|||
Not Registered
Go AD FREE & get your membership medal
BRONZE
Less Ads
SILVER
GOLD
Ad Free
£2.50
£4.50
£6.50
Subscribe
Go AD FREE & get your membership medal
BRONZE
Less Ads
SILVER
GOLD
Ad Free
Valid 12 Months
£25
£45
£65
Donate
You Will Be Helping Towards:

  • Domain Fees
  • Security Certificates
  • iOS & Android App Fees
  • Website Hosting
  • Fast Servers
  • Data Backups
  • Upkeep & Maintenance
  • Administration Costs

    Without your support the website wouldn't be what it is today.

    Please consider donating towards these fees to help keep us afloat.

    Read more

    All donations are securely managed through PayPal.

    Many thanks for your kind support
  • Join Us On Social Media!
    Download The App!

    Login To
    Remove Ads
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    Model Boats Website
    Model Boats Website
    Home
    Forum
    Build Blogs
    Media Gallery
    Boat Clubs & Lakes
    Events
    Boat Harbour
    How-To Articles
    Plans & Docs
    Useful Links
    25

















    Followers
    Row, row, row, yet another boat
    by Graham93 🇬🇧 ( Vice Admiral)
    📣










    Click To
    Follow
    40 Posts 445 Comments 43 Photos 431 Likes
    Most recent posts shown first   (Show Oldest First) (Print Booklet)
    📝 "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 128 Views · 19 Likes · 33 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    A couple of days ago, JBkiwi commented that the dinghy was "fully loaded" so I decided to weigh it again.

    The original plan for a full size version of the dinghy quotes a fully loaded weight of 700kgs. At 1/6th scale that equates to a target of 3.24kgs. Last time I weighed it, it came in at less than 3Kgs. Now everything is installed, the total weight is 4.2Kgs.Somewhat over the target weight, but it looks fine on the water. (I knew Ben needed to loose some weight !😂)

    Now that everything is installed, I've included a photo showing all the internal fittings. Access to everything is relatively straightforward as it is all spread out flat, under the floorboards. The maximum clearance under the floor is 30mm and much less than that under most of it.

    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    7 months ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 34 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Hi JB,

    I don’t think Ben would be up for paddling the kayak, he much prefers to rely on Bionic Bill to do all the work. 😂🤣
    Graham93
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    7 months ago by 🇳🇿 jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 37 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    No smoking,! does that mean Ben won't be allowed to have a go then? 😂

    JB
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    7 months ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 44 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Hi Phil,

    The kayak will be a lot simpler. One crew member, no music, no smoking! 🤣
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    7 months ago by 🇬🇧 philcaretaker ( Captain)
    ✧ 53 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Schematics on this were great Graham - I can see similar coming for the cannoo !!!!😎⛵
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    2 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 94 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Allan, glad you like it.

    It was a fun build with lots of challenges along the way. There are always plenty of comments from visitors to the lake when Bionic Bill is out rowing 😂🤣

    Graham93
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    2 years ago by 🇬🇧 Allan ( Master Seaman)
    ✧ 101 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    The detail in this build is fantastic and as for the electronics, It's amazing what you have fitted into the space..
    Brill...👍
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    2 years ago by 🇪🇸 Julio ( Petty Officer 1st Class)
    ✧ 116 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Hi Graham93:
    Thank you so much!
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    2 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 122 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    Hi Julio,

    Here’s a video I’ve just found which demonstrates how the relay works. This is the same model of relay as the one I used.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    2 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 122 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Hi Julio,

    The power is switched using a dual coil latching relay. When one coil is powered for just a few milliseconds, the relay switches the power on and stays in that state. When the other coil is powered for a few milliseconds the relay switches to its other state and switches the power off. I used two reed switches to apply the power to the relay coils, one switch for each coil. The reed switches are operated with a magnet. You can find some photos, and a circuit diagram earlier in this blog under the ‘power switching’ topic.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    2 years ago by 🇪🇸 Julio ( Petty Officer 1st Class)
    ✧ 127 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    I'm trying to get some images of the "ON SWITCH" and "OFF SWITCH" mechanism used by you in this marvel of rowing boat ... could you tell me where to get those images? Thanks a lot
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Nerys,

    I’ve just been watching a few videos on YouTube. That would be quite a challenge!

    It would need two servos for the ‘figure of eight’ movement, plus a third servo for the blade rotation. Connecting all those to the oar in a way that made it look like the oar was simply positioned in a notch in the transom would be difficult. Then there is the software to control the servos. Producing the basic rowing stroke wouldn’t be too difficult but adapting the stroke to steer in response to ‘rudder’ commands?? 🤔

    I could manage getting the oarsman to smoke a pipe at the same time 😂🤣

    Graham93
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Nerys ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Graham, With your ingenuity, do you think it would be possible for Bill to learn to scull his boat with one oar over the stern?

    Nerys
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 mturpin013 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Its always a surprise when you jump on the scales and usually things are heavier than you think, I found exactly that when I weighed my Crash Tender.
    Anyway what a superb model a credit to you and the layout is perfect.- BRILLIANT!
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Rick,

    It was a very tight squeeze in places. Some of the floorboards need a bit of pressure to get them seated properly😊
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇨🇦 Newby7 ( Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    What a wonderful job of getting all the electronics in hiding them below the deck.
    I have trouble just hiding a few wires and servos .
    Rick
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Cash, glad you like it

    Graham93
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇺🇸 Cashrc ( Commodore)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Jeez...all I can say after looking at that setup is that I am truly awed and impressed.
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇺🇸 Cashrc ( Commodore)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Just wondering if PAW make 2 stroke diesel servos. If they do, I’d like a couple, that would be just flat out kustom...😉
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Martin,

    “You will have to have two modes for Ben, Smoking mode and Fishing mode.”

    Ben does have those two modes when controlled by the TX. Ben is controlled from the vertical channel on the right stick on the TX. Switching the boat on with the stick at neutral selects ‘smoking mode’. Switching it on with the stick held at minimum selects ‘fishing mode’. Of course Ben has to put his pipe down and pick up the fishing rod for the appropriate mode - with some help!😆

    In demo mode, with the TX switched off, there isn’t any way to choose which mode is to be active, so I think I’ll default it to smoke, as that is more entertaining.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Doug,

    Hadn’t realised I was so close to promotion 👍 I don’t really take much notice of the points.

    Don’t know what I’m going to do next. I might take a break from modelling and get on with all the jobs which have been on hold for the past year while I’ve been building boats. There again, I do have a few thoughts.......

    Graham93
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Joe, really nice to know it brings back memories for you. I couldn’t ask for more 👍😀👍
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇺🇸 Joe727 ( Commander)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Graham,
    Your boat looks so real sitting in the water, it takes me back to when I was a little boy and my father first taught me how to row. Good memories and to this day I love to row a boat on a quiet pond.
    Joe
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    "I’m glad it keeps you entertained..😂🤣"
    I'm a man of simple pleasures Graham.
    And one of them is goggling at the superb work shown on this site.
    Not the least yours👍👍👍
    Can't imagine how you are going to top this one😮

    BTW: I note that you are on the Recommendations List for the September Lt. Cdr. Promotion Board 🤞
    Cheers, Doug 😎
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    "You will have to have two modes for Ben, Smoking mode and Fishing mode."
    No problem if they get mixed Martin,
    Smoked trout is very tasty, prefer haddock though😋😋
    Not a lotta haddock in Buxton Pavilion Gardens I expect though🤔
    😎
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Graham,
    You will have to have two modes for Ben, Smoking mode and Fishing mode.

    Martin555.
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Doug,

    “Such juicy 'feed lines' are simply irresistible 😁”

    I’m glad it keeps you entertained..😂🤣
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Thanks JB,

    I was surprised this morning when I weighed it as I wasn’t expecting the addition of Ben to have increased it so much. Thinking back, the original weigh in was without Ben, the e-cig, air pump, sound system, speaker, lunch, and a few other bits and pieces, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

    It already has an autonomous demo mode, without the TX switched on, although it is only intended to operate ‘on the bench’. Goodness knows where it would end up on the lake as there isn’t any Nav system built in. I’ve just realised that the demo module doesn’t trigger Ben into action. I thought I’d finished! ... another software upgrade needed 🙄
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Martin,

    “I noticed Ben's brain on the floor perhaps that is why he smokes LOL!!”

    You could be right 😆. There was no way I could fit it in his head, and it would have been constantly in the smoke stream there in any case. 😮 I wanted to fit it in his abdomen, as that would have made the connections tidier, but there wasn’t room for it there, so it ended up under the floor.
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇳🇿 jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    And who said rowing was a simple form of boating?😁 Now for the full scale version Graham,- the 'Roysla' row boat with Sat Nav and channel lane keeping😂 (with a full FPV/Nav system you could set him off to row round all day without touching the TX😁).

    Weight's not bad considering the size, material etc. Bit hard to scale weight without a huge amount of work. How much would Bill and Ben weigh at 100%,? they would probably be put on a crash diet😁.

    By far the most clever dinghy I've seen!
    JB
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    No JB! I didn't even try 😉
    Such juicy 'feed lines' are simply irresistible 😁
    Keep 'em coming Gents and Gentle Ladies, they brighten my day👍😂
    😎
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    A very nice and neat layout Graham,

    I noticed Ben's brain on the floor perhaps that is why he smokes LOL!!

    Martin555.
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇳🇿 jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Re 2st servos,

    Just couldn't help yourself could you Doug 😁?
    JB
    💬 Re: "Fully Loaded"
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Excellent👍 Thanks for the pics Graham.
    To satisfy my insatiable curiosity😉-
    Where on earth did you find 2 stroke servos?
    I have to make do with boring old Green electric ones🤔
    Do you run them on 5 or 10% oil mix? I used to use Duckhams in my Vespa😉
    Are you recycling the exhausts or do they exit underwater or via Ben's pipe?😮
    Your ingenuity and ability to find unusual parts never fails to amaze me!!😀
    Keep it up👍 Whatever next I wonder! 'Top THAT'!!
    Cheers, Doug 😎😁
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    📝 Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 128 Views · 8 Likes · 15 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    No, not the RC gear, but Bill and Ben's on-board entertainment system. 😆

    The original installation used an FM radio and 22mm speaker hidden below the floorboards of the dinghy. Control from a switched channel on the Transmitter allowed it to be turned on/off, tuned to different stations and the volume to be adjusted. It worked well in the workshop but was not effective out on the lake. It was difficult to hear and difficult to control. So, time for an upgrade.

    The first issue to address was the speaker. There is no room under the floorboards for a larger speaker, but with a bit of thought I was able to fit a decent sized speaker under the foredeck. The speaker is mounted on a plywood panel which can be juggled into place past the forward frame. A block of foam rubber under the foredeck presses on the back of the speaker and holds the ply mount up against the frame. With this upgrade there was enough volume to hear the radio out on the lake.

    However, many of the radio stations were barely audible owing to poor reception caused by the FM aerial also being below the floorboards. This meant that the aerial was at or below the water level. Not a good position for an aerial 🤔 There wasn't a simple solution to this one, as I didn't want anything sticking up in the air. I did consider adapting the fishing rod, but decided against it. Finally, the radio doesn't retain it's settings when switched off which compounded the difficulties by requiring the radio to be tuned in each time it was switched on.

    Time for a rethink. RobBob suggested an MP3 player. I had been looking at these devices for a while, with a view to building a sound unit for the Crash Tender, so time to give it a try. These tiny units are widely available, at very modest cost. The part number is WTV020-16. Putting that into Google will bring up lots of vendors. They are often described as MP3 players, which they are not! What is meant by that description is that they have controls for on/off, next/previous track and volume up/down like an MP3 player (which they don't). They do not play MP3 audio files. They play audio files in an ADPCM format known as .AD4. Fortunately, it is easy to convert MP3 or WAV files into the AD4 format using a free downloaded application on the PC The audio files are stored on a micro SD card which can be loaded from the PC.

    The documentation available for these players is very poor. That is compounded by having several different types of these players available which work in different ways and it isn't always clear which one is being offered for sale. They are specified to operate from a 3.3V supply, although mine needs 3.45V to get it going! After many hours of frustration, and one fried micro SD card, I finally got it to work. Having got it working, it has so far been very reliable and simple to operate.

    It connects directly to the speaker and has an adequate volume level without the need for a separate amplifier. An RC switch with three outputs allows selection of next/previous track and on/off. The volume up/down inputs don't work as described in the documentation, but that hasn't been a problem.

    The end result is that Bill and Ben now have a selection of Sea Shanties to listen to while out on the lake. 👍😊

    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    2 years ago by 🇬🇧 Allan ( Master Seaman)
    ✧ 101 Views · 0 Likes
    Flag
    That is amazing! Well done 😊
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    "not a dry seat in the house!!"😮😝🙊
    Are you extracting the Micky again Rob?
    😎
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    "No need for strings though"
    All done with smoke and mirrors eh?😀
    😎
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 mturpin013 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Graham, I'm starting to worry about your sanity, what next, maybe a visit to your GP , I'm sure they will help, I think its time for the next build, How about a fairground organ
    However another great innovation.
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Not necessarily confusing, the clues could be in what is said.

    For example: (Ben) "Righto Bill I'm going to sit here and smoke me pipe while you do all the rowin'
    (Bill) "Are you just gonna sit there smokin' young Ben!, Aint you gonna do no fishin' !
    (Ben) "Can you row a bit faster Bill...Oi fancy doin' some water Skiing"

    And other such witty repartee. 😆

    Cue riotous laughter all round... not a dry seat in the house!!🤣🤣

    Rob.
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Yes Rob, I well remember Thunderbirds. One of my favorites when I was a youngster.👍

    I think if there was a discussion going on between Bill and Ben then there would need to be some sync with their movements, otherwise it would be confusing as to who was talking. I've been thinking about it all afternoon, while I was out and about 🤔. No need for strings though 😉

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Rick

    There are currently 10 songs on the play list including ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT. It kicks in at around 3:00 in the video clip. Plenty of room for more.
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇳🇿 jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Clever stuff yet again Graham, nice work with the new sound system😁
    JB
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇨🇦 Newby7 ( Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Nice upgrade.
    And now please play ROW ROW YOUR BOAT.As there are three to sing two on board and you.
    Remembering Kirk,Spock and Bones around the fire at the end of the movie.
    Final Frontier.
    Rick
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    "Perhaps they could have an argument and start throwing things....."

    Now you're being ridiculous Graham...😂 and into in the realms of 'Supermarionation' ......do you remember that ?? 😉

    Seriously, no need for any mechanical interaction required, so no mechanics involved, (no strings either!) and no 'programming' required other than slotting the 'dialogue' sections in between the music in the play list.

    Simples....

    What's not to like.....👍😁
    Rob.
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    Rob,

    Stop it ! 😁 Does your imagination have no bounds? LOL😂🤣

    It would be relatively easy to do. Any sound recording can be loaded onto the memory card. Synchronising their movements to the voices would be tricky though - lip Sync?! Perhaps they could have an argument and start throwing things..... 🙄. 😂🤣
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Hi Martin,

    You could be right. I hadn’t noticed that, but I’ve just had another look.😆
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 6 Likes
    Flag
    Graham.
    I've just thought of a further small enhancement that would raise a smile on the faces of all who see Bill And Ben in action.


    Now that you can produce your own audio files to play ....perhaps you should consider that Bill and Ben can actually have a conversation !!


    You will only need to record two voices, use the voice recorder function on any smartphone for that, with perhaps yourself and a fellow club member as the 'actors' , a little bit of basic editing if required and convert that to the required file format and BINGO ........ talking Bill and Ben. 😆
    Just imagine what 'banter' could flow between your two bionic boys!
    Just a wacky idea........😉
    Rob.
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Hi Graham,

    Nice work.

    I was watching the people in the background on the video and noticed that the boys in their boat certainly put a smile on there faces.
    In fact at 3:21 it looked like the young lady was singing along.

    Martin555.
    💬 Re: Radio Upgrade
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Hi Graham.
    I knew I heard a Sea Shanty playing 😉👂🎼.............👍😀
    It seems that the media player module is a much better alternative to the FM radio.
    I'm quite surprised that the module doesn't play .mp3 files as advertised or have the functionality it's supposed to have but clearly these matters were little obstacle to your abilities.
    Superbly engineered Graham.
    You have my greatest respect sir 😁
    Robbob.
    📝 Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 127 Views · 8 Likes · 15 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    Having completed Ben's surgery, it's time to bring him to 'life' 😂

    There are 5 items to control, three servos for his head, arm and body movement plus two switched channels for the e-cig smoke generator and the air pump. Whilst in theory all this could be controlled from separate channels on the Transmitter, it would be beyond my manual dexterity to control it all at once and produce any sort of realistic actions, not forgetting there are already two channels in use to control Bill's rowing. So, Ben needed a brain.🤓

    The block diagram gives a high level overview. Ben's brain is an 8pin PIC microprocessor. It has a single input from the receiver, and five outputs to control his actions. The single input is driven from a switched channel on the Transmitter. A single quick flick of the transmitter switch triggers him into action.

    Once triggered, Ben's brain follows a series of simple steps defined in a lookup table. An example is shown in the photo. The delay column defines how long Ben is to pause for (in 0.1sec increments) at various points in the sequence. The three servo columns define where the servos are to go to at each step. The numbers in the columns relate to servo pulse widths. A value of 20 equates to a servo pulse width of 1mS. A value of 120 gives a pulse width of 2mS. Thus values in the range 20 to 120 will give the full range of movement for each servo. The last two columns simply define when the e-cig coil and the air pump should be turned on or off.
    Once his brain reaches the end of the table it stops and waits for another trigger from the Transmitter.

    The video clip corresponds to the movements/actions defined in the table provided, so if you have time to spare, you can follow the table steps while watching the video.🙄

    The e-cig and air pump signals from the 'brain' connect to the coil and pump driver. This driver provides separate PWM signals to the coil and pump to drive them at a reasonable power.

    A separate table, which can be selected when switching the dinghy on, puts Ben into 'fishing' mode rather than 'smoking'.

    I hope this might help anyone thinking of trying something similar, perhaps using an Arduino to control gun turrets, winches etc.

    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 hmsnostalgia ( Petty Officer 1st Class)
    ✧ 125 Views · 0 Likes
    Flag
    Graham93 no need to worry, I wasn't entirely serious, but because of your efforts with Bill & Ben, I would NOT be surprised with what you embark on next 🤔😜😁.
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Hi HMS,

    Glad you like it 😁 Not sure what I’m going to try next. Taking a break while I consider the options. Have a few ideas in mind, but none of them involve oars 🤔
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 hmsnostalgia ( Petty Officer 1st Class)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Very impressive !!, now how about a coxless 4..... or even an 8 !! 👍😉🤣
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Doug,

    The development board I use is no longer available from Microchip. They have moved on over the past 15 years since I bought it.

    The attached link is to what looks to be their current development offering for 8 bit processors. Somewhat more capable than the one I have 😉

    Graham93
    https://www.microchip.com/Developmenttools/ProductDetails/DM164137
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Many thanks Graham👍
    Have had a quick look at their site, plenty of choice!😮
    One final (🙄?) question!😁
    Which development board/kit did you use?
    Cheers, Doug 😎
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Doug,

    Microchip, the company that make the PIC microcontrollers have lots of help and support available on their website. After all they want people to buy their products 😉

    They offer free development software, and reasonably priced development/demo boards. I started with one of their development boards about 15 years ago. It's much easier that way. Starting from scratch with just a chip would be a significant challenge. These chips are very flexible in terms of what they can do, but with the flexibility comes complexity. The more options there are to configure, the easier it is to get something wrong. On occasion, it has taken me a couple of days to work out what was wrong, and why something wouldn't work like I wanted it to.

    It's very rewarding when it does work, and very frustrating when it doesn't

    Graham93
    https://www.microchip.com/design-centers/8-bit/pic-mcus/get-started-now
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇨🇦 Newby7 ( Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Ben is a servo genus way to go keep smoking and fishing. His smoking is not hazardous to our health LOL.
    Rick
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Excellent Graham, many thanks👍
    Thought it's about time I got into these PIC chips. I've noticed them in several Action Electronics modules I've bought over the last few years.
    I'm not contemplating making Bill & Ben's long lost cousin but was intrigued by the idea of using them to control gun turrets for a training and firing sequence for broadsides from my Belfast and Graf Spee!! 💥💥💥 (Belfast will have to stand in for Exeter!😉)
    Must now Google/U-tube for some programming info.
    Cheers, Doug 😎
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Doug,

    Ben's 'brain' is a PIC 16F18313. The pump/coil driver is a 12F683. With hindsight, the 16F18313 is overkill for the brain. A 12F683 would have been OK but I had originally intended to include both the 'brain' and the pump/coil driver functionality all in one PIC which would have needed the functionality of the 16F18313. During development I decided that separating the relatively high current driver for the pump/coil from the 'brain' made more sense. It meant I could separate out the power wiring keeping it short and it simplified the software by splitting it into two distinct parts.

    The two circuit diagrams are attached. Not much to see. The 'brain' has only two components (!), the PIC and a decoupling capacitor. The coil/pump driver has a few more. In addition to a PIC and a decoupling capacitor, there are two MOSFETS and two diodes. That's the beauty of these PIC devices, everything is inside the chip which makes construction so simple, and small. You can even program which pin each input or output goes to, which simplifies layout of the circuit board.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Excellent stuff Graham👍👍👍
    Which PIC did you use for Ben's brain?
    Can you post a layout/wiring diagram?
    Cheers, Doug 😎
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇿🇦 Ianh ( Commander)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Impressive to say the least
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Just brilliant Graham,

    Ben obviously has more brains than his brother Bill as he is not doing the rowing LOL!!!

    Martin555.
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Michael,

    Yes, similar technology to your smoker controller. That has a fixed sequence of steps rather than being driven from a look-up table as it didn’t need the same level of flexibility.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 mturpin013 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Very impressive Graham, I presume its a more sophisticated version of the one you designed and built for my crash tender smoker.
    💬 Re: Bringing Ben to 'life'
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    I did wonder if Ben's movements were manually controlled from the tx, or as I suspected, autonomous by a separate controller so you description confirms that. Yet more very impressive use of mechanics and electronics Graham.
    What next I wonder 😉.
    Rob.
    📝 Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 128 Views · 11 Likes · 9 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    The smoke generator is based on experiments I did earlier this year with JBkiwi.

    An e-cig mouthpiece was modified by making a polycarbonate plug which fits the end of the e-cig in place of the normal e-cig battery. This plug enables connections to be made to the e-cig coil as well as providing an air inlet from the air pump. With the e-cig coil powered up, the air pump pushes air through the e-cig and out through the mouthpiece.

    The smoke liquid is glycerine diluted to approximately 25% water/75% glycerine. I found that some of the smoke liquid can escape the e-cig and travel down the exit tube. This is especially the case as the e-cig reservoir gets close to empty. As the tube which runs up to Ben's mouth is only 1.5mm ID this liquid caused some problems with blockages. A 'smoke dryer' was added to the outlet tube to solve this problem. It comprises a small circular container made from acrylic with an inlet and outlet tube. The internal space is divided into two by a fine stainless mesh which runs across the centre diagonal. The mesh catches any liquid in the smoke which then collects at the bottom of the container. It needs to be emptied between outings.

    The second photo shows the smoke generator installed in the dinghy. The battery was originally installed symetrically either side of the keel but has now been moved to the starboard side of the hull to offset Ben's weight on the port side and maintain an overall even keel. This made some room for the smoker components.

    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Rob,

    Patience, patience.......😀
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Is that a Sea Shanty I can hear playing?......😉👂🎼
    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Hi JB,

    I haven't checked the weight recently. I know it was below scale weight (3.25Kgs) before Ben arrived. I expect it is overweight now. Ben does have a bit of a weight problem 😂

    More electronics to come....
    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks to everyone for the positive comments. It makes the effort of putting the photos together and posting worthwhile.

    Grahham93
    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇳🇿 jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Magic job Graham !, very handy building to a larger scale as you have, allows a lot more options. Was going to ask about your smoke dryer but you've answered the question, - clever idea! Smoke looks a bit more refined to me. Have you worked out the scale weight of the dinghy yet ?😁 - must be the most electronically loaded dinghy in the world !😁
    JB
    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Rookysailor ( Commodore)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Very ingenious Graham, well done👍

    Cheers, Pete
    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Scratchbuilder ( Captain)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Very very innovative.
    Bill
    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇨🇦 Newby7 ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    The work to get Ben to smoke is fantastic what a wonderful finished project.Ben and Bill turned out great.
    Rick
    💬 Re: Smoke for Ben's pipe
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Nice installation Graham,

    Martin555.
    📝 Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 128 Views · 9 Likes · 8 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    Work on Ben started by building a mock-up of the stern of the dinghy so that I could sort out his position, seat height etc.

    Ben, just like his older brother Bill, is a modified Action Man. These are readily available second hand on internet auction sites at low cost provided you are not trying to buy one of the early 'vintage' models. They are made from very thick plastic which makes them durable, but heavy.

    Using a cutting wheel in my Dremel, the first step was to remove the head by cutting through the neck. This was followed by splitting the body front and rear. A piece of 0.8mm brass sheet was cut to the shape of the body and then trimmed/drilled and extra pieces silver soldered in place to fit the servos until it ended up as you can see in the photo. There was no drawing for this, it just evolved bit by bit as I worked out how to fit everything in.

    There are three servos inside the body, the first rotates the body on a pivot epoxied into Ben's hips. The second servo is mounted on the back of the brass plate and is connected to the left arm with a pushrod so that the arm can be raised and lowered. The head is mounted on third servo at the top of the brass 'skeleton'. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough room to animate the right arm.

    Once the mountings for the servos were complete, extra holes were drilled in the brass plate wherever possible to reduce the weight. Ben's arms and legs were also drilled to reduce the weight. As Ben sits at the stern of the dinghy, and to one side, I was concerned about his weight causing problems for Bill when rowing. Drilling all the holes reduced the total weight by over 50g.

    The pipe was carved from a length of hardwood. It has a small magnet let in to the side of the bowl which attaches to a corresponding magnet set into Ben's palm. I don't want him dropping his pipe in the lake 😊. The smoke is carried by a small bore silicone tube which runs up the back of Bens body. It connects to a copper tube soldered to the head mounting plate attached to the head servo. The smoke travels up through the neck into the head and out through a series of small holes drilled between the lips. There is no smoke from the pipe itself, although this is barely noticeable in practice.

    Ben's head was sent off to the same 'reflocker' as used for Bill. He did an excellent job on it. The moustache hides the holes in the mouth.

    The smoke is generated from an e-cig mounted under the flooring of the dinghy. More on this in the next post.

    💬 Re: Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Martin,

    A LED in the bowl was considered as was plumbing smoke to it. I don’t think adding smoke would be worth the effort in terms of the overall effect, but the LED is still a possibility.😀
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Pete,

    It just sort of evolved, one step after another. Bionic Bill has two servos in the body, one to turn the head and one to rock the body. Ben is just an evolution from that. Lots of hours cutting and filing to fit everything in, a bit of thought, and a lot of luck.
    💬 Re: Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Hi Graham,
    I am surprised that you did not fit a small LED in the bowl of his pipe that lit up when ben took a puff LOL!!
    Only kidding!

    Fantastic work, truly amazing.
    Well done.

    Martin555.
    💬 Re: Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Rookysailor ( Commodore)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    WoW! Graham, your a genius, to come up with an idea then to put it into practice is amazing, just wish I had the ingenuity to build something like this😕

    Cheers, Pete*-
    💬 Re: Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    That's a nice bit of brass work for the body servo mounts, a lot of 'filing and fettling' going on there!
    Fantastic work Graham 👍👍
    Rob.
    💬 Re: Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 marky ( Commodore)
    ✧ 126 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    "He's Alive"!!! Maybe we should be calling you Dr Frankenstein 🧟‍♂️ another great build Graham
    Cheers Marky👍
    💬 Re: Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Thanks Michael,

    I wish I had your mechanical skills. I can get by hacking and filing especially when the result is covered with a fancy woolly jumper courtesy of my wife 😆

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Bionic surgery for Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 mturpin013 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Another great adaptation.
    I just wish I had your electronic skills, mechanical OK but "magical mystery wires and those little black square things" I'm lost
    How about wriggling fish in a bucket for the next project?
    📝 Ben’s first outing
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 129 Views · 7 Likes
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    Bill’s younger brother Ben had his first outing today.

    Philcaretaker has put this excellent video together and posted it in the Media Gallery. I’ve copied the link here to keep it with the rest of the blog.

    Thanks Phil 👍👍

    Graham93

    📝 Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 131 Views · 11 Likes · 15 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    With the recent relaxation of Covid19 lockdown rules, Bill's younger brother Ben came to visit. 😂

    Details of Ben's bionic surgery to follow later.

    (Apologies for the poor quality of the video - not enough light)

    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    "There is more to come...... 😉"
    😮
    I guess you'll have Ben supping a pint with his right arm next Graham!!😋😊
    With the beer recycled for a refill😁
    BTW Attached is a refill for Ben's pipe.
    😎
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 marky ( Commodore)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Brilliant Graham , noticed a little bit of product placement ,hoping for sponsorship ?or perchance a case or two of the Amber nectar through the post .
    Have to get a wee tin of Erimore pipe tobacco ready for the next outing.
    Cheers Marky👍
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    "And not a flowerpot anywhere in sight. "
    'Weeeeed!' 🤣
    😎
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Nerys ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Doesn't Bill like fishing, I'm sure he would like to be trailing a fishing line over the stern. I'm sure he'd like to catch a nice fat fish or two for his tea.

    Cheers, Nerys
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇨🇦 Newby7 ( Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Ben smoking a pipe wonderful well done with the video.
    Rick
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Mike. It did occur to me while putting Ben together that he wasn’t very PC, but he doesn’t care 🙄 He is vaping with an e-cig. More details and photos to follow.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Thanks Martin,

    You don’t have to be mad to build these models...... but sometimes it helps 😂🤣
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Rob,

    Now you are just getting carried away with your imagination, although .........🤔
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Colin,

    No, he can’t help with the rowing, but he can do more than just smoke. I’ll try and get another video tomorrow when the light is better.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 mturpin013 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Come on Graham, this isn't very PC supporting smoking, surely he should be vaping or is he? and its going through a pipe? Whats the smoke source?
    Whatever it's a fantastic addition, great stuff.
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 0 Likes
    Flag
    Absolutely brilliant Graham.
    I certainly had to smile when watching the video.
    And i thought i had a few crazy ideas, but you beat me hands down.

    Well done.

    Martin555.
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    "There is more to come...... 😉"

    I can't wait for the next addition then.....😉
    A bionic ship's cat or dog perhaps ?...😮
    Rob.
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Colin H ( Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    And not a flowerpot anywhere in sight.
    Can he row as well as his brother.
    Cheers Colin.
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Rob,

    There is more to come...... 😉
    💬 Re: Bill's younger brother Ben
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    I must confess that I burst out laughing when I played the video 🤣
    I also wondered what had become of the members of the 'Village People"......now I know,...maybe not 'In the Navy'... but close enough !!
    Wonderful stuff Graham.....
    What next I wonder...............🤔
    📝 Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 128 Views · 9 Likes · 15 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    Having provided Bill with a radio in the dinghy, I thought it would be fun to make it work.

    A search of the Web turned up an FM radio kit for £1.50 plus £1 postage. I don't understand how they can make these for so little. It included a battery holder for 2 AA batteries, a headphone jack, and five pushbuttons for controlling the tuning, volume and on/off. I didn't use any of these items, so they are now in my spares box in case they come in useful in the future. The remaining components were mounted onto the circuit board.

    Bill isn't able to control the radio in the dinghy as he has his hands full with the oars 😉, so I decided I would have to do it for him remotely. An RC switch with 5 outputs was built using a PIC microprocessor. This is controlled from the three position toggle switch on my FlySky Tx using the pulse counting technique.
    Switch up and hold, tunes the radio frequency up.
    Switch down and hold tunes the radio frequency down
    Switch up, centre, up and hold increases the volume
    Switch down, centre, down and hold reduces the volume
    Switch up, centre, up, centre, up and hold turns the radio on or off

    Although larger, an Arduino could be used to provide this sort of functionality.

    Also on the RC switch circuit board is a 3.3v BEC to power the radio and an audio amplifier.

    The speaker is 22mm diameter. Unmounted there is little sound to be heard from it so I mounted it into one end of a 25mm acrylic tube. The tube is filled with cotton wool and the other end sealed off with an acrylic disc. The volume that can be achieved is quite surprising for such a small speaker and while the quality of the sound isn't great, it is only intended to provide low level background sound.

    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Peter,

    Not so much a crowd in these strange times. The lake is in a public park in the centre of Buxton and it’s busy on Sunday mornings with lots of visitors taking a socially distanced stroll. Many of them stop to watch Bill rowing, and get their phones out to video him. Brightens up their morning 😀

    Graham93
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    I need lots of encouragement JB. The more crazy ideas the better. 😂🤣
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇳🇿 jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Don't encourage him Martin! If Graham puts any more gadgets in there, Bill will have a 'hearty' trying to row it 😂
    JB
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Hi Graham.
    I thought you might like that 😉
    Here's a UK seller on eBay for the same module....
    Rob.
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DFplayer-Mini-MP3-Player-Module-For-Arduino-UNO-Modul
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Martin,

    “make steam come off his cup of coffee”

    Now you are just taking the ...... 😂😆

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Rob,

    Glad you like it. Sea Shanty’s - now there’s an idea I like. It looks like those little MP3 players can work with the same 5 button interface I have for the FM radio, so they could be just a simple plug in replacement.👍 🤔

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Hi All,

    Thank you for the positive comments/likes and suggestions. 👍

    I’m working on some more extras for Bill 😀
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇦🇺 peterd ( Warrant Officer)
    ✧ 127 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Brilliant.
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 marky ( Commodore)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Superb Graham, playing radio Caroline😁.
    Cheers Marky
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇭🇺 MouldBuilder ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Superb Graham. This little dingy must draw a crowd. Super video.
    Peter.👍👍
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Excellent work Graham, is there nothing you can't integrate into this?
    But I can't help thinking that a selection of Sea Shanty's or music of a nautical nature might be more appropriate....so how about incorporating a small 'media player' circuit that reads a micro SD card with some .mp3's on it.
    Now that would be a challenge.....wouldn't it ?
    Tongue firmly in cheek !!!
    Rob.
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/303316211178?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 mturpin013 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Hi there Graham, "I don't understand how they can make these for so little".
    Unfortunately I think it may well be slave labour. I am also guilty of buying cheap electronics, as I think most of us are, we are on holiday at the moment we have a touring caravan and last night the remote control for the awning lights packed in, I ordered a replacement yesterday evening and I picked "them" yes 2 in a pack this evening and for just £6, its 2 new hand sets and 2 receivers.
    On the sort of plus side if we all stopped buying these things what would happen to these poorly paid workers, Its there government that needs a kick up the backside.
    sorry rant over
    Michael
    PS I like the radio
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Awesome Graham,
    I am certain this is without a doubt a definite prize winner.
    It is impossible to top what you have done so far except make steam come off his cup of coffee LOL!!!

    I also think Bill is extremely happy without a Mrs Bill.

    Martin555.
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇨🇦 Newby7 ( Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Hands free radio wonderful maybe it's a future Mrs. Bill in the ride along.
    Rick
    💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
    3 years ago by 🇳🇿 jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    What can you say?! that's just too much!😁 now all he needs is Mrs Bill in the back seat!😂
    Nice one yet again Graham.
    JB
    📝 Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 127 Views · 7 Likes · 11 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    Having returned to the hobby last year and with lockdown this year, I haven't had many opportunities to visit model boat shows. However, when I have been to a show, I always felt that the models on display that were 'doing something' were the most interesting. Lights on, smoke from the funnel, rotating radars, etc just help to bring the model to life. I have thought about how to achieve this with my Crash Tender, but with a standard receiver with 10 separate channel outputs it isn't easy. However, the rowing boat is a different proposition.

    The rowing boat uses a receiver with a single PPM output rather than the usual separate PWM outputs to individual servos. The PPM signal is carried on a single wire between the receiver and the rowing controller. There are eight channels carried as a series of sequential timing pulses along the single wire. Only three channels are currently used for the rowing boat, speed, turning and head movement.

    I have put together a PIC based 'demo adapter' which fits between the receiver and the rowing controller. When the rowing boat is switched on, the adapter checks for a PPM signal from the receiver. If the signal is present, indicating that the transmitter is switched on, then the adapter goes into idle mode and simply lets the receiver signal pass to the rowing controller as normal. However, if no signal is detected from the receiver, (i.e. transmitter switched off) then the adapter takes over and sends a PPM signal to the controller. A lookup table in the adapter adjusts the PPM signal over time to simulate changes in transmitter stick positions, hence operating the dinghy as though it was being remotely controlled.

    The video shows the boat being switched on using the magnetic on/off switch, with the transmitter off. After a few seconds, Bionic Bill starts rowing, turning and looking left and right. The program runs for about 3 minutes, and then loops back to the start and repeats.

    If I ever get the opportunity to take Bill to a show, I can simply leave him on the bench to row all day.

    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    "Plenty more to come........ just watch this space 😉 "
    It's not 'this space' but space in the boat I'll be watching Graham😮😉
    Open the bottle for lunch or doing anything else for that matter, your main problem will be mechanical; getting Bill to let go of the oars and then grab them again to come home!!
    Muchas head scratching!
    😎
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Thanks Ed, glad you like it 👍

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Michael,

    Plenty more to come........ just watch this space 😉
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    JB,

    I’m sure I can program breaks into the sequence, but getting him to open the bottle for lunch, now that would be a challenge!

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇺🇸 figtree7nts ( Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Amazing, Now that's skills!
    And Bionic Bill looks great Too! LOL!

    Cheers, Ed
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 mturpin013 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    I thought I was having trouble stopping my build always adding bits, but you now take that prize
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇳🇿 jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Brilliant bit of kit Graham!, certainly eliminates needing the TX on for hours problem. Just a thought,- if he was at a show demonstrating rowing all day, would he be allowed lunch and tea breaks as per Seamans' Union rules😁?
    JB
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Martin,

    Shows, what shows? ☹️

    However you are right, I hadn’t thought about it making a good exercise machine for Bill to keep him fit before the next fishing trip. LOL

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 0 Likes
    Flag
    Thanks Rob,

    I did go to the Warwick show last year, for the first time. Who knows if it will take place, and what form it will take, this year? I’ll wait for their decision, which will be mid-September apparently.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 0 Likes
    Flag
    That is an excellent little gadget Graham.
    Perfect for the shows.
    Also just to use it to make sure that Bionic Bill remembers what to do LOL!!!

    Martin555.
    💬 Re: Demo mode
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 robbob ( Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    What an excellent little addition to the boat and perfect for demonstrating the rowing action.
    Let's hope that you get a chance to exhibit it somewhere.
    Not sure what's happening with the International Model Boat show at Warwick this year but that would be a great place to show it. Perhaps the organisers could offer you a private display stand if your club is not exhibiting ?
    Worth looking into?
    I go every year and I'd love to see Bill 'in the bionic flesh'
    Rob.
    https://www.meridienneexhibitions.co.uk/events/international-model-boat-show
    📝 Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 133 Views · 18 Likes · 18 Comments
    Flag
    💬 Add Comment
    Following suggestions from Colin, and from Doug, I took pity on Bionic Bill and made him some lunch before his next trip out.

    The flask is made from a short length of 12mm acrylic tube and bits of plasticard. The 'sandwiches' are a block of wood wrapped in foil - sorry Bill, not very tasty 🤣.

    The bottle was a challenge. I hadn't been able to find one at the right scale, so used another piece of acrylic tube. One end was plugged with a length of acrylic rod and then turned on the lathe to produce the bottle neck. The bottle was then part filled with alcohol from the base before a piece of clear acrylic was glued on to seal it. The full sized bottle label was photographed and reduced to 1/6th scale before printing onto a self adhesive label.

    Apples were moulded from 'polymorph' - a plastic which becomes like plasticene when heated but sets hard when cooled. (Useful for making moulds).

    I considered making a cool box, but decided a wooden crate would look better, and was easier to make.

    While I was making lunch, I also decided to spoil Bill and give him a radio to row by. Made from plasticard based on a 'Roberts' design, with a photographically reduced control panel. The telescopic aerial is brass tubing in two diameters. It doesn't actually work ...... yet 😁

    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇭🇺 MouldBuilder ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Just keeps getting better. Love the flask and the radio.
    Peter.
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Of COURSE I have Pete,😉
    There's even a recipe for it on BBC Good Food😋😜

    https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/best-ever-crab-sandwiches
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Rookysailor ( Commodore)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Definitely or maybe no crabs in the Pavilion gardens boating lake Doug, the locals have had them all, you must have heard of a Buxton crab sandwich....😁

    Cheers, Pete
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇺🇸 Joe727 ( Commander)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Looks like a classic transistor radio! Very nice details, I must ask..... Do you ever sleep?
    Joe😎
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    "There’s no crabs in the Pavillion Gardens boating lake LOL 😂🤣"
    AS FAR AS YOU KNOW GRAHAM!!😮😁
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    😁

    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 126 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Hi SC

    “What happens if Bill catches a crab?”

    There’s no crabs in the Pavillion Gardens boating lake LOL 😂🤣

    Seriously, the oars are firmly attached to the servos, and Bionic Bill is firmly attached to the thwart, so I don’t think there would be much impact if he ‘catches a crab’

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Rick,

    Love that suggestion 👍. Got me thinking now 🤔

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 mturpin013 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 124 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Brilliant Graham
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 124 Views · 0 Likes
    Flag
    Brilliant Rick.
    That did make me laugh.

    Martin555.
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇨🇦 Newby7 ( Admiral)
    ✧ 124 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    The music will it play row row your boat.
    Rick
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Gone Gone Gone ( Petty Officer 1st Class)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    I love this. I was a single sculler at University and held the record as the only single sculler never to fall in. Not due to ability, just cowardice. What happens if Bill catches a crab?
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 124 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Sounds logical Graham👍
    Given the mini VC tuner modules and preset tuning available, Why not?😁
    An IC amp tacked on the end and away you go.
    Look forward to hearing that.🙊
    Be especially interested in how you do the speaker installation in an open boat😮
    Cheers, Doug 😎
    THINKS!🤕
    If you made one of the old radios with push button preselection maybe you could get Bill (or his girlfriend/fishing mate) to push the buttons? 😁😀
    THINKS 2! If you made Bill a nice BIG BOOMBOX / GHETTOBLASTER it would be easier to fit a decent size speaker 🙉
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    Thanks Doug.

    The plan is full FM broadcast radio receiver, with on/off, tuning and volume all controlled from a single switched Tx channel. Don’t think I can get Bill to turn the receiver knobs 😉. Just waiting on a delivery from China.

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Colin H ( Admiral)
    ✧ 124 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Your really spoiling him. I hope he appreciates your efforts as much as we do.
    Cheers Colin.
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇩🇪 RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 124 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    Excellent stuff Graham👍
    (Except for the choice of whisky. I'd have gone for Jura Superstition single malt meself😋😋)
    Good idea with the crate👍 In a cool box all the provisions would be hidden so rather boring!
    Like the radio, reminds me of one my parents in law had many years ago.
    I guess you're gonna hide a titchy MP3 player and speaker somewhere next!?😮
    Playing "Little green apples"? 😁
    Cheers, Doug 😎
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 124 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    Thanks Martin, it’s what makes it fun, and brings it to life.👍

    Graham93
    💬 Re: Lunch
    3 years ago by 🇬🇧 Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    ✧ 124 Views · 0 Likes
    Flag
    I really love all these little details Graham,

    Martin555.
    Show 30 More Posts


    About This Website
    Terms of Service
    Privacy Policy