Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: Bob K on August 30, 2014, 01:31:43 pm

Title: Radar Motor
Post by: Bob K on August 30, 2014, 01:31:43 pm

I acquired a springer with a radar motor that didn't work.  About an inch long, 37 dia, with a long 2 mm dia shaft.
Bought a similar replacement but complete with a tiny motor controller board that I hoped would operate from the 5th channel on my Planet Rx.  Connected up, the green LED flashed to show OK, but no motor rotation. Various channels tried. No go.

OK, so now wire the motor direct via a switch to a 1.5V battery.  Working !
Fitted the motor unit in the wheelhouse roof, as before, using double sided self adhesive mounting pad. Still working.
Whilst fitting the radar to the 2 mm spindle the minutest pressure popped the gear housing apart dropping cogs into the hull !!!

Are you normally expected to glue the plastic gear housing halves together?  Appears only a very light push fit together.

Any idea ?

Title: Re: Radar Motor
Post by: Bob K on August 30, 2014, 02:54:23 pm

Repair method:   The plastic halves of these gearboxes pop apart far too easily, so carefully reassembling the four gears whilst checking powered operation I applied a little plastic cement to the three spigots. Gently pushing halves together, whilst checking power rotation, then leave to set.  Operation checked again.

Almost zero force maximum to fit the actual rotating 'radar', so cleaned up the hole with a 2 mm drill get a nice slide fit.
Super-glued in place.  Working Radar !!!

IMO these units of unmarked origin are far to flimsy for 'push fit' radar tops.

Title: Re: Radar Motor
Post by: inertia on August 30, 2014, 03:43:12 pm

Bob
It sounds like one of these. We've sold hundreds for use as radar motors and the instructions do specify gluing the two halves together. Clearly whoever put your motor and gearbox together was not a fan of reading the instructions.
Dave M

Title: Re: Radar Motor
Post by: Bob K on August 30, 2014, 03:57:34 pm

Thanks Dave.  Yes, one of those.  No the instructions never mentioned that, but it appears I did the right thing in the end because it is now working.  If only all instructions were as clear and comprehensive as Action  :-))

Title: Re: Radar Motor
Post by: inertia on August 30, 2014, 04:06:49 pm

Quote from: Bob K on August 30, 2014, 03:57:34 pm

If only all instructions were as clear and comprehensive as Action  :-))

You can lead a horse to water....................
DM

Title: Re: Radar Motor
Post by: Bob K on August 30, 2014, 04:43:56 pm

I just Googled "Radar Motor"....

For reference data sheet http://www.componentshop.co.uk/pdf/M7G.pdf