Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Beginners start here...! => Topic started by: Vic2 on January 03, 2013, 11:41:02 pm

Title: New to boats + a question
Post by: Vic2 on January 03, 2013, 11:41:02 pm
Hi all


Just thought I'd say hello and introduce myself.
Like some others on here I've been into RC planes for a few years once I realised how far the electrics/batteries have come on so far over the years, I got fed up with the noise and mess of IC motors donkeys years ago.
I was visiting Weston Super Mare on New Year's Day with my misses and 10year old son. We saw a lad with his RC boat and I got to thinking.
A few years back I bought a Revell 1/72 Snowberry to build as a static model but as I'm sure you know people convert this model To RC. 


I fancy converting mine but can't afford to spend to much. My thoughts are that maybe I can use a lot of my plane gear.


My newbie question is "how do you get reverse with your gear?"


With my TX, RX &. Speed controller I can only go forwards or stop. Does a boat TX have a centred throttle stick and a esc that gives reverse?


All the best


Vic
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: Stavros on January 04, 2013, 12:20:24 am
Hi Vic first of all welcome to the forum.

Now your servos will be ok your radio gear if it is 35mhz then sorry NO WAY  you can use it onlt 27/40 mhz or 2.4gig on model boats.

As regards reverse you will need a speed controller with this faciliy


Dave



Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: scoop on January 04, 2013, 07:55:32 am
Hi all


Just thought I'd say hello and introduce myself.
Like some others on here I've been into RC planes for a few years once I realised how far the electrics/batteries have come on so far over the years, I got fed up with the noise and mess of IC motors donkeys years ago.
I was visiting Weston Super Mare on New Year's Day with my misses and 10year old son. We saw a lad with his RC boat and I got to thinking.
A few years back I bought a Revell 1/72 Snowberry to build as a static model but as I'm sure you know people convert this model To RC. 


I fancy converting mine but can't afford to spend to much. My thoughts are that maybe I can use a lot of my plane gear.


My newbie question is "how do you get reverse with your gear?"


With my TX, RX &. Speed controller I can only go forwards or stop. Does a boat TX have a centred throttle stick and a esc that gives reverse?


All the best


Vic
Hi Vic
Yes to your Q...a boat (unless it's a Yacht or Offshore powerboat) will usually have a centred throttle stick which is spring loaded to return to centre. As Dave says you cannot use 35mhz radio gear for surface models (cars, boats etc) there are plenty of 27/40 or 2.4 radio sets to choose from all at reasonable prices.
If you intend converting your Snowberry a 380/400 sized brushed motor is big enough and you will be able to pick up a speed controller for this for just a few pounds. You will only need a lightweight prop shaft as well.
There is no need to go down the brushless motor route for this boat as it does not require much power to give good results. When you have finished installing all the electronics it's a good idea to put some floatation foam inside the hull as well (but keep it away from the motor/speed controller.
 
Regards
Scoop
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: Vic2 on January 04, 2013, 10:42:50 am
Thanks for your replies Gents.


Sorry I should have said, all my gear is 2.4. I have a Spektrum DX6i and loads of "Orange" RX's.
I also have a cheap radiolink 2.4 set I bought initially from what is now Giant Shark.


Can I use my Orange RX seeing its 2.4?


Although the DX6i throttle can be programmed for + & - for helicopters I think it'd be easier to buy a cheap 2.4 boat radio to start with as I've got no idea if its possible to cheat with the DX6i. .


For a basic boat am I right thinking a 4 channel radio is good enough?


Thanks for your help


Vic


Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: scoop on January 04, 2013, 10:52:46 am
Hi Vic,  For a basic boat 2 ch radio is good enough, one for throttle one for steering  :-))
 
Cheers
Scoop
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: LarryW on January 04, 2013, 02:42:26 pm
Hello Vic ,
              Another modeler here in Bristol ,  Longwell green area,
               You have the gear , what boat are thinking of building , ?.......
              i use the same outfit as you , with speed controlers from action electronics ,
           used in all my boats ,   cheers Larry.....
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: Vic2 on January 04, 2013, 06:23:38 pm
Hi Larry

I'm over in the Horfield area.
I've got to go out now for the rest of the evening, is it ok to PM you?

All the best

Vic
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: LarryW on January 04, 2013, 08:06:32 pm
       Hi Vic ,
                pm any time .....Larry...
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: mikearace on January 04, 2013, 08:25:44 pm
Draw a line from Horfield to Longwell Green to CHipping Sodbury and theres a ncie triangle!!
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: Vic2 on January 05, 2013, 04:35:39 pm
Draw a line from Horfield to Longwell Green to CHipping Sodbury and theres a ncie triangle!!


The Bristol triangle.


Where do you guys sail your boats? Not that I've got anything to sail yet, I could put floats on my plane I suppose.  ok2


I know there were lakes at St George's park and Eastville park, not that I've visited either of these for donkeys years and there's the boating lakes at Portishead, Clevedon and Weston..
WB
 

Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: mikearace on January 05, 2013, 05:00:18 pm
Kingsgate Park in Yate.  Yate and Sodbury Model Boat Club meets there.   Club nights every month with regatta's in Spring Summer and Winter and also winter series for Scale, Fast Electric and Sail.
 
http://www.ysmbc.webeden.co.uk/ (http://www.ysmbc.webeden.co.uk/)
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: Vic2 on January 06, 2013, 10:25:05 am
Kingsgate Park in Yate.  Yate and Sodbury Model Boat Club meets there.   Club nights every month with regatta's in Spring Summer and Winter and also winter series for Scale, Fast Electric and Sail.
 
http://www.ysmbc.webeden.co.uk/ (http://www.ysmbc.webeden.co.uk/)


Just had a look on Google Earth, nice looking lake didn't know it was there.
I presume club members sail there most weekends? I'll have to pop out and have a chat at some point.

Vic
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: mikearace on January 06, 2013, 10:30:03 am
January is usually not much activity.  But every Sunday from February onwards from 2pm there is a meeting or sailing of sorts.  February 3rd is a Scale Meeting, week after its a Fast Electric then a Sailing meeting.
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: Vic2 on January 06, 2013, 11:19:24 am
January is usually not much activity.  But every Sunday from February onwards from 2pm there is a meeting or sailing of sorts.  February 3rd is a Scale Meeting, week after its a Fast Electric then a Sailing meeting.

I'll have to see if I can get time off for good behaviour and pop over for a mooch about during the scale meet.   :-)

Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: mikearace on January 06, 2013, 11:20:26 am
Look forward to possibly seeing you there.
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: Vic2 on January 06, 2013, 11:44:34 am
Yep that'd be good, if I make it I'll see if I can find you.
You'll have to wear a silly hat or something  ok2
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: mikearace on January 06, 2013, 11:48:19 am
I will contact you beforehand to let you know how to find me.  Look for the german lifeboat thats hitting all the buoys!!
Title: Re: New to boats + a question
Post by: Vic2 on January 06, 2013, 12:04:47 pm
LOL, ok catch you later.