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Followed Colin H 2 days ago
United States
Recent Posts
📝 Brushed Speed Controller.
2 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ (
Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 29 Views · 2 Likes
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When mentioning "Hobbywing" esc's I recomend adding the model number as well. Hobbywing has a rather large selection of esc's.
This is true of a lot of questions on this site, they are too vague. This helps a lot when asking for advice.
Lew
Florida, USA
This is true of a lot of questions on this site, they are too vague. This helps a lot when asking for advice.
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 Brushed Speed Controller.
3 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 35 Views · 4 Likes
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I have NOT tried this but it might work:
If you have a decent transmitter where you can program features, how about adjusting the channel that has the ESC assigned. Change that channel's limit (endpointss) reverse direction to zero. I have done this to ESCs where I want the reverse speed of the motor to be much slower than the forward speed. Have not tried zero reverse as I have no reason to do this. Let me know if this works.
Lew
Florida, USA
If you have a decent transmitter where you can program features, how about adjusting the channel that has the ESC assigned. Change that channel's limit (endpointss) reverse direction to zero. I have done this to ESCs where I want the reverse speed of the motor to be much slower than the forward speed. Have not tried zero reverse as I have no reason to do this. Let me know if this works.
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 Springer watertight deck
3 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 15 Views · 1 Like
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Chum444,
There are only two ways water can enter through the deck, and both are hatches.
The aft hatch is close fitting, and flange around the bottom of the opening.
The hatch under the structure has a little extension the deck plate that snuggly fits into the deck.
Water does get on the deck, especially when going fast. Sometimes it does sleep in so when I am done I use a "turkey baster" or syringe to remove what I can and leave the hatches open until the next meet.
Lew
Florida, USA
There are only two ways water can enter through the deck, and both are hatches.
The aft hatch is close fitting, and flange around the bottom of the opening.
The hatch under the structure has a little extension the deck plate that snuggly fits into the deck.
Water does get on the deck, especially when going fast. Sometimes it does sleep in so when I am done I use a "turkey baster" or syringe to remove what I can and leave the hatches open until the next meet.
Lew
Florida, USA
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Doogle
📝 Spirit Based Paints
4 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 53 Views · 0 Likes
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I see you are in the UK. Here in the US I use Testors enamel (small jars and spray cans) for small jobs and the enamel larger "rattle cans" for hulls, decks, etc., wherever water will contact. I don't use much water based paints on my boats.
The water based paints are great on my tanks, especially when airbrushing.
Lew
Florida, USA
The water based paints are great on my tanks, especially when airbrushing.
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 Twin motors
6 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 43 Views · 3 Likes
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I guess the basic answer to your question is "how many channels does your radio have?" I can understand the problem if you have a two channel radio or if you are using other channels for something else.
As stated previously two esc's is better for two motor control than one esc (if you have an extra channel for the second esc). Although it is made in China, the Hobbywing 1060 brushed is a great value (22-25 US$) and works really well. I have at least 8 of them.
I looked at that costly "P94" and was not impressed for what it does. 20A is not sufficient for most larger model boats.
Most don't need to get involved with mixing if you use a transmitter with two sticks and use two esc's. KISMIF.
Tip: Use left and right hand props. This will keep the boat from "walking" and if using brushed motors they will run in the same direction (more efficient)
Lew
Florida, USA
As stated previously two esc's is better for two motor control than one esc (if you have an extra channel for the second esc). Although it is made in China, the Hobbywing 1060 brushed is a great value (22-25 US$) and works really well. I have at least 8 of them.
I looked at that costly "P94" and was not impressed for what it does. 20A is not sufficient for most larger model boats.
Most don't need to get involved with mixing if you use a transmitter with two sticks and use two esc's. KISMIF.
Tip: Use left and right hand props. This will keep the boat from "walking" and if using brushed motors they will run in the same direction (more efficient)
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 Springer #1 - Making an elevating pilot house
7 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 74 Views · 13 Likes · 4 Comments
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I thought I would put together a video on this title. It follows the concept of making something travel a linear distance with limit stops on both ends. The belt and pulleys are from an old HP inkjet printer. (Lots of usable parts in these discarded printers.) This Springer is based on a real boat using four photographs. Enjoy!
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 Building a Scale Model "Springer" Push Boat (Part 1)
11 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 18 Views · 1 Like
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Part 1 video now available:
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BarryS
📝 WEED PROBLEMS !!!!!!
13 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 23 Views · 1 Like
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My childhood was on Long Island (Whitestone). Can't remember, do they have "Caution - Thin Ice" signs up there?
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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Len1
📝 Building a Scale Model "Springer" push boat
14 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 65 Views · 11 Likes · 3 Comments
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Many of us have seen or heard of the "Springer" push boat (a.k.a., tug, truckable boat, etc.). Most of them are not scale models but still built to the enjoyment of the owner.
This blog deals with how I build "Springers" to look like a scale model of some real boats. I will deal with some of the issues as well as ideas for searching for you own "scale model Springer".
Follow this blog as I build my latest "Springer", a US Army Corps of Engineers truckable push boat working at the Little Goose Dam in Washington State where it moves river debris to the "stoplog" gates.
Lew
Florida, USA
Here is the introduction video:
This blog deals with how I build "Springers" to look like a scale model of some real boats. I will deal with some of the issues as well as ideas for searching for you own "scale model Springer".
Follow this blog as I build my latest "Springer", a US Army Corps of Engineers truckable push boat working at the Little Goose Dam in Washington State where it moves river debris to the "stoplog" gates.
Lew
Florida, USA
Here is the introduction video:
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📝 WEED PROBLEMS !!!!!!
14 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 34 Views · 10 Likes
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Hate to brag, BUT...
After most of the year of having our (Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club) regular model boat site (Lake Seminole Park, Florida, USA) was unusable due to weed infestation and algae. Finally cleaned up we had one meet (hot!) then hurricane damage to the floating dock.
Well, blessed be! The county moved on this pretty fast and repaired the dock, even better than when it was installed at my request eight years ago.
Today (Sept 17, 2023) EVERYTHING was in tip-top condition. The trimmed grass, clear water, repaired dock, and even the temperature was down to a decent 88°F. This was perhaps the best shape the site has ever been in my 50 years running model boats there.
Lew
Florida, USA
After most of the year of having our (Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club) regular model boat site (Lake Seminole Park, Florida, USA) was unusable due to weed infestation and algae. Finally cleaned up we had one meet (hot!) then hurricane damage to the floating dock.
Well, blessed be! The county moved on this pretty fast and repaired the dock, even better than when it was installed at my request eight years ago.
Today (Sept 17, 2023) EVERYTHING was in tip-top condition. The trimmed grass, clear water, repaired dock, and even the temperature was down to a decent 88°F. This was perhaps the best shape the site has ever been in my 50 years running model boats there.
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 WEED PROBLEMS !!!!!!
19 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 43 Views · 4 Likes
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At least we have year round model boating if we can avoid hurricanes and weed problems.
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 WEED PROBLEMS !!!!!!
19 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 41 Views · 4 Likes
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We have "Snow Birds" here in Florida. (Seasonal residents that come down during the winter.) They help clutter up the roads. I guess one could call them protected.
Florida is the third largest state in the United States.
Lew
Florida, USA
Florida is the third largest state in the United States.
Lew
Florida, USA
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Mike Stoney
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📝 WEED PROBLEMS !!!!!!
20 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 41 Views · 1 Like
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We had similar problems here in Florida earlier this summer. The county (parks dept) said that nature would take care of it. Well, after several months the finally mowed, trimmed, and treated the pond and perimeter.
We had one good meet and then the recent hurricane came thru and damaged the dock rendering unsafe.
Hopefully our backup pond is still usable.
Lew
Florida, USA
We had one good meet and then the recent hurricane came thru and damaged the dock rendering unsafe.
Hopefully our backup pond is still usable.
Lew
Florida, USA
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Colin H
📝 Steering competition
21 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 43 Views · 2 Likes
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Do you know about a "conning" competition? This is pretty wild.
This involves a two person team. Basically the "helmsman" (the one with the transmitter) faces away from the pond and the "pilot" passes verbal instructions the the helmsman.
The starting and ending points (can be the same) are usually some sort of dock requiring docking at the.
In-between are a number of obstacles to go around. This involves loops, turns, narrow passages, etc.
Missing the mark can involve deduction of points (if points are used) or having to turn around and redo the turn, etc. I like the later especially if on a clock timer from start to finish.
Have the course on a big board (like a map) is very handy. Set it by the water for the navigation team to view (see photo).
Lew,
Florida, USA
This involves a two person team. Basically the "helmsman" (the one with the transmitter) faces away from the pond and the "pilot" passes verbal instructions the the helmsman.
The starting and ending points (can be the same) are usually some sort of dock requiring docking at the.
In-between are a number of obstacles to go around. This involves loops, turns, narrow passages, etc.
Missing the mark can involve deduction of points (if points are used) or having to turn around and redo the turn, etc. I like the later especially if on a clock timer from start to finish.
Have the course on a big board (like a map) is very handy. Set it by the water for the navigation team to view (see photo).
Lew,
Florida, USA
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Colin H
BarryS
💬 Re: Springer #4 (US Army Corps of Engineers tug)
24 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 36 Views · 2 Likes
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Yes, I agree, the Springer tugs are fun and easy to built. The simple hull shape results in some quite unique performance. Perhaps that is why that same design is used on the full-size "truckable" push boats. They have to maneuver around restricted waterways with ease.
One of the problems with trying to make a "scale" model of one are getting the model hull to match the real (prototype) hull. The Springers are 18 inches L X 8 inches W, for a 1:2.25 ratio. The one I am currently building is 26 ft L X 13.5 ft W which gives a ratio of 1:1.93. So some adjustments must be made. The other problem is getting enough information, drawings, photographs, data, etc.
The Springers I build typically follow the rules for this one design, hull shape, rudder size, single motor type, propeller dimensions, etc. The only deviation I made is the battery. Instead of a 6V sealed cell, I use the traditional 7.2V batteries so I don't have an oddball among my batteries and chargers.
For those that don't know about one designs like the Springer, this keeps the boats competitive in events (racing, sports, etc.).
None of my Springers use the Zippkits simple above deck items (superstructure, etc.). Three (including this one) are as close to scale as possible. One is scalish looking but with a comical absurd design.
Video of a real one:
One of the problems with trying to make a "scale" model of one are getting the model hull to match the real (prototype) hull. The Springers are 18 inches L X 8 inches W, for a 1:2.25 ratio. The one I am currently building is 26 ft L X 13.5 ft W which gives a ratio of 1:1.93. So some adjustments must be made. The other problem is getting enough information, drawings, photographs, data, etc.
The Springers I build typically follow the rules for this one design, hull shape, rudder size, single motor type, propeller dimensions, etc. The only deviation I made is the battery. Instead of a 6V sealed cell, I use the traditional 7.2V batteries so I don't have an oddball among my batteries and chargers.
For those that don't know about one designs like the Springer, this keeps the boats competitive in events (racing, sports, etc.).
None of my Springers use the Zippkits simple above deck items (superstructure, etc.). Three (including this one) are as close to scale as possible. One is scalish looking but with a comical absurd design.
Video of a real one:
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Colin H
TerryH
📝 Springer #4 (US Army Corps of Engineers tug)
25 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 6 Views · 12 Likes · 8 Comments
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This "Springer" is based on the "Stoplog" tug used a the Little Goose Dam in the USA COE Wall Walla district on the Snake River. From the deck up it replicates the real tug, and from the deck down follows the "Springer" regulations. (The hull components are from Zippkits.) Drawings were obtained from the marine architect and photographs from the internet as well as the boat builder.
(Currently under construction.)
(Currently under construction.)
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📝 Speed controller
25 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 45 Views · 1 Like
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Bottom line is to go modern with the ESCs. Put the old ones on display, in a box, whatever. They are just not usable in a model boat. My first speed controller (circa 1972) was home made and had two 3 position switches. One had power resistors, and the other fwd, stop, and rev. It got quite hot controlling the 6-volt automobile heater fan motor.
Lew
Florida😎, USA
Lew
Florida😎, USA
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📝 speed controller
29 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 40 Views · 7 Likes
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The 320 amp rating might be what is know as "surge". Use the "continuous" rating.
The maximum supply (battery or batteries) should be based on the specification for that particular ESC (which has not been identified).
Note that running two motors from the same ESC: Brushed motors typically don't run the same speed in either direction due to the alignment of the brushes (kind of like BTDC timing in engines). So if you are using counterrotating props one will probably turn a little slower than the other which is why two ESCs might be the better choice (and the two batteries will not conflict with each other).
Lew
Florida, USA
The maximum supply (battery or batteries) should be based on the specification for that particular ESC (which has not been identified).
Note that running two motors from the same ESC: Brushed motors typically don't run the same speed in either direction due to the alignment of the brushes (kind of like BTDC timing in engines). So if you are using counterrotating props one will probably turn a little slower than the other which is why two ESCs might be the better choice (and the two batteries will not conflict with each other).
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 speed controller
30 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 57 Views · 2 Likes
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Looks like it was made to handle two motors as it has two outputs. (Are you planning to use brushed motors?) Need to check the maximum current draw for the motors versus the continuous run current for the ESC.
As far as the batteries go, wiring two (similar) batteries in parallel will effectively double the amperage (current) and the voltage will remain the same. Connecting two batteries in series will double the voltage while the amperage will remain the same.
Lew
Florida, USA
As far as the batteries go, wiring two (similar) batteries in parallel will effectively double the amperage (current) and the voltage will remain the same. Connecting two batteries in series will double the voltage while the amperage will remain the same.
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 Navigation lights
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 54 Views · 3 Likes
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Marker lights (housings) come in various shapes and sizes. Are you talking about those on masts or small boats, ships, etc. Are you looking for the bulbs themselves or the whole housing? Question needs to be more specific.
Lew
Florida, USA
A link for some tips:
Lew
Florida, USA
A link for some tips:
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Colin H
Scratchbuilder
📝 A blast from the past
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 44 Views · 0 Likes
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The figures are Bruder 60021. They work well for 1/18 - 1/16. Position figure, then add super glue to the joints then add filler. Carve, sand, file, then paint. The reflective vest makes for a good life preserver.
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 A blast from the past
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
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You can see the black antenna wire on my trawler in a photo in my harbor. Trawler "Elena" close-up of the wheelhouse, on the top to the left of the hoop antenna.
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 A blast from the past
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 45 Views · 3 Likes
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Still use an old FM radio on my trawler (in member photo) with the antenna running up the aft mast. The radio must be at least 20 years old and still runs great.
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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jbkiwi
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📝 A blast from the past
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 49 Views · 1 Like
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I don't think that I ever threw an RC radio away that didn't work, including a Nautical Commander. Hence I have a number of old radios. "One of these days..."
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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jbkiwi
📝 A blast from the past
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 51 Views · 2 Likes
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RodC,
72.960
Lew
Florida, USA
72.960
Lew
Florida, USA
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RodC
📝 A blast from the past
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 40 Views · 1 Like
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Rod,I still have and use a Heathkit car battery charger!
Lew
Florida, USA 😎
Lew
Florida, USA 😎
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dave976
📝 A blast from the past
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 43 Views · 5 Likes
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Not too far behind (ahead of ?) you guys. This was my first RC radio, around 1973, a four channel system. Had to assemble (lots of soldering) the trans, rec, and four servos. Used it with my 42 inch scratch built Standard Oil tug scaled up from a plastic kit.
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 Are Motorized RC Scale Model Boats Hazardous?
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 41 Views · 4 Likes
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Update on scale model boat operations in west central Florida:
Some of you might have read about us suspending operations for several months (April through mid-July) then convincing another municipality to all scale model boat in their pond. Well, we are back to our original site (since well before 1974).
After the county told me that they will let nature take its course they decided to lower the pond and clear it out. (The pond is about 100m in diameter.) Most likely had to override nature.
Attached are 3 photos, May, June and finally Aug 20, 2023.
Lew
Florida, USA
Some of you might have read about us suspending operations for several months (April through mid-July) then convincing another municipality to all scale model boat in their pond. Well, we are back to our original site (since well before 1974).
After the county told me that they will let nature take its course they decided to lower the pond and clear it out. (The pond is about 100m in diameter.) Most likely had to override nature.
Attached are 3 photos, May, June and finally Aug 20, 2023.
Lew
Florida, USA
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Len1
jbkiwi
DWBrinkman
hermank
📝 Using 2 Mtronik ESCs
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 74 Views · 4 Likes
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When modifying the leads for extra (multiple) ESCs (battery eliminator circuit) I usually take only a small amount of the red wire out, somewhere not too close to the connector or ESC. Gap needs to be only a few MM. Then insulate the cut (electrical tape...). This way you can re-use the ESC by re-connecting the wire.
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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📝 Stopping "Wordie" and "Question of the day"
1 month ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Lieutenant)
Lieutenant)✧ 36 Views · 5 Likes
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Thanks Stephen. I have in the past and still enjoy interfacing with fellow scale model boaters on a variety of topics. I started in RC scale boats about 50 years ago with a scratch built 42 inch "Standard Oil" tug. Much has changed since then and this site helps to keep me informed about the hobby. Thanks to all who both ask questions and supply answers!
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
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