Response

Re: Water Supply

I hope this nicely made work better than expected. Looking forward to seeing it in action. Martin555.

4 years ago by Martin555

Response

Re: mini update

Hi - I think he is talking about the for the water cooling rather than the prop shaft? Chris

4 years ago by ChrisF

Blog

Fire Monitors revisited

Based on the build described in my previous 'Fire Monitors part 4' blog, the performance of the fire monitors on the lake was less than impressive so I decided to rework the plumbing. The solenoid valve based solution worked, but the water flow was restricted by the small bore of the valves. Using two valves to divert water from the ESC cooling to the monitors also meant that one or other of the valves was always energised resulting in unnecessary battery drain. To overcome these limitations, a diverter valve was constructed based on a 10mm compression fitting from the local plumbing store. A central rotor was turned on the lathe and then cross drilled to produce a three port valve which is actuated using a small servo. I wasn't sure that this would work without leaking, but with an o-ring fitted on the rotor shaft it seems to be OK. At one extreme of the servo rotation, water is routed from the scoop to cool the ESC and motor. At the other extreme of travel, water is routed from the to the monitor pump. An RC switch connected to the same Rx channel as the valve servo switches the monitor pump on when the valve is routing water to the pump. The pump was also upgraded. I have tried a variety of pumps sourced on-line, most of which did not have adequate performance. The pump now in use is an aftermarket windscreen washer pump which seems to work OK. To make it easier to install in the model, a ply chassis was constructed to hold the valve, pump and the RC switch. The chassis also provides a locating box for the LiPo. Out on the lake this afternoon, I was able to get a few photos of the monitors in operation. The performance is much improved.

4 years ago by Graham93

Blog

Water system for fire monitors and ECS

I have laid out all the various components on a building board, not necessarily in the correct orientation/position. The only thing I do know is that water needs to come out of the 4 pipes pointing into the tin. I have a caravan pump serving as a water scoop (to simulate the water as the boat moves forward) any water going through the system into the tin is piped back into the container under the bench where the pump is. First thoughts are similar to others in that when the fire monitors are operated the water is drawn back through the exhaust pipes and sucks air. To try and solve this I have put some small solenoid valves in the circuit. But first test show that they restrict the flow too much so a larger valve? Or I think the easiest solution would be to put another entry opening in the hull somewhere near the pump just below the water line on the side mid-ship so the pump can be connected directly and be primed when the boat is at a standstill (anybody see problems with this?) I think the only issue I can see is that when the boats in motion it may force water through the pump – then the monitor result – drip, drip. I think a properly designed inlet, that when in motion the tendency is to draw the air out of the system and not force water in until the boat is at a standstill when the water should just flow in. I have designed another outlet (not shown) for the exit of the cooling water and hopefully the smoke which has the water coming out of the centre 6mm pipe and the smoke exits through the surrounding space between the 6mm pipe and the 8mm surrounding hole. (Ignore the black pump, top right, it was a first attempt at a water supply, it’s a car washer pump, but not powerful enough)

4 years ago by mturpin013

Response

Re: Fire Monitors Part 4

Hi JB, Re: How about using something like these remote switches which I use on my HSL and ST to turn pumps and lights etc on/off. Yes, that would work but I should have explained the issue clearer. With the pump plumbed on the feed from the as you suggested, the pump will need to run both when the monitors are in use and for cooling the motor/ESC. With they way I have it plumbed currently, the pump doesn’t need to run to cool the motor/ESC. If I do find I need to change it round, I’ll probably put a remote switch together to connect to the throttle channel and the solenoid (fire monitor) channel. The switch could then turn the pump on when needed for either function. Graham93

5 years ago by Graham93

Response

Re: Fire Monitors Part 4

Re - The boat has a water cooled ESC and engine mount. Hi Graham, boat's looking great, monitors brilliant! Had a thought about the water system and was wondering if you could do the layout in a slightly different way. With the pump where it is in the drawing, it might have a harder time sucking the water through the pipe and valve than if it were nearer the , (it would be pushing more than sucking, - maybe less strain on the pump). Also giving you water from the exhausts when stationary (unless you are intending a second pump for that) Suggestion pic of layout JB

5 years ago by jbkiwi

Response

Re: Fire Monitors Part 4

Hi Martin, The cooling isn’t pumped. There is enough flow round the circuit just from the motion of the boat and the pressure from the prop. At least there was until I fitted the valve. Haven’t had chance to test it on the lake since I fitted that. If necessary, I could change the plumbing so that the pump is in the direct line from the water and runs all the time. That would increase flow through the cooling circuit, and the valves could still be used to switch the flow between cooling and monitors. Graham93

5 years ago by Graham93

Response

Re: SEAPLANE TENDER ELECTRONIC ADDITION

I'm thinking of towing an oil boom behind the boat with a and pump to recycle the oil, -that way I'd never run out!😁😊 'Oil' be coming up with some more roily clever ideas later Martin😂 JB

5 years ago by jbkiwi

Forum

Workshop

Fun times Red,! few friends had proper (not repro) Mk 1 cortinas with alloy panels, everything drilled etc,- went like the clappers. Mate had an Anglia with 1340 crank and rods, cam, weber etc went real well too. Another mate had a 107e with disc brakes and a brand new Mk 4 Cortina 2L OHC motor and box (he worked for Ford and they were selling off old stock) Those were the days when you could build anything which would get a WOF , now almost impossible. Had a mate who had a Fordson with a flathead v8 stuck just behind the cab for his lawn mowing business! Mk 3 Zephyrs with 283 Chevs were common, (made a nice car of them), virtually all my mates had some form of modified car or yank tanks.

5 years ago by jbkiwi

Blog

40'' Seaplane Tender, new build Q

Trying out the heat exchanger and raw water pumps. Vid is a bit boring as you can't see much going on other than the water coming out the exhausts. I left a bit of air in the closed cooling system so I could see if the water was circulating (you can see a few bubbles travelling around,-not in the vid unfortunately) Everything works well but the circulation pump is a bit noisy (running on 8v) but the main pump is quiet (running half speed on 6v - through a UBEC ) Both pumps are powered from a 2200Mah 2s LiPo at the stern, under the cockpit floor and operated by a remote switch. Main pump draws water from a near the stern.

5 years ago by jbkiwi

Forum

Sea Commander restoration.

Evening Colin, Nowt on the haunted fish tank so I took another look at your pics. Something was itching at the back of my mind! Looking again at the last pic it occurred to me. I think I would be inclined to reverse the yoke on the rudder post, otherwise it's going to be blocked by the water / water tube 😮 Just a thought. I still get one once in a while 😁 Cheers and G'night all, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Robbie Estelle Yacht

This model is complete with Futaba receiver so would require a compatible transmitter. Good condition and sails well in stiff winds. Personal only due to size. £150 Now SOLD

5 years ago by Rockbag