RE: Recovering boats with R/C boats
There are probably as many methods of retrieving boats as there are people doing it. The only thing that really matters is that which ever method you decide to use (or methods), keep it fairly 'simple'. If it works, it works. Doesn't really matter how outlandish it is, sort of. Using a 'snag-line' works in most instances if there's something to 'snag'. Rather push a boat in? Fine, do so. If you are worried about burning up the motor in that rescue boat, then that boat just isn't all that suitable for rescue work, is it? Swimming after a boat isn't exactly the smartest thing in the world to do for several reasons. I'm sure you can think of a few of them. Think 'extremes', that isn't all that unlikely an occurrence, unfortunately. It's your 'neck', literally. You never know what someone may have thrown in that water. And in one place where I boat, I'm not thrilled with getting that water on the boat, much less -on- me! - 'Doc If you really get desperate, train a duck to retrieve.
Posted on: 5/4/2009 1:21 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8738569

RE: boat transporter
Motorize it! - 'Doc ;)
Posted on: 4/12/2009 10:40 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8675376

RE: Spektrum SR300 antenna mod?
FWIW I have used a Spektrum radio system for some time, have had no problems with it (DX-6). I have heard/read where many people seem to have had problems with the DX-3 system. I think that's a peculiarity of that particular radio, not 2.4 Ghz or Spektrum in general. There are some peculiarities when dealing with 2.4 Ghz stuff. Those peculiarities are characteristic of almost all devices at that frequency, and about as 'normal' as they can be. Futaba's 2.4 Ghz systems don't 'like' water any more, or less, than Spektrum's systems. Either brand would have the same sort of problems if used when it's raining, surface or air (not exactly worth trying to see if that's true, but you certainly can if you want :)). Sort of depends on just how -much- water you're talking about, and in what 'form'. Why doesn't 'Spektrum' know what they are talking about with the water thingy? I would think that's because 'they' are 'airplane guys', not 'boat guys', primarily. That was the original intent for their radio systems, and probably where most of their 'R & D' was applied. Well, why does Futaba's stuff work well then? My 'off hand' SWAG would be tht they've had a little more experience dealing with boats? I tend to think they're a little larger organization than Spektrum, so that may mean more experience with the whole watery mess? None of this is intended as an 'excuse' for Spektrum possibly making a goof in designs. It does give you an idea of what some of the qwerks about 'microwave' radios. And the 'worth' of any of this is exactly what you paid for it. - 'Doc
Posted on: 4/7/2009 10:30 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8657539

RE: eeekks ... hope this don't happen!!
I'm sure there are 'secrets' about using any brand of paint. Those 'secrets' are probably brand specific at least to some degree. I haven't had any problems using 'Krylon' paint that haven't been caused through my own lack of paying attention to what I'm doing, and getting in too big of a hurry. I agree, that 'plastic' masking tape works better (for me) than the paper stuff does, at least as the 'leading edge'. After that 'leading edge' thingy, anything I happen to have the most of get's used to hold the paper, etc. If the surface has been prepared at least close to what it should be, then I don't think I'd worry a lot about 'chipping' or 'pulling' up that 'leading edge'. That's on the first color! I would also recommend waiting for that first color to 'set' before ever putting any kind of tape on it. That setting time is variable, so more is usually better to some ridiculous degree. "Who, me? I ain't never! And I certainly don't plan on doing it again."... sort of. Be careful, take your time, READ the instructions, and have fun. - 'Doc
Posted on: 4/1/2009 3:22 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8638881

RE: tranmitters
rcgreenhornet, Hey, that's fine. But there are a lot of us who do use 'AM' on water with no more problems than any other mode. 'AM' is prone to more ~possible~ interference than other modes, but that's not to say that other modes don't get interfered with too. No one has come up with an absolutely fool proof system yet, and I've given up holding my breath for it. - 'Doc (Besides, that's what that long antenna on an 'AM' transmitter is for. Switching the legs of the one's doing the interfering, right? ;))
Posted on: 2/17/2009 7:17 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8485847

RE: GPS guided boat
jlcro, Several ways of going about that, none of them all that simple, easy, or cheap. One method is a complete 'on-board' set up. Another is a two way set up, an 'APRS' and remote control systems 'on-board', the interpreting and guidance system not on board (next to your on the shore, typically a computer). The 'APRS' sends positional data to the computer (has to have it's own receiver). The computer 'computes' the appropriate signal to send to the boat, and the R/C radio does that sending. With the typical R/C boat, that 'split' systems seems to be a better idea, not as much stuff in that boat taking up room. But then, considering the size of some of this gear, it's gonna have to be a sort of large boat to start with :). I've a little experience with the 'APRS' thingy (Automatic Position Reporting System), but none with the programming part. All I can say is Good Luck! - 'Doc
Posted on: 2/17/2009 7:08 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8485837

RE: Jolly Jay fishing boat
I'm probably misunderstanding you so tell me something. Do you really plan to 'fish' with this boat, or is the winch/etc. just for 'show'? - 'Doc
Posted on: 1/14/2009 2:11 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Scale Boating"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8357634

RE: stuffing box question
That pretty well covers that 'fill tube' thingy. One common alternative is to pull the drive shaft, grease the tube, then replace the drive shaft. Clean up any mess caused by that drive shaft displacing the grease. Either will work, both have 'pros'/'cons'. Your choice. - 'Doc
Posted on: 1/11/2009 11:14 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8345185

RE: New to the R/C world - Need motor help!!
joe32725, From the sound of it, the ESC is the problem, not the motor. (ESC = Electronic Speed Control) Since there doesn't appear to be a rudder, that ESC also contols direction by varying the speed of each motor. That complicates things if you don't know exactly what you're doing, but since those thingys are not typically "user repairable", I hope your warranty is good. Those capacitors across the terminals of a motor are for 'dumping' AC components of the power fed to the motor to ground, getting rid of what's normally interference. They are almost always required for interference free operation. Adding them to a motor will VERY seldom ever hurt anything, and is just a generally good idea. Some people are born knowing all of this stuff. The rest of us have to learn it. If we all haven't asked a 'dumb' question about parts of this hobby, it's only because someone beat us to it! So, don't worry about it. If someone laughs about a particular question, it's usually because they've asked the same @#$ thing at some point, or wish they had! To them/us, it is funny! It means we weren't the only one making the same mistake. (Except me, of course, I neber make mistakes.) - 'Doc
Posted on: 12/28/2008 3:39 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8289672

RE: Spektrum ????????
dicko, I agree with you till you get to the part about Spektrum's DSM not being advisable for use on water because of signal reflections. You get those same signal reflection on land too. I've never had a problem with Spektrum's DSM and water use is all I've ever used it for. There can be occasional 'glitches' of course, but all radio systems have those. - 'Doc
Posted on: 12/16/2008 5:39 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "Speed - RC Gas Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8252570

RE: Spektrum ????????
madphil, 'Spektum' is the brand name of one of the 2.4 Ghz radio systems (the first one I think). Not a 'class' or 'style' of radio, just the manufacturer. All manufacturers have their own 'way' of doing things. Spektrum is no different, along with Futaba and all the rest of them. Each makes some aspect of their 'style' their own by patenting it, therefore making it very proprietary. It would be nice if you could pick and choose particular characteristics of each manufacturer and combine them, but not exactly something I'd hold my breath about, you know? I tend to favor Spektrum. Why? Cuz' I've already got one and I don't plan on spending any more money for radios soon. Doesn't particularly mean I think they have the 'best' way of doing things, just that I'm cheap. Oh well, so what else is new? - 'Doc
Posted on: 12/16/2008 8:12 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "Speed - RC Gas Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8250857

RE: Are AM radios adequate for marine RC use?
'AM' systems have been used successfully for years. They are not 'fool-proof', there can be complications. First suggestion that comes to mind is to try it and see. Finding someone who has the same engine and radio model for answers is a good thing to try. Not having either of those things, I'm certainly can't say for sure. - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/25/2008 11:26 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "Speed - RC Gas Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8181600

RE: Navigation Module
There are quite a number of 'possible' solutions to getting a boat back to -a- bank. Getting it back to a specific point on -a- bank complicates things by several orders of magnitude. If this system works when there is a loss of signal, would it 'kick-in' when ever you stop the boat still. Distinguishing between intentional and accidental loss of signal would certainly be nice. There's no constant signal with the typical R/C radio system, it depends on the operator issuing a control movement, it's intermittent. Redesigning R/C radio systems isn't very practical an idea for a number of reasons (battery size?). A waiting period before activation? I can see problems with that for IC powered boats and 'fail-safes', how do you restart that @#$ IC engine? Please don't misunderstand, I think you have a pretty nice idea. I honestly don't think it's too practical right now, and for R/C'ing, but it certainly does have applications! I wish you luck with it. I'd drop hints about you letting me do the marketing for it, but you ain't that dumb to let me, so I won't...RATS! - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/25/2008 11:17 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8181585

RE: Navigation Module
While I hope your GPS idea does work, I'm afraid that the typical R/C'er might find that it isn't too practical for use. Cost is one of those 'impractical' things, something in the neighborhood of $300 - $400 just isn't a normal part of my R/C'ing budget to get a boat back to the bank...without financing by that bank (pun intended). Accuracy is still not scaled up enough even with a shore beacon. Nearest one to me is a bit over 100 miles away. Considering the terrain between it and me, and the typical behavior of UHF signals, the GPS I use locally has no idea the beacon even exists. - 'Doc Off topic part. I 'play' with a system that uses GPS for position reporting called APRS (connected to another expensive hobby I have). I track my position using a computer and a GPS receiver to furnish information. It's accurate 'enough'. Which, considering the accuracy of the mapping program and the 'size' of the icon representing my vehicle, will put the reported position within the tolerances of GPS accuracy. This thingy does about the same thing that the 'Delorme' GPS tracking program ('Street Atlas') does, doesn't provide the same statistics, report options though. But, I (and no telling how many others also) put the mess together and made it work. It requires a beacon in the tracked vehicle, a radio receiver to pick up that beacons signal, and a computer to 'mix' the whole thing and give you a picture of where the beacon is. Nothing particularly new about it, and it's done commercially too. I can see applications for model boating, but am just too cheap to try it. Why go to all this trouble when there are commercially available systems to do the same thing? Cuz I'm one of those 'radio freaks', you know? :) Oh, the programming was done by one of you 'UK' guys. I'm sorry to say he isn't with us anymore.
Posted on: 11/24/2008 10:06 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8178106

RE: Navigation Module
The idea isn't new for full sized boats, but for R/C sized boats it certainly would be. Biggest problem is miniaturizing the whole thing, not to mention financing it. I think that 100 - 150 Pound range is -VERY- optimistic! The accuracy of such a GPS based navigation system is 'workable' for 'full sized' things. That accuracy is almost 5 times(?) the size of a typical R/C boat. That might get the boat back to a bank, but I don't think I'd count on it being near your feet, on that bank (unless you plan to do a lot of walking, sort of). Now if you can 'scale' the accuracy up as much as the R/C boat is 'scaled' down... Oh have I got a deal for you!! - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/23/2008 8:07 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8176472

RE: Friends scratch built tug boat...
Looks like he did a pretty nice job of scratch building. If it looks like a boat, and acts reasonably like a boat, then it's good. If it isn't easily recognized as some particular boat, then 'they' just need to be better 'educated' about all them boats... or it was a secret 'gub-a-mint' project. - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/23/2008 9:56 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Scale Boating"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8174814

RE: General Servo Control Questions (and some more advanced Q's)
On those square wave pulses sent to the motor. I think you'll find that it isn't the length of the pulse, but the number of pulses that does the controlling. Equal length pulses at a variable rate. - 'Doc Now for the disclaimer/excuses. It's early for me, only one cup of coffee, I'm old (that's a great excuse!), and I'm probably confusing it with something else. Going to work in 30 minutes (Oh, for joy!) and it was an over-time day all week. If that doesn't cover it, @#$$ with it, I'm wrong, what else is new?
Posted on: 11/23/2008 9:49 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8174798

RE: Ace Nautical Commander
No one will have much/any information about this system. Basically cuz' there isn't such a thing yet, still in the 'development' stage (since 2005, as 'Toes' said). Nice picture though, isn't it? - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/23/2008 9:34 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8174767

RE: Designing program to maximize pressure across sail
Well, RATS! That was supposed to be 'cheap-n-lazy', not 'cheat-n-lazy'. I changed it. Should'a read the dang thing before now. Sorry 'bout that. - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/19/2008 4:39 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8163459

RE: Designing program to maximize pressure across sail
Sounds like you have an ambitious project! Especially with R/C sailboats as the test beds. I can think of several other characteristics to measure besides 'pressure' on the sail and amount of 'tilt' (and I'm sure you can too). I would tend to think that there won't be any 'one' database to use as -the- best one, since each and every boat will behave differently because of how it is constructed and the materials used. A sort of, 'It's good unless it ain't.' thingy. An increase, or 'holding it's own' is 'good'. A 'lessening' is 'bad'. Which also just depends on what you are trying to make the boat do of course. I would think that gathering this data would be easier in a 'full size' boat than in a very small one. The basic idea being the same in both. Just a matter of 'scale' (all puns intended!). And since 'Mother Nature' is almost never consistent, I would expect a lot of sail wagging to be one of the results. About like now, huh? Or maybe it's just a shaky thumb on that stick? I'm interested! (I'm also cheap-n-lazy, so seriously doubt if I would be any help to you.) Good luck! - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/19/2008 4:35 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8158959

RE: plastic boat?
Does it matter if the thing is plastic? Not really, there are a lot of plastic R/C boats around. Can you convert it to R/C? That's a definite maybe! Just depends on how much room you have inside the thing to squeeze all the things necessary into it, sort of. Considering it's size (32 inches) I'd have to think that it could be done. Easily? Beats me, no idea of what your boat is. Pictures, maybe?? - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/16/2008 11:39 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8154833

RE: fm boat radio and kill switch?
The simplest 'kill' switch I can think of is a servo and a valve in the fuel line. The valve in a normally closed position, the servo having to be activated to open it. Loss of signal means a dead boat, or just turn the 'ignition' switch off. Will that cover all possible situations? No, but it sounds like it should cover most of them. Turn that 'on/off' valve into a 'by-pass' valve and it ought'a work for steam too. - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/16/2008 5:53 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8152290

RE: Scratch build
Slowglow, Certainly sounds like a workable plan to me. Depending on the size of the boat, that ply sheeting may be a little 'much'. And then it also depends on how much fiberglassing you plan to do. The sheeting is typically done to provide 'shape', the fiberglass for strength. (I have much better luck shaping balsa than ply. Just depends on what you find easiest to do I guess, and of course, don't run into stuff.) And at least for me, the best advice is to do the 'inside' stuff before putting the 'lid' on the thing. Have fun! - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/16/2008 5:35 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8152274

RE: Airtronics M11 DSS 2.4 GHz Radio System
Harold, I think you may probably know that UHF stuff works just fine 'over' water, does terrible 'through' water. Keeping that in mind, most of the 2.4 Ghz systems are great for any R/C stuff except for submarines. It's very common that different manufacturers do things just a little differently from each other, offer different 'features', etc. Find the brand that offers the features you want and give it a try. I'm not going to get into the 'brand' debate, they're really not all that different as far as capabilities go (besides, if it ain't Kenwood, you got squat! Right?? :))... - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/13/2008 1:38 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8142449

RE: Water Temperature, does it matter?
You ready for this?? If YOU can stand to be out in whatever the temperature is (without major preparation), your boat will probably stand it too (without major preparation). MY boats have never told me they wanted to go home, but I've told my boats that a time or two... because of the cold anyway... - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/10/2008 7:00 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8134310

RE: Twin Engine Operation
Warwick, Which ESC/motor controller depends on the power ratings of the motors. If the ESC can handle the amount of voltage and current required for a motor, then it ought'a work. It should also have forward/reverse abilities, naturally. A 'brake' feature for boats is sort of ridiculous, doesn't do any good at all. What 'set up'? Probably just depends on your wallet. Each throttle on a separate, proportional controller/stick, is the most versatile. (Also probably the most expensive since it means a 'controller'/radio with more channels.) What's the 'best' ESCs for your boat? The ones with the required ratings and the least expensive (like you didn't know about the expensive part?). Won't even make a guess, no idea what your boat is. (not too sure even if I did know) - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/6/2008 9:01 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8120234

RE: Rudder offset from centerline? How far?
That's about it. There can be some advantages if the rudder is placed on the inside of a turn, BUT, only if you never turn in the other direction. That sort of 'limits' things, huh? - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/1/2008 8:15 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "Speed - Electric"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8104115

RE: Futaba transmitter mods
Okay, that explains that. thanks. - 'Doc
Posted on: 11/1/2008 8:10 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8104109

RE: Futaba transmitter mods
...and these mods do ...what? - 'Doc
Posted on: 10/31/2008 9:23 PM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8103240

RE: Thinking of sailing
Joe, I think you've made a wise choice. You may still wind up getting the same boat, but doing the research before hand is always better than after the fact (just wish I could remember that all the time). And since you already have boats, you must know that everybody seldom has just one, and none of them are absolutely 'perfect', there's always that next 'tweak' that'll make it just that much more better. Right? (Except mine, of course! Mine are always perfect, and if you say they aren't, I'll pout and cry. Hey, I do tantrums real well!) Good luck and have fun! - 'Doc
Posted on: 10/30/2008 9:23 AM by Author "LtDoc" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8098425