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    Graham93
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    Member No.#5557
    RegisteredπŸ“…5th Jun 2019
    Last OnlineπŸ“…9th Jun 2023
    CityπŸ“Macclesfield
    CountryπŸ‡¬πŸ‡§United Kingdom
    Gender♂️Male
    AgeπŸ‘ΆNot Provided
    PostsπŸ’¬1036
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    Recent Posts
    πŸ’¬ Re: New Paddle
    10 days ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 26 Views · 3 Likes
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    Thanks everyone for the 'likes' and the comments. I expect I will continue to fiddle with it. Models never seem to be quite finished.....

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    πŸ“ New Paddle
    11 days ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 43 Views · 18 Likes · 8 Comments
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    Having gained some experience with the test paddle, and having worked out the feathering angle needed between the two blades by trial and error, its time to make a fancy replacement.

    Some cedar and pine were cut into strips and glued to produce a striped blank. This was then cleaned up and cut using a bandsaw to produce four blanks taking care to ensure that the stripe pattern lined up. A shaped sanding block was used to sand a curve into the blades which were then glued to a redwood shaft and cut to shape. Lots more sanding was needed to thin the blades and blend the joint between the blades and the shaft. Once the sanding was finished the blades were strengthened with a layer of lightweight glasscloth and epoxy on both sides, followed by 3 coats of yacht varnish.

    The new paddle is slightly longer than the original, and the blades are also a little bigger.

    A short video, courtesy of 'philcaretaker':



    πŸ“ HAKits ???
    1 month ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 74 Views · 0 Likes
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    πŸ“ Reply
    Here it is:



    https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=HAk
    πŸ“ HAKits ???
    1 month ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 80 Views · 3 Likes
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    Great kits πŸ‘ Take a look at my blog for one of the HAkits:



    blogs/99841
    πŸ“ New Rudder
    1 month ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 54 Views · 11 Likes · 2 Comments
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    The original rudder was made to "scale size" (1/6th). It worked, but the turning circle wasn't great. I attached a piece of plastic to the rudder with double sided tape to try the effect of a bigger rudder, and as expected, the maneuverability of the kayak was much improved, even if the appearance wasn't πŸ˜†.

    A replacement rudder made from western red cedar looks a lot better. The shape ensures that the increase in size is not visible when the kayak is out on the water.

    πŸ’¬ Re: Update
    2 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 68 Views · 3 Likes
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    Hi Doug,

    She is quite quick on the water, and surprisingly unaffected by the wind. Bill and Ben in the dinghy just get blown around if there is any wind, but Katie is fine. Probably down to the low profile hull not catching the wind.

    The paddle blade penetration can be adjusted using a spare channel on the Tx so I can set it for best result. Once adjusted, I can then store the setting permanently with a command from the Tx. Several other parameters can be adjusted in a similar way, for example the port/stbd balance of the paddle and the rudder compensation to offset the alternating paddle thrust.

    πŸ“ Update
    2 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 75 Views · 16 Likes · 5 Comments
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    I can't believe it's been two months since my last update to this blog. I haven't been idle though and have continued to tweak the paddling mechanism and the control electronics.

    The latest tweak was to increase the size of the rudder as I had foolishly made it the correct 'scale' size, forgetting that water doesn't scale and a model rudder needs to be larger than scale. Anyway, I glued a bit of clear plastic on to the wooden rudder with double sided tape as a trial and it has greatly improved the turning circle. Now I just need to make a wooden replacement to replace the plastic and sticky tape version. I'm also part way through making a 'fancy' paddle to replace the test paddle, now that I have the blade feathering angle worked out.

    Here's a short video clip of the latest outing yesterday:


    πŸ“ Fun/funny Boat
    2 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 82 Views · 10 Likes
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    Hi Westwind,

    I like fun boats. I have three, a rowboat, a kayak and a duck!

    There are Blogs on this site for my Rowboat and Kayak - both are scratch built.

    The only rowboat kit I'm aware of was the Graupner 'Tina' but it is no longer available.

    Graham93

    πŸ“ Buck converters
    2 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 59 Views · 8 Likes
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    Hi Nick,

    Simple answer - it depends!

    So it depends on the specification of your converter. Certainly there are plenty of converters available that will happily step up from 7.4v to 12v.

    The other consideration is matching the current rating of the converter to what you intend to drive with it.

    Also be aware that the current drawn from your 7.4v battery will be higher than the current output from the converter. So if you want an output of 1A at 12v, the converter will draw 12/7.4 A = 1.6A from the battery. Indeed, as the converter isn’t 100% efficient, the current drawn will be a bit more than 1.6A.

    Hope that helps

    Graham93

    πŸ“ Accidents happen.
    3 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 82 Views · 4 Likes
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    πŸ“ Reply
    Oh dear Colin. Sorry to hear about the accident, but good to know you are feeling a bit better this morning. I’m sure you will be taking things easy for a few days and will be back to modelling soon!

    Best wishes Graham93

    πŸ’¬ Re: Modifications - 1
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 98 Views · 6 Likes
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    Hi Peter,

    A longer paddle might be necessary but I think a spacer might weaken the shaft too much. As it’s only a trial paddle, I’ll just make a longer one if I decide to go that way. Meanwhile I’m working on software changes to tilt the paddle more on each side when paddling in a straight line. The blades go into the water deeply enough when turning.

    Graham93

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    πŸ’¬ Re: Modifications - 1
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 98 Views · 2 Likes
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    Hi Neil,

    Now that would be a challenge! One to add to the list of possible future projects perhapsπŸ€”

    πŸ“ Modifications - 1
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 104 Views · 12 Likes · 5 Comments
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    I wanted to keep the paddle shaft in one piece for strength, but while undergoing 'sea trials' it has become clear that a means of adjusting the feather angle between the two paddle blades is essential. Accordingly, a brass coupling was made on the lathe. It comprises two pieces which screw together with a knurled locking nut. The paddle shaft was cut into two halves and epoxied into each end of the coupling. The two halves can now be adjusted to set the blade feather and locked in position.

    The other problem during the first outing was Katie letting go of the paddle. Whilst this gave an impressive demonstration of one, or even no, handed paddling, it wasn't very realistic πŸ˜‚πŸ€£. Loops of elastic cord were added to keep her hands on the paddle.

    The paddling action is produced with a combination of mechanics and software control. A few changes were made to the software to improve the ability to steer. There is still more to be done to improve this. If you watch carefully at 0:35 seconds in the video, you can see the rudder compensating for the paddle stroke to help keep Katie moving in a straight line.

    Sorry the video is a bit jerky in parts with my camera mounted on the transmitter. I expect Phil may have something better to show, once he has had time to edit it.




    πŸ’¬ Re: "Katie the Kayaker"
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 278 Views · 3 Likes
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    Thanks Phil, your videos are so much better than mine πŸ‘

    πŸ’¬ Re: Maiden voyage
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 1 Like
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    Hi Trev,

    I think she needs to get a grip...πŸ€£πŸ˜‚

    πŸ’¬ Re: Maiden voyage
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
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    Thanks Colin,

    I think once she has learnt how to paddle properly the boys will have trouble catching up with her πŸ˜‚πŸ€£

    πŸ“ Maiden voyage
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 18 Likes · 8 Comments
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    Before the maiden (!) voyage, a quick head 'transplant' !! I'd like to introduce 'Katie the Kayaker' πŸ˜‚πŸ€£

    It was with some trepidation that Katie was carefully launched onto the Buxton lake. An ideal day last weekend with very little wind. I knew she would float, but would she move, and be controllable? Well the answer is yes - sort of πŸ€”

    Thanks to Philcaretaker for the video clip.

    She managed to paddle out, turn and paddle back, which was a great start. At least she didn't need rescuing. Shame she wouldn't keep hold of the paddle!

    The paddle blades are not feathered at the right angle. The starboard blade is at the wrong angle and is hitting the water causing the kayak to rock excessively from side to side.

    Once back on dry land, the kayak was checked inside for water. There was just a drop but nothing to worry about, which was also a relief.

    So, overall it was reasonably successful, but several teething problems to be resolved before the next outing.πŸ‘



    πŸ’¬ Re: Installing the mechanism
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 125 Views · 2 Likes
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    Thanks to everyone for the comments and likes. It is finally coming together after what feels like a long journey. Not much more to do - I hope!

    πŸ“ Installing the mechanism
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 129 Views · 17 Likes · 8 Comments
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    With everything finished, it's just a matter of installing it all into the hull.πŸ˜‰

    A temporary paddle was made for initial trials on the water. There are many variables to be settled for the paddle in terms of paddle length, blade size and the feathering angle between the blades. Once these are established, then a 'fancy' paddle will be made.

    Pictures 3 & 4 are from an earlier post and show everything in situ, before the deck was added to the hull.

    With the deck in place, it is difficult to see very much. It is also difficult to install all the bits, but with a little patience, it all fits.

    Manufacture of a spray deck from rip stop nylon was subcontracted to my wife, who has much more patience than I do.πŸ˜‡ An elastic cord run inside a seam around the edge grips over the cockpit rim.

    With everything in place, a short video to show the action:


    πŸ’¬ Re: Fitting the Rudder
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 129 Views · 4 Likes
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    Thanks Peter,

    β€œKevin the kayaker”. Now there’s a thought.

    Only a few days left to finish it off. At least it didn’t take 4 years πŸ˜‰

    Graham93

    πŸ“ Very sad news Martin555
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 133 Views · 35 Likes
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    I sent a link to this topic to Martin's family so that they could see all the tributes from our members.

    I received the following response from Martin's son:

    " It was very touching to read the comments from the members; dad would have greatly appreciated them. The forum was a large part of dad’s life since he retired around 5 years ago. He loved being in contact with like minded hobbyists and I believe he considered you all as his friends."

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    πŸ“ Fitting the Rudder
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 133 Views · 15 Likes · 6 Comments
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    The rudder mounting pivot was attached to the stern of the kayak using brass pins and epoxy. The rudder itself was then fitted using a length of M2 threaded rod as a pivot. As with a full sized kayak, a length of bungee cord holds the blade vertical but allows the rudder blade to tilt backwards if it comes into contact with something underwater.

    The rudder is linked to the servo using two cords which run from the servo, under the deck through the previously installed aluminium tubes and then exit through the deck adjacent to the rudder. The small springs provide some tension in the cords to remove any slack and backlash.

    An additional line runs from just behind the cockpit, through small guides glued to the deck, and attaches to the top of the rudder blade. On a full sized craft, this allows the kayaker to raise the rudder blade to avoid obstructions.

    The short video shows the rudder in operation:


    πŸ’¬ Re: Finishing the hatch
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 133 Views · 2 Likes
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    Won't be long now Michael πŸ‘

    πŸ’¬ Re: Finishing the hatch
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 136 Views · 5 Likes
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    Thanks Colin,

    That thought had crossed my mind, I think it’s a really nice idea. No promises though.

    Graham93

    πŸ’¬ Re: Finishing the hatch
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 136 Views · 4 Likes
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    Thanks Gary,

    Nice suggestion. Trouble is he would need eyes in the back of his head as the hatch is behind the cockpitπŸ€”

    Graham93

    πŸ’¬ Re: Finishing the hatch
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 136 Views · 5 Likes
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    Thanks Steve,

    I have a name in mind. All will be revealed on the maiden voyage πŸ˜‰

    Graham93

    πŸ“ Water cooling advice
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 66 Views · 2 Likes
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    Hi Scott,

    A few years ago, JB kiwi and I worked on intermittent cooling water with added air/smoke. It was controlled with a custom programmed microchip.

    You can find more on what we did here:

    (You need to scroll down a bit to β€œexhaust smoker”)


    blogs/60819#63592
    πŸ“ Finishing the hatch
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 136 Views · 14 Likes · 9 Comments
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    The hatch fittings that were made a few weeks ago screw into place either side of the hatch opening. Black 'knicker elastic' is threaded through the fittings to hold the hatch in place.

    A neoprene gasket was made and glued to the underside of the hatch lid, together with a wire loop. A cord from this loop is attached inside the hull to ensure that the lid is never lost. Making a replacement to match the existing planking would be very difficult.

    I was fortunate to find some miniature plastic buckle clips to fasten the elastic over the completed hatch.

    πŸ’¬ Re: Dusseldorf
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 94 Views · 5 Likes
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    Well done Peter, it looks fantastic. I understand you built it without reading the instructions which makes it even more remarkable πŸ˜‚πŸ€£

    Looking forward to seeing some video with all the functions working.

    Graham93

    πŸ“ Building Yachts - Servo or Winch For The Sails
    4 months ago by πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    ✧ 68 Views · 11 Likes
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    Hi Greg,

    When I built my first sailboat, the Wee Nip, I used a servo with a long arm, as suggested on the plan. It gave me all sorts of problems with stalling and short battery life. I swapped it for a winch and all the problems went away.

    With hindsight, I now realise that the servo I was using didn’t have a high enough torque rating. I know of several Wee Nips that sail successfully with a long arm servo. I’d suggest a servo with at least a 15kg.cm torque rating.

    Moral is, you can get advice, and this site is great for that, but nothing beats the experience of trying it out on the lake. Be prepared to have to change things and build with enough access to be able to make those changes.

    Graham93



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