First thing is beware the battery eliminator circuit on the escs. They provide power to the receiver. With both hooked up they will fight each other and maybe burn something out. You can disconnect them by pulling the center pin ( red wire, +5 volts) on the servo lead that runs to the receiver from the esc. Carefully lift up the tab that holds the pin in the servo connector and you should be able to pull the pin out without damaging it. Fold the wire back and tape the pin to the wire in case you need to reconnect it later. ( like when using a programming card ). Just make sure never to have more than one of the becs on the escs supplying power to the receiver at one time. Ron Hunt
Before you wire anything, you need to put in the driveshafts and stuffing tubes, and the gearboxes, so you can mount the motors. You also want to get your pump and see where you're going to put it. Those are your major wired objects and laying out the wiring harness will proceed from that point.
Ok, I have brake tubing. Will that work for stuffing tubes? Also, instead of buying bushings or tubing to make the ST, could I cast some bushings out of epoxy? Just an idea of mine. If the epoxy could take it, I think it would work. Beaver
+1 to what Ron said. (we really need a +1 button) Buy the bushings, or tubing, and make proper stuffing tubes. This is not one place that you want to cheap out
Thanks for the advice! Very much appreciated. I can't seem to find tubing or bushings small enough to work. Where do you guys get yours? Beaver (I know what you mean about that +1 button)
I think you can get them from Strikemodels or Battlers Connection. Use to get them from small parts but I haven't been able to buy anything from them since Amazon bought them and destroyed their website. Sintered bronze bearings are usually 1/4" od and 1/8" id with a flange and are fairly cheap. You can also buy sintered bronze rounds from McMaster Carr or some other industrial supply and make your own bushings, if you have the patience. Or you can use ball bearings ( 5/16" OD flanged x 1/8" Id ) that are fairly cheap from tower hobbies, but they don't wear very well. I end up replacing ball bearings once a year due to dirt and rust. Ron Hunt
OK, I found the bushings on Mcmaster. I have on question though, will I need them for the dummie stuffing tubes, or can I use something else? Beaver
unpowered shafts don't need to rotate, so no. Seal em up good. No sense in making another water entry point. On my Derf the outboard shafts are actually about 2 inches long and are soldered into the tubing with about 3/4" exposed to mount drag discs/props on to.
Whew, it's been awhile since I've posted anything here. I haven't given up on Suffren yet, just been busy. I have a question, what is the best way to mount props to the shafts? Thanks, Beaver
typically you have a 1/8" shaft and the prop has a 1/8" diameter hole for it to slide on. then there is a little screw that tightens down onto the shaft. Some ppl will even file a slot into the shaft to help prevent the prop from slipping off. Props can be pricey at around 20$ a set if you buy em from strike or BC. Unless you have made props b4 I would suggest buying them.
Thanks for the ideas! Sorry for not getting back sooner. I'm planning on building my props. That's why I asked this question. I was thinking about using a lock collar with a set screw, but might screw them on like Darren suggested. Beaver
I haven't done anything with Suffren for quite a while, but today I got a wake up call. See below. Those are not permanent residents, just to let you know. Beaver
I will be ordering parts for the stuffing tubes today. Can't wait to start working on Suffren again, plus get rid of all those spiders. Beaver
Parts arrived a few days ago, and work on the stuffing tubes has progressed a little. I have a question on stuffing tube design. Instead of the traditional way of the bushing going inside of the tube, could it go on the outside with another tube overlapping the bushing and the stuffing tube? Oh, before I forget, what should I use to fasten everything together? Like, should I use solder, CA, epoxy, or something I haven't thought of? As seen in the photos. I think it should work. What are your thoughts? My gearbox I'm working on. (Ugh, where did those spiders come from!) Also, what is a good gear ratio for a 2500kv motor with a 1 1/4" prop? Beaver
