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[Vts99]

Hi I have the fairmount alpine tug with a few functions like bow thrusters and a winch but I’m wanting to add more to it


For example working cranes or other winches and towing pins , I’ve figured out the mechanical side using small motors but it the wiring I need help with


I’m guessing I’ll need an esc for each motor that’s used or could be wrong for the crane functions as they will just be forward stop and reverse but how do I control them from the transmitter


Is there a multi switch unit that can control them etc or do I need to have a 16 ch transmitter kind of thing as I mostly use 6 or 8 ch and to be honest I struggle to figure out how to use more than 4 ch on them as the switches confuse me on how to set them up for forward stop reverse functions


Many thanks

[Martin (Admin)]

Start here:  https://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/but-i-don-t-understand-electronics/18054
 
 

[Vts99]

Thank you that helps , I think I’ve figured out how to get all my thrusters working and maybe a winch but I may need to look at a larger transmitter then figure out the programming of switches so any advice on transmitter systems would be great for controlling winches and cranes as I only have 6 and 8 ch just now I may need to look at 14 or 20

[John W E]

hi there


the best thing to do really is to sit down and list the functions that you want to work on the model; also, let us know on here, we can help you better.


There are several ways to which you can make certain items to work on the model by using different styles of electronics; e.g. you can purchase a switcher unit; this allows you to control up to 8 functions on and off from one channel of your transmitter.   The other method of controlling something on your model is to use a servo and micro switches.  So, please let us know what you want to do and those in the know will help you.   


The link below takes you to Component Shop and ACTion switchers.

 
Switches - Action Electronics (componentshop.co.uk)


John

[Vts99]

Hi thank you


I currently have 1x bow thruster
1 stern thruster
Twin props
Steering servo
Water pump controlled by micro switch and servo


I’ve added a small winch via a separate fob remote


I’m looking to add a working crane which I believe I will need 3 motors to turn lift and rope


I’m also looking to add another winch but I would ideally like the two winches to work from the transmitter and not the separate fob


And finally I may want to add towing pins on the rear deck which I will need 2 servos for to lift them independently or one servo to lift as a pair depending if it’s possible




The biggest transmitter I have is the radio link 8ch Bluetooth one which has two sliders and 1x 2 way switch and 1x 3way switch but I am willing to upgrade as required




I’ve also looked at the action switches but having never used this kind of thing I’m not sure if it’s possible to add them to this setup in order to control these added functions


Many thanks

[John W E]

Hi there,


A while ago, I built the Seaforth Conquerer - and her working features consist of:


Bow and stern thruster;


Working Crane - which has up and down movement of the jib - slew left and right - and hook rise/fall


Also, it has internal bell diving chamber with a winch for lifting/lowering the diving bell.


She is twin prop.


So, this is all run from an 8 channel transmitter.


There was no need to put a mixer on the main motors for the propulsion, as I have a bow and stern thruster, these can manoeuvre the vessel quite easily in any direction.


The bow thruster works off an independent speed controller on the left hand stick of the controller (side to side). 


The stern bow thruster is controller by a Y lead and a switch unit from the rudder servo, so when you go to the extreme of the rudder movement it switches the stern thruster on in the same direction as the rudder is facing (port or starboard).


The crane has 3 independent controls which are rotary switches on the transmitter, which control various movement of the crane.


The diving bell winch is also controlled by a 3 way switch;


Couple of pictures - sadly though none of the internal wiring pictures have survived - as I had a mass clean out of this computer and files.


Only thing I will add is (I find) when the vessel is in the lake and away from you; it is difficult to judge the movements of the crane plus as the crane slews over to the starboard side, with any weight on it, the model doesn't half lean over - and that is quite nerve wracking.  Be warned 


John

[Vts99]

Thank you


That’s helped , I thought I had to mix my channels to get the stern thruster working with the steering and never thought of just adding a Y lead but I’m guessing I can just add micro switches with direct power to the stern thruster rather than using another esc ? Or do I need an esc for it also ? As I was using the sticks for bow and stern thruster with separate esc for each


I also have 2x slider switches so I’m guessing I can use these for the winches to control feed and speed with more esc for each winch so just leaves me one stick function (up and down) and 1x 2 way switch and 1x one way switch


So I’m guessing I would make the stick rotate my crane and the 2 way switch working the lifting of the rope leaving the 1 way switch to work my water pump


Or am I way off with this and need to add more


Sorry but the wiring is my downside with adding functions