Ballast Pump Control - How to control fwd/rev of pump.

[tennesseejim]

I'm working on my ballast tank for my r/c sub and I have a question - How do I control the pump, for the tank, with just 1 r/c channel?

I have a 4 channel radio. It is a futaba. I'm using 3 of the channels for throttle/rudder/diving planes. I've seen switches advertised to control multiple functions with just one channel. Would one of these work? Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks - Jim

[skip asay]

Jim -

Go to http://www.rcboats.com/electronics.html and

Jim -

Go to http://www.rcboats.com/electronics.html and scroll down to RS-5 Electronic Reversing Switch. It was designed to control a ballast pump, among other things.

As a matter of fact, why not just go to http://www.rcboats.com and take a look at everything else. You'll probably be surprised at what SubTech has for submarines.

Skip Asay
SubTech

[thierryc]

Or you can just use

Or you can just use a servo and two mini switches.
The following diagram shows you how to connect everything

[1].gif

[Guest]

Or you can just use

Or you can just use a servo and two mini switches.
The following diagram shows you how to connect everything

[1].gif

If you use micro switches, please ensure they are the current amperage rating.

Also, you can use a ESC for control. A bit OTT, but if you have a spare one laying around......!

Plus some ESC's work out a fair bit cheaper than a lot of so called dedicated switchers.

Also take a look here, if you want to see some great dive mananger controllers- absolutely unique!

http://www.modelcontrollers.co.uk

Cheers

Andy

[britt boyette]

If you use the unit

If you use the unit Skip's talking about, you won't have to worry about any of that jazz. Also, the unit takes up less room than a servo and works perfectly.

[tennesseejim]

Britt:

Are using one of these

Britt:

Are using one of these units?

Can you give a description of its use - do I just plug it into the remaining receiver socket and toggle the joystick left/right to fill/drain the tank?

- Jim

[bigdave]

I am not Britt but

I am not Britt but the answer is yes. The SES2 is not only an easier setup, it also has a missing pulse detector in it. If your radio signal is lost it will blow the ballast tank to hopefully save your boat. A fine example of the KISS. (Keep it simple stupid). Good Luck, Dave.



Edited By Bigdave on 1074794516

[skip asay]

"do I just plug it

"do I just plug it into the remaining receiver socket and toggle the joystick left/right to fill/drain the tank?"

Yes. But don't forget you also have to connect the wires to the pump and battery.

Also note that the proper switch to use is the RS-5. The SES-II that Dave mentioned is used to control 2 solenoids. While it could also be used to control a pump motor the extra circuitry required isn't worth the effort. Use the switch that was specifically designed for that purpose.

Skip Asay
SubTech

PS - The best way to get an answer as to how a vendor's product works is to go directly to the vendor. Dave's post, while very much appreciated, shows how easily, although very much unintended, a potential user could be mislead. (Sorry, Dave. But thanks)

[tennesseejim]

Thanks to everyone. This is

Thanks to everyone. This is the kind of information I need.

- Jim

[bigdave]

You are right Skip. I

You are right Skip. I use the SES2 because I use solenoids. (Clippard Valves) to work my systems. I have never used the RS-5. Sorry for the confusion. See you at the WRAMS show. Dave.

[britt boyette]

Like Skip said, again! I

Like Skip said, again! I have used both the SES-II and the RS-5. They are as close to plug and play as you can get. Both of them never let me down. It's really nice to only have to buy something once. More if you have more than one sub, of course.