rcengr submitted a new resource: USS Nokomis - A complete kit to build a YTB-142 class tugboat Read more about this resource...
OMG that is so CUTE! I gotta build one, just because... A few questions: what batteries do you use, and what motor? Also, why did you place the rudder bellcrank on the forward grease sump screw, instead of the aft one? Is there not enough room for it further aft, or are there ballast concerns?
The batteries are two AAAs. The motor is a surplus motor of about 1000kv, but it is sold out at the place I got it: http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G18235 I believe you could substitute any 130 size motor that is rated for 6 to 12 volts. Here's a possibility: https://www.pololu.com/product/1117. I haven't had the boat in anything bigger than a sink, so I don't really know how well the motor is matched to the prop. The rudder bellcrank is that far forward because I was trying to get it in the deeper part of the hull. The forward pillar was put there just for the bellcrank and would not work for the grease sump cover screw. Balance is probably a little forward, so ballasting it aft is not a problem.
After the failure of the servo board that I was planning to run the motor with, I was motivated to finish programing my mini ESC. It uses a PICAXE microcontroller to control a Pololu 8833 dual motor controller board https://www.pololu.com/product/2135 At $3.89 for the board and $2.95 for the controller it makes for a pretty cheap ESC.
Love your model I'm printing one now. Just was wondering what the Pololu product or model number for the PICAXE micro-controller you used?
Thank you. that helps i just ordered some electronic parts. Now on to the adventure of learning to code for PICAXE. Hopefully its easier than programing a PLC.
