Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: Darksheer on May 08, 2014, 06:14:04 am

Title: harbor models power panel problem
Post by: Darksheer on May 08, 2014, 06:14:04 am
I have the power panel from harbor models


http://www.harbormodels.com/site08/main_pages/power_distribution_panel.htm (http://www.harbormodels.com/site08/main_pages/power_distribution_panel.htm)


and it works pefectly for the most part
but for some reason i am getting minimal power off the two 6 volt rails
they are supposed to deliver 6 volt 3.5 amps which is alot more than the bow thruster requires/needs
 
all the other voltages work flawlessly and correctly


I have a bow thruster wired up to the 6 volt rail and neither give it power
but when I hook a external isoltaed battery to th bow thruster it functions correctly


is the unit faulty ?
is it possible for just the 6 volt section to be defective or am i doing something wrong


the bow thruster is raboesh 400 fitted to the aziz from model slipway and the speed control is a mtronicks viper marine 20
and it is wired correctlywith the red wire disconnected as i have two speed controls
any suggestions would be appreciated as i tihnk i might have to mail this back to california for replacement/repair
Title: Re: harbor models power panel problem
Post by: Umi_Ryuzuki on May 08, 2014, 06:24:46 am
What is the amp draw of the bow thruster, under load, when you hook it up directly to a battery?

Title: Re: harbor models power panel problem
Post by: derekwarner on May 08, 2014, 06:52:58 am
Darkshear....

In theory...you could connect both 6Vdc supplies to the one motor & supply 7 amp ...but that is silly  %%....don't mess about

Send off an e-mail to Harbour Models complete with a detailed listing of the connections you have made & a digital image if possible

Derek
Title: Re: harbor models power panel problem
Post by: malcolmfrary on May 08, 2014, 09:27:04 am
Assuming that everything is wired to and/or using the common ground (-ve, earth) line, the current draw of the motor needs checking.  It could well be that the regulator is being driven into a sort of grey area where it it struggling to supply the wanted current, but not quite at the point where it trips the safety cutout.
A 21W, 6V bulb (if such can be found) would be a good indicator as to whether the 6 volt supplies were pulling their weight or not.
Title: Re: harbor models power panel problem
Post by: inertia on May 08, 2014, 11:05:44 am
I think you will find that those 400 motors take quite a lot more than 3.5A, especially when starting up with a load e.g. a bow thruster paddle blade. As Malcolm suggests, I would try the unit with a big automotive 6v bulb before you send it back. These bulbs come in 18W and 21W for classic motor scooters - there are several suppliers on E-Bay e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/6v-motorcycle-bulbs (http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/6v-motorcycle-bulbs)  (Scroll down the page a little)
DM
Title: Re: harbor models power panel problem
Post by: Darksheer on May 08, 2014, 03:41:36 pm
did more checking the unit today it appears there is zero voltage coming off the 6 volt rails
i hooked the bow thruster into the 5 volt power slot and it functioned altho with greatly reduced power the 6 volts are providing nothing
not even enough to turn a small motor or light bulb


got a email in to harbor models
thanks everyone for the help