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Author Topic: u boat probs  (Read 7702 times)

silent running556

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u boat probs
« on: May 15, 2011, 08:39:55 pm »

I've been trying to get the electrics going on my u boat recently and the first time the speed controller lit up and the servos gave a slight judder and that was it. The second time there was a red and white light on the speed controller then a puff of smoke and a burning smell coming from the relay. There's a scorch mark on the underside where it was in contact with the base plate. I've not seen the motors running yet either, What am i doing wrong? Ta.
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essex2visuvesi

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2011, 06:23:43 am »

Whats the make and model of the speed controller and motor?
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One By One The Penguins Steal My Sanity
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Mankster

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2011, 07:26:12 am »

I think we are going to need more information.
Exactly what boat to you have?
Did you just wired it up you self for the first time, or was it built and running correctly before.
How is it wired up? Using a BEC or separe batteries? Any chance of a shoted contacts somewhere?
Batteries and Voltage? What ESC are you using (you say relays? So its not a modern ESC?)
And finally a few pictures will help.

But by the sounds of it, it seems you have a blown ESC.

silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2011, 07:04:47 pm »

It's a Robbe U-47 with a Rokraft 120 speed controller, the relay's also the recommended model by Robbe. I think what's happened is the polarity has been somehow switched and black and red wires have been mixed up. Looks like i'll need replacements i suppose.
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2011, 07:07:10 pm »

It's not a BEC so separate 4.8 batteries. The power batteries are the 5ah brick like ones recommended by Robbe too.
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2011, 07:10:49 pm »

I think i'll try to get it into a local shop and see what they think, they don't do Submarines but the basic electrics are the same as planes etc so they should offer some sort of replacement parts, they use JP and another one but i can't remember its name at the moment. Thanks for the responses much appreciated btw.
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Subculture

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2011, 07:50:01 pm »

I believe that controller has a BEC. Might be your problem.
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essex2visuvesi

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #7 on: May 18, 2011, 06:20:32 am »

I believe that controller has a BEC. Might be your problem.

Yes it does

See here
http://www.hobbydirekt.de/Robbe/Regler/ROKRAFT-120-%B5P-Robbe-1-8367-8367::79508.html?language=en

Specification:
Operating voltage: 5 - 10 NC Volts    Weight: 50 g
Momentary: 25.00 A    connector system: JST / TAM
Dimensions: 55 x 41 x 13 mm    BEC: 5 V, 1.2 A
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Mankster

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2011, 10:18:25 am »

If you radio is powered by a separate battery then you should still be able to get the servos to work even if you have disconnected/removed the ESC. If this is not happening then you'll be want to sort that out first before looking at the ESC.

silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2011, 08:53:23 pm »

I've taken it into the shop and they'll have a look at it and see what parts need replacing if any. It went in on friday.
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #10 on: May 27, 2011, 02:44:28 pm »

I phoned them up this morning to ask how things were and they said it was on the bench but they were struggling to get it going. PANTS!
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john s 2

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #11 on: May 27, 2011, 06:12:45 pm »

Doesnt sound to good to me. Do they really know what their doing or poking and hoping? Or worse still
talking your bill up? Time will tell. John. 
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Subculture

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #12 on: May 27, 2011, 07:16:39 pm »

It sounds to me like you've fried something in the ESC, and it's not worth repairing unless you do it yourself to be honest.

I'd recommend one of the Microgyros ESC's, much cheaper than a Robbe ESC and better specced. These controllers also come with good instructions so you shouldn't have too much difficulty wiring them up.
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #13 on: May 27, 2011, 09:33:14 pm »

Sounds like a DIY jobbie then. I only got that eSC because it was recommended in the kit.
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2011, 09:34:08 pm »

Doesnt sound to good to me. Do they really know what their doing or poking and hoping? Or worse still
talking your bill up? Time will tell. John. 
As far as subs are concerned anyway NO.
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Davy1

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #15 on: May 28, 2011, 11:17:50 am »

Have a look at Mtroniks speed controllers too.
Very widely available and very good in my experience.
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john s 2

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #16 on: May 28, 2011, 08:23:11 pm »

Motronics have on there website brand new ESCs taken off the production line to test witch then are sold
as used at discounted prices. John.
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hmsantrim

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #17 on: May 29, 2011, 12:17:28 am »

Hi silent running556.
                            did you find out what current the motors are drawing or are you just taking pot luck and hope you have fitted a
                             speed controller with a high enough amperage to do the job.??? me thinks the latter. 

                              point in Question in my first boat I fitted a 12v hectoperm, it said 3amps on the casing I fitted a 3amp board the
                              boat sailed 3ft and stopped as the board was fried.  There are too many variables to guess what current your
                               motor is drawing or is everybody now buying 50-100amps speed controllers. 

                                Is the skill of how to amp your motor not being passed on in clubs,    maybe its time the Mods placed a how to
                                tutorial on the subject on the forum which can be referred to when required. 

                                               ................Frank 

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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #18 on: May 30, 2011, 08:48:42 pm »

Have a look at Mtroniks speed controllers too.
Very widely available and very good in my experience.
I'm quite happy to look at other makes etc, i just thought as a beginner i'd be safe sticking to what the info in the kit said.
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Subculture

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #19 on: May 30, 2011, 10:14:29 pm »

A decent 20-25A ESC is suitable for U47. FWIW I much prefer microgyro ESC's to Mtroniks, and I have used both, but either will work for your boat. I would recommend fitting a fuse on the main power line to your ESC.
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #20 on: May 31, 2011, 02:48:19 pm »

Thanks mate.[/img]
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #21 on: May 31, 2011, 02:51:05 pm »

I'm trying to upload some picture of my u-boat so that you can see the parts and wiring. I just collectd it this morning, looks the same as when i left it 10 days ago tbh. {:-{
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #22 on: May 31, 2011, 02:52:44 pm »

I've got about 11 pictures on photobucket at the moment and trying to get them on here.Bare with the electrical great one.
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silent running556

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #23 on: May 31, 2011, 03:14:53 pm »





















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Subculture

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Re: u boat probs
« Reply #24 on: May 31, 2011, 04:13:47 pm »

Difficult to see where you've gone wrong from those pictures I'm afraid. If you bring it down to the Dive-in at St Albans, I'll go through it with you.

What is the relay for, BTW?
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