Engel 212 question

[fotolabman]

I am starting an Engel 212 build and after looking on their site i was interested in the XP upgrade for the ballast tank.

I was wondering if anyone knows if it will fit in the tech rack for the 212?

I've tried searching on various sub forums, but haven't found a definitive answer yet

[fotolabman]

Re: Engel 212 question

here are some pictures of what i did yesterday anyways

[Wheelerdealer]

Re: Engel 212 question

The XP system is is for twin piston tank subs.

[fotolabman]

Re: Engel 212 question

ok thanks

I thought the linear potentiometer would make for more precise trim adjustment rather than just an end stop
makes sense that the TMAX boards are build for two tanks

[JWLaRue]

Re: Engel 212 question

When using Engel pistons, my preference (and recommendation) is to use something like the UNIpro ballast tank switch:

http://www.engel-modellbau.eu/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_67&products_id=2261

This gives you full control over the entire volume of the piston. It's what I've been calling "Dial-a-Depth" for years!

-Jeff

[fotolabman]

Re: Engel 212 question

oh cool

so then all i would need is the Proportional Rotary Module for the MC-12 and i should be set

[bigdave]

Re: Engel 212 question

Jeff,
DonO and I had no luck using the uni-pros.
It seemed to be very susceptible to noise, and would only work when it felt like it.
So we took them out and put in a basic controller.
Not sure what it was and I am sure Engel would have tried to help as their customer service is great.
I just gave up trying to make it work right.
So no more Dial-a-depth for me. BD.

[JWLaRue]

Re: Engel 212 question

That's bad news. The UNIpro I have worked fine on the bench.....which of course does not necessarily translate into real world capability.

Let's corner Kevin McLeod at the regatta about this. He was considering making a piston controller for us a while back. Maybe we can re-kindle his interest.....

-Jeff

[bigdave]

Re: Engel 212 question

It seemed to work at first for me on the bench but every time I ran it in the water the tank developed a mind of its own.
Then it just went crazy.
Don's we could not even get running.
Not sure why and we never contacted Engel and I am sure they would have helped.
Just lost interest and put in the basic unit.
It works like a champ!
Sometimes simple is best. BD.

[bigdave]

Re: Engel 212 question

BTW- I love my 212 kit.
Good choice.

And Jeff, don't forget the shrubbery!

[fotolabman]

Re: Engel 212 question

Thanks, I originally bought an OTW Upholder/Victoria hull as my first sub
but the hull and bulkheads that were already built were damaged in shipping (just like the real ones)

realising i was in over my head, i did some reading and figured the 212 kit would be a good starter kit
then i can dive into trying to make my own WTC for my HMCS Victoria

[JWLaRue]

Re: Engel 212 question

And Jeff, don't forget the shrubbery!

NIh!

-Jeff

[Guest]

Re: Engel 212 question

The issues with the Unipro sound very odd to me. There's nothing particularly hi-tech about these units. The german modellers have been using this type of thing for years on their models. Just a magnetic encoder feeding back via a hall effect sensor to a micro controller- probably PIC based, all the other Engel stuff I've seen is. The H-bridge is relay based, so well isolated from noise.

Were you using a BEC with the 212, if so which type/controller? Perhaps the hall effect sensor is duff? Hall effect sensors are sensitive to temeprature, although I the unit selected should take that into account.

I had an issue last year with aboat with an Mtroniks controller. I swapped the micro switch relay based pump controller for a microgyros ESC. I got all kinds of weird glitching (intermittent) where the microgyros ESC failsafe kept cutting in. Each unit worked perfectly on its own, but together they wouldn't play ball. Tried all manner of immunisation tricks, ferrites, caps etc. in the end I swapped out the Mtroniks ESC for another microgyros unit- no more problem.

I think somewhere there was an earth loop developing, but whereever the issue was, it was internal to the circuit on one or both controllers.

[Wheelerdealer]

Re: Engel 212 question

I had a glitchy ballast tank switch on my 212. Fitting a ferrite ring to the long wires from the pressure switch improved things, and disconnecting the presuure switch cable completely solved it for good.
I fitted a Unipro to my Lafayette and it has been working fine.

[bigdave]

Re: Engel 212 question

That is great!
I was running a battery and not a BEC and disconnected the pressure s/w and I still had issues.
Just my luck! BD.