Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: ruben_sousa on February 16, 2021, 07:28:30 am

Title: ELECTRONICS FOR TUG VESSEL
Post by: ruben_sousa on February 16, 2021, 07:28:30 am
Hello everyone, I’m a new member here in the forum, and a beginner in the model boats world, so probably I’m gonna do a lot of dumb questions.


So let’s start, currently I’m building my first boat which is the offshore tug “Alp Striker”. I didn’t used any scale, I was just looking to some pictures and doing the “job”.

I made the hull model with foam and then I finished it with fibreglass.

Boat dimensions:
Length: 1.3 meters
Width: 35 cm
Hull Weight: 15kg +/-

So I really need your help with the electric parts, I have already something in mind which is the following:
- 2 high torque motors which I planned them to work independently;
- 2 esc;
- 2 batteries for both motors and esc’s;
-1 servo for 2 rudders;
-1 bow thruster;
-1 esc for the bow thruster (if need it);
-1 battery for the bow thruster (if need it);
-Radio with receiver (I was thinking the Spektrum dx6e, I really like it, just don’t know if it fits in this build);


So what I really don’t know it’s the combination off products, could someone help me with that, which motor should i use, which esc, battery, etc.

Every kind of help is welcome. Thanks.
Title: Re: ELECTRONICS FOR TUG VESSEL
Post by: Tug Fanatic on February 16, 2021, 02:18:40 pm
There are several ways to go about this and you have some choices to make. This is going to be a big and heavy model. You will want 5mm propshafts minimum.

1. Do you have a budget for the motor / props / esc?

2. Is the model for show or do you want it to be able to do some real work? You can obviously get away with smaller lighter & cheaper components if it is just going to sail majestically around the lake.

3. Is your model planned around a specific prop size?

Your radio choice is fine and yes you can use one servo for both rudders. One motor control will be ratchet and the other spring centred. 
You only need one battery for all the drive system if all your motors work off the same voltage. You can have more if you want.
A bow thruster is a great idea but it will need to be big & powerful for this model and will have its own esc & radio channel.
 
Title: Re: ELECTRONICS FOR TUG VESSEL
Post by: ruben_sousa on February 16, 2021, 04:11:31 pm
 




Thanks for the reply. Ok got it 5mm propshafts.

1- I will say around 150€/200€ for those.

2- Its not to do any kind of work, it is just to play with it around the lake.

3- idk the exact size of the prop, but i’ll say around 70mm.

How can i supply power for 3 esc (2 for the main motors, and 1 for the bow thrust) with only 1 battery?

I think i’ll go with the separated system for the bow thruster (separated battery & esc connected to the receiver).

What is your suggestions for all equipment?

My budget for all equipment is 600€/700€.


 
Title: Re: ELECTRONICS FOR TUG VESSEL
Post by: Tug Fanatic on February 16, 2021, 05:10:57 pm
Something like CEM 900 motors and 70mm Propshop 4 blade props. Other motors are available.
https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?WD=cem900&PN=cem900%2Ehtml#SID=2300 (https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?WD=cem900&PN=cem900%2Ehtml#SID=2300)

To run 2 motors off one battery you just wire them as though the other one wasn't there. Each esc has its positive lead go to the positive battery terminal and each negative lead to the negative battery terminal. You can put a junction block into each battery wire which makes it much neater and lets you connect as many things as you wish to the single battery. Two batteries might work better for you. No problem.
Title: Re: ELECTRONICS FOR TUG VESSEL
Post by: ruben_sousa on February 16, 2021, 07:09:52 pm
Ok understood.


I saw in the link which you gave to me that this Viper Marine 20Amp ESC is compatible with the 900 motor. Is that right?


For the battery i saw that Lead Acid batteries are recommended. Correct?


Should i buy this motor mount bracket as well?


Which servo you recommend me to buy?


Thanks a lot for your help!





Title: Re: ELECTRONICS FOR TUG VESSEL
Post by: Tug Fanatic on February 16, 2021, 07:30:40 pm
esc - perhaps someone will comment who has use the latest Viper Marine esc.

Any batteries of the right voltage and capacity will do.

The bracket will depend on how you want to mount the motor.

Any standard servo - around 50gms weight -  should work.

I suggest that you wait a while before buying anything and see what other suggestions come up. They might be better than mine! I have used car heater motors for many years but the suggested motor looks like a good alternative.
Title: Re: ELECTRONICS FOR TUG VESSEL
Post by: ruben_sousa on February 16, 2021, 08:11:31 pm

I’m going to wait until the end of the month, and after i’ll buy all the equipment.

You just put a big smile on my face today buddy!  :}


Thanks you very much!!  :-))