Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => DC Motors (Brushed) and Speed Controllers => Topic started by: RipSlider on September 28, 2007, 11:47:38 am

Title: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: RipSlider on September 28, 2007, 11:47:38 am
Hello all.

Sorry about the odd title.

I've read about a module that I can get that takes a signal from the rudder control, and feeds this into prop motors on twin motored boats, so that turning response is increased greatly, as one motor slows or speeds up as required.

However, I can't find where these come from. ACTion don't seem to sell them, and JJC seem to be at risk at the moment. Are there any other sources? Or a wiring diagram available anywhere?

Thanks

Steve
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: Trucker Willy on September 28, 2007, 12:01:06 pm
Hello Steve,
if I understood you correctly now, you would like to throttle and/or switch off with rudder impact one of the engines (I always think the engine on the inside to the rudder impact).

Like that it is solved with my Bismarck (2 rudders, 3 propeller and/or engines)

(http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/99/697999/1280_3139356161646566.jpg)
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: FullLeatherJacket on September 28, 2007, 12:16:34 pm
Steve
I think you may have your wires a bit crossed. A Motor Mixer actually does do what you require, by automatically slowing down the motor on the inside of a turn as you apply more rudder - to the extent that, at full ahead, the outer motor is running at full chat and the inboard one has stopped. With just a slight touch of throttle and full rudder, the motors both run at full speed in opposite directions, so you can make the model spin on its own axis.
If you let me have your E-Mail address by private message I can supply more info about the ACTion mixer.
FLJ
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: malcolmfrary on September 28, 2007, 01:13:35 pm
A motor mixer does the job, but you need a separate ESC for each motor as they work on the signal from the receiver, not the power to the motors.
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: Wiggy on September 28, 2007, 03:05:35 pm
Hi Steve, following on from Malcolm's comment, you can stop and even reverse either of the motors by using micro switches linked to the rudder servo using only one ESC. but is a little more complex than shown in the pic. and needs two lots of switches as I have used it successfully in both of my tugs to aid manoeuvrability.I used a second servo linked to the steering one to be able to put it wherever I wanted in the hull.

Wiggy.
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: Guy Bagley on September 28, 2007, 03:27:05 pm
we have a chap in our club who designed and built a motor controller for this purpose, its a electronic speed controller and mixer all in one- he now retails these !

 for  forward propulsion... both motors run in the same direction,

 for reverse both motors reverse...

to  make a shallow turn at low speed both motors run in the same direction - the outer motor speed is increased and the vessel turns..

to turn tightly or to turn at higher speed the motors run in opposite directions, one in forward and one reverses

if no throttle is applied and the rudder stick is applied the motors will run in opposing directions causing the models to spin on the spot.......


 the other benefit is no servos, as its both speed control and rudder control all in one !

 if you are interested PM me and i will forward his email details to you ( this may be on monday now though)
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: Guy Bagley on October 10, 2007, 01:01:27 pm
please no more enquiries, he is now  not taking any more orders!!!!

thanks
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 10, 2007, 02:13:36 pm
please no more enquiries, he is now  not taking any more orders!!!!

thanks

Obviously room for someone else in the market place here then!
I also note - http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6153.msg63955#msg63955
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: DickyD on October 10, 2007, 03:49:58 pm
please no more enquiries, he is now  not taking any more orders!!!!

thanks

Obviously room for someone else in the market place here then!
I also note - http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6153.msg63955#msg63955

That E Bay link doesn't work any more Martin  ::)
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on October 10, 2007, 04:56:17 pm
it does on my computer

Peter
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: djrobbo on October 10, 2007, 09:53:13 pm
Hi guys....... bought four of those e s c's from hong kong , they work fine once you change the crappy power switch to something more reliable,,,,,...................
               
                   rgards ....bob.
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: portside II on October 10, 2007, 10:05:58 pm
Bob is there an overload  protection on these esc's ,i read the last comment by HS93 on the link
quote "but if you pop em , you have to drop(kick) em." un quote .
daz
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: Shipmate60 on October 10, 2007, 10:22:02 pm
Some of these only give 50% power astern, not good for stopping!!!

Bob
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: malcolmfrary on October 11, 2007, 01:12:53 pm
Bob is there an overload  protection on these esc's ,i read the last comment by HS93 on the link
quote "but if you pop em , you have to drop(kick) em." un quote .
daz

Overload protection while desirable is not infallible, as has been noted in other threads.  I think the comment referred to the fact that unsealed units are repairable, while sealed units (i.e. encapsulated in resin) are pretty much impossible to disassemble without creating major damage. 
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: meridian on October 11, 2007, 03:02:44 pm
Go to ebay and under 'Toys and Games, Radio-Controlled', search 'Boats,Mixers' and you should find - Radio Control Mixer (Rudder & Throttle) - Model Boat
I use one of these in a Model Slipway Range Safety Craft, which I have adapted as an MOD Police Launch It works perfectly and is a pleasure to use. In fact I'm so pleased with it that I've just ordered another one for the boat that I am currently building.
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: BarryB on October 20, 2007, 12:29:19 pm
Hi
I think I may be the person referred to above - on 2 occassions!

I got into model boats about 5 years ago & wanted a mixer.
I purchased from the 2 well known suppliers, then discovered that their mixers did not quite work as we boaters wanted - for various reasons which I won't rake up on this forum.

So I taught myself how to program these little computer chips and have sold quite a few mixers ready built or parts only - as a hobby only, not business - I want to enjoy the hobby!
These are usually available on eBay as mentioned above.

The other item the Thames Valley member is referring to is my latest Mixer + 2x ESC all on the one chip, but it is for build it yourself.
This has only been done in little Chinese models so far as I am aware.
I can supply the parts OK, but not the time - I don't want to spend my leisure time over a hot soldering iron all my life ;-)
I want to encourage others in the use of a hot iron!

Contact me if interested.

Barry

Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 21, 2007, 02:01:05 am

So I taught myself how to program these little computer chips and have sold quite a few mixers ready built or parts only - as a hobby only, not business - I want to enjoy the hobby!
These are usually available on eBay as mentioned above.

I can supply the parts OK, but not the time - I don't want to spend my leisure time over a hot soldering iron all my life ;-)
I want to encourage others in the use of a hot iron!

Contact me if interested.

Hi Barry, I'm intersted!  O0
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: BarryB on October 21, 2007, 07:51:47 am
Hi Martin
Glad you are interested  :)

If you go to
http://www.kleefeld.freeserve.co.uk/model/barry/pic01/rc_mixer.htm

and look at item 4 you will find the full blurb about the unit there, together with a picture of a completed unit.

I have made 3 of these myself and have 2 other people so far who have wielded their soldering iron at the project.
As you can see, there is not a great component count to worry about, but it needs a bit of thought to lay out. So following my layout could save a lot of time.

If you want to go ahead, the price of the chip is as shown and any other parts you may want just ask.
I can send you the circuit diagram by email

Barry
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: meridian on October 21, 2007, 07:01:19 pm
I currently use one of BarryB's ready built mixers in my MOD Police Launch and it works impeccably. In fact I am so impressed that I have just ordered a second mixer for the HDML that I am currently building.
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: meridian on October 21, 2007, 07:04:40 pm
Apologies for repeating myself! I'd forgotten that I had already extolled the virtues of BarryB's mixers! They really are good though!
Title: Re: looking for a "thingy" for two prop models that makes then turn faster.
Post by: Stavros on October 21, 2007, 07:34:30 pm
BarryB gets my vote and also Robert Davies the Mixers are AWSOME got one in my Happy Hunter and Roberts has on in his Southampton and also his Trent.
The mixer works straight from the box does not require setting up and it works not like some companies mixer,funny this as I spoke to another chappie today and he was complining about a mixer and was relieved to hear that I had had problems as well Barryb gets my vote for a mixer any day

Stavros