Recently built a 1/90th scale HMS Victory & 1/144th scale Destroyer. Needing another project I remembered a spare 8 channel rx & decided the Billings Calypso had plenty of scope for showing off with animations so that is now on my bench in the "getting my head around it stage". My 1st r/c boat so I will be asking lots of daft questions. Oh I'm 68 years old & live in the UK near High Wycombe so if any of you are close by I'd love to have a natter.

[neilesmith]

Blimey! My 1st post seems to have worked, I'm usually a complete dunce when trying to get on forums so this is a bonus.
My 1st question is about esc's. The supplier of my kit recommended 2 x HM-50 Waterproof Marine ESC with 2 x Mtroniks M500 6.0v - 12.0 motors which came with no instructions & so far have not worked at all so a beginners guide to making a Spektrum DX8 & AR8000 persuade them to turn 12v dc into some sort of rotary movement would be nice.
Thanks in advance
Neil

[Martin (Admin)]

Hey Neil,

Welcome to the Mayhem!

Nice work on the first two boats!   

" making a Spektrum DX8 & AR8000 persuade them to turn 12v dc into some sort of rotary movement "
The two HM-50 Waterproof Marine ESC will do that for you.
Did you put RC into the Destroyer? - Same process!
If not, how can we help?

Also see: http://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/but-i-don't-understand-electronics/18054

[Shipmate60]

The Calypso can be a rather "tender" model.
It is better to ignore the wooden base for the equipment and get the batteries low in the keel.
Keep top weight down to a minimum an if adding drives put the motor down in the hull with an extended shaft to drive.


Bob

[Colin Bishop]

Bob is right, Calypso tends to be a bit top heavy as a working model so you need to be aware of this. The topic is discussed in detail here:

http://www.modelboats.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=104760

Colin

[neilesmith]

Hey Neil,

Welcome to the Mayhem!

Nice work on the first two boats!   

" making a Spektrum DX8 & AR8000 persuade them to turn 12v dc into some sort of rotary movement "
The two HM-50 Waterproof Marine ESC will do that for you.
Did you put RC into the Destroyer? - Same process!
If not, how can we help?
Also see: http://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/but-i-don't-understand-electronics/18054

Thanks for the compliment, & no the destroyer is static so this is my 1st r/c boat.

[neilesmith]

The Calypso can be a rather "tender" model.
It is better to ignore the wooden base for the equipment and get the batteries low in the keel.
Keep top weight down to a minimum an if adding drives put the motor down in the hull with an extended shaft to drive.


Bob

Thanks Bob, confirms my 1st impression that all the brass bits mean a lot of weight above the centre of gravity.

[neilesmith]

Bob is right, Calypso tends to be a bit top heavy as a working model so you need to be aware of this. The topic is discussed in detail here:

http://www.modelboats.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=104760

Colin

Thanks Colin, a useful link.

[neilesmith]

Problem solved & here for any other newbies is the solution ( the rest of you just sit back & smugly say obvious innit)
The ESC is a metal box with some wires sticking out of it, no switches buttons or clues in its appearance, oh & no documentation at all so plug it in (no audible clues like the helicopter ones) & waggle the throttle. Nothing.
Start over remembering that boats go backwards as well as forwards. Put the throttle to its mid point & if the ESC has a BEC circuit unplug the battery from the receiver ( if not sure assume it has, if not the receiver won't switch on). Connect power switch on and wait a moment so the electronics have a chance to initialise. Et voila!

[Martin (Admin)]

               

[malcolmfrary]

If using two ESCs with BEC, not only remove the RX battery, but also winkle the red wire out of ONE of the 3 way plugs.  Saves any hassle from the BECs trying to regulate each other.

[neilesmith]

If using two ESCs with BEC, not only remove the RX battery, but also winkle the red wire out of ONE of the 3 way plugs.  Saves any hassle from the BECs trying to regulate each other.

Good point Malcolm, I should have mentioned that, thanks
Neil

[Netleyned]

I would say Very Tender
20kph wind on the lake today with the odd 30kph gust
and a member's Calypso rolled over and sank.
Flat calm sailing only.


Ned

[neilesmith]

Oh s**t!

[Netleyned]

Exactly what the owner uttered


Ned

[neilesmith]

I'm sure, was he able to retrieve the model?

Incidentally I have started a new thread under "Billing Boats Calypso" to record my build & share advice.
Neil.

[jack]

What a nice model of HMS victory I  have built many ship  models over the last 40 years HMS Diana was  one of my better models she is a 38 gun heavy frigate that Nelson once served on, I am new to this forum as well Thanks Jack.

[neilesmith]

What a nice model of HMS victory I  have built many ship  models over the last 40 years HMS Diana was  one of my better models she is a 38 gun heavy frigate that Nelson once served on, I am new to this forum as well Thanks Jack.

Why thank you, I am quite pleased with it although as my very first ship model I made many mistakes but learnt a lot too.
My current build is now on another thread "Billing boats Calypso" if you are interested.

Neil