Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: terry1956 on September 08, 2023, 07:05:46 pm
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Hi chaps I just purchased from a local auction a Graupner Tito. Nero tug. It’s fitted with soundcard, working winch, lights, water cannons, bow thrusters and the main drive motors. However I don’t have much other information bar it states that 2x6v batteries are needed. Can anyone please let me know what battery or batteries they use, and anything that needs looking at. Thanks
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The Tito is a big, heavy model tug. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries are likely needed for 12V to drive the motors (Speed 900 brushed??) and to provide adequate ballast. Depending on the build (accessories, electronics, etc), your model could weigh nearly 50 lbs (23 kg) to get it to the waterline.
You could choose other battery types, but you will likely need to adjust the ballast to account for the lost lead weight. Your choice will also depend on the type of ESC(s) being used.
I would think 2 x 6V means two 6V SLA batteries.
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If you want to move it on, Please let me know - i've been after one for years.
Always had a thing for the graupner atlantic challengers and Moonrakers. would go nice with my seabex one.
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No speed controllers needed on a Voith tug, just a switch for both motors. Motors turn continuously, boat speed controlled by variable pitch on blades. No bow thruster needed. Only 3 servos to control pitch.
I’ve driven the full size tug.
Jerry C.
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The model has schottel drive
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The Tito Neri model is driven by two (2) Graupner Z-drives (Schottel) powered by Speed 900 BB motors in its original configuration.
One of the problems noted with these drives was an eventual failing of the plastic drive support (marked with red asterisk).
The solution was to reinforce the drive from below to prevent (or delay) the drive from failing. Given the age of the model you have, you may want to watch for this.
See the attached link from RC Groups to learn more (start at Post #475). There is a lot of good information with this Build Log:
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?567834-Tito-Neri-Comes-To-Life/page32 (https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?567834-Tito-Neri-Comes-To-Life/page32)
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I found this warning provided by Graupner regarding use of the Speed 900 BB motors with their Schottel II Z-drives.
This may help with your decision regarding battery type and/or maximum voltage to be used (e.g. use 2 6V SLA batteries wired in parallel = more amps or longer running time).
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If you have space whack in a few
6v 14ah batteries
Run them in parallel
That way you have plenty ballast weight and your under the 8v threshold as mentioned above.
Or the alternative would be a big 12V 28ah Haze battery with a voltage regulator stepping down to 8-10V
You can find these items at The Component shop
https://www.componentshop.co.uk/ (https://www.componentshop.co.uk/)
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If High Torque metal gear servos are installed, 12 volts is not an issue.