Sub Entry Battleplans - Goals and objectives for the sub-newb

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  • capt blood
    Junior Member
    • Jun 2006
    • 8

    #1

    Sub Entry Battleplans - Goals and objectives for the sub-newb

    [color=#000000]OK, so I'm the typical mid-30s 12yr old, long time R/C enthusiast with lotsa experience in surface vehicles. (raced RC-10s back in the day, still got it in the closet, among other things...) ...and a fairly skilled (or so I think) static modeller as well.

    Well conditioned to the costs of RC, so no need to throw out the usual warnings... I'll deal with it.

    I'm a bit of a sub addict... play a lot of Silent Hunter, read lotsa books and so forth. So now I've got the itch for building an R/C sub to float in the pool and perhaps annoy the local R/C sailing yacht club.

    I've always liked the VIIC's and I notice at least a couple WTCs available to flesh out a 1/72 Revell or the larger OTW model for RC duty. I'd really like to build one of the above with an active ballast (and sans net-cutter, ahem...) However, after reading a bit here I think I might be getting in over my head a bit starting out with such lofty ambitions.

    So taking a step back... I see the Blueback looks like a good starting point. I need something to slap together in a few days to test the backyard pool waters so to speak... I assume it's a dynamic diver, but that's OK for a starter kit I think.

    So, to make a short story long, I've started this thread with the hopes of asking a few questions that don't seem to be apparent in the FAQ.

    First and foremost...

    THE NON-FAQ RADIO QUESTION

    I have at least 2 functional surface AM Futaba radios (pistol grips) but only 3 channels... Neither would cut it for my "Dream VIIC", but whadya think about using one for a Blueback starter?

    I do want a new radio, which leads me to my next radio question. When it comes to frequency... seems like you all talk mostly in terms of AM. My understanding is that the AM signal 'should' indeed be better for penetrating water (as opposed to the very-common-now FMs). I also noticed there are now digital radios operating at 2.4Ghz like cell phones and they alternate frequency or something like that so you never have to worry about conflicts. In fact at the local hobby shop if you ask to see surface radios they'll show you an FM first (probably a pistol grip) and if you ask to see the fanciest one, they pull out the digital. The digital I happened to see looked to be outfitted with helo-use in mind...

    So whadyall think? Is the tried-n-true AM the way to go for a sub? ...or would a digital or FM actually work better/worse? And, if money were no object which model/brand do you like?

    Oh, and I think my order of purchases might follow something like this]
  • capt blood
    Junior Member
    • Jun 2006
    • 8

    #2
    Looks like I wasn't giving

    Looks like I wasn't giving the SWM Blueback proper credit.
    Appears to be a very nice active ballast design.

    A very nice model... and I see the 3 channel radio likely won't cut it. But I'm sure you all knew that. (still wondering about the FM and digital ones though)

    If another newb happens upon the thread, the Blueback is here]http://www.geocities.com/smallworldmodels/kits.htm[/url]

    Comment

    • anonymous

      #3
      Hi, the Blueback is a

      Hi, the Blueback is a great starter sub if you want to get into the water quick, and if cost isn't an issue (otherwise something like the the Subtech Albacore or Krick Uboat). 3 Channel radio will work if you use an something like an APC4 pitch controller for the rear planes (it can be used without taking up a channel- ofcourse you won't have manual control anymore). 2.4 Ghz won't work under water. If you have an AM set use it, it will be fine. If your going out and buying a new set, get an FM one - more channels, less glitches and interferance from voltage spikes etc.

      Comment

      • subdude
        Official Peon
        • Feb 2003
        • 682

        #4
        Hi.

        The SWM Blueback is an

        Hi.

        The SWM Blueback is an EXCELLENT starting point for entry into this hobby. It is a static diver, comes pretty much complete except for radio and pitch controller, and is an outstanding performer. If you've built anything R/C before, as you have, you can have the Blueback in the water in a weekend. A fine choice. (I have hull #6)

        Others are very well done also, such as the SubTech kits, the D&E Skipjack, etc.

        Radios. A 3 channel won't cut the mustard. On a static diving boat you need at least 4 (speed, rudder, stern planes, ballast). Your best bet is to just bite the bullet and get a nice FM radio that will last you for many years and boats. The Polk's Tracker 3 is worth a look. It comes 8 channel on surface frequencys, and can transmit on any channel that's open (bye, bye waiting for a frequency clip in order to play). And, at $180, it's a deal.

        Pitch controller. Don't argue, just get it. The SubTech APC4 is an excellent unit.

        Batteries. The Blueback is set up for a 7.2v R/C car pack. I built my own 8.4v 3000 mah NiMH pack for it, the extra kick helped, and it runs for a long time. Not sure what motor Dave's providing with the boat now, 7.2v might be fine.

        Last item. Make the SubCommittee membership first, not last. You'll understand when you get your mitts on your first issue of The Report.

        Welcome Aboard!

        Jim
        SubCommittee member #0069 (since the dawn of time.....)

        Comment

        • capt blood
          Junior Member
          • Jun 2006
          • 8

          #5
          Hi.

          The SWM Blueback is an

          Hi.

          The SWM Blueback is an EXCELLENT starting point for entry into this hobby. It is a static diver, comes pretty much complete except for radio and pitch controller, and is an outstanding performer. If you've built anything R/C before, as you have, you can have the Blueback in the water in a weekend. A fine choice. (I have hull #6)

          Others are very well done also, such as the SubTech kits, the D&E Skipjack, etc.

          Radios. A 3 channel won't cut the mustard. On a static diving boat you need at least 4 (speed, rudder, stern planes, ballast). Your best bet is to just bite the bullet and get a nice FM radio that will last you for many years and boats. The Polk's Tracker 3 is worth a look. It comes 8 channel on surface frequencys, and can transmit on any channel that's open (bye, bye waiting for a frequency clip in order to play). And, at $180, it's a deal.

          Pitch controller. Don't argue, just get it. The SubTech APC4 is an excellent unit.

          Batteries. The Blueback is set up for a 7.2v R/C car pack. I built my own 8.4v 3000 mah NiMH pack for it, the extra kick helped, and it runs for a long time. Not sure what motor Dave's providing with the boat now, 7.2v might be fine.

          Last item. Make the SubCommittee membership first, not last. You'll understand when you get your mitts on your first issue of The Report.

          Welcome Aboard!

          Jim
          Thanks for the advice guys...

          Wow, that's a pleasant surprise! I was actually expecting to pay quite a bit more for the radio. You're right, 8ch and multi-freq is a great price at $180. Does that auto-detect open freqs and then transmit? Cool indeed; been awhile since I've come up to speed on the latest RC gadgetry. Nice to hear some improvements have been made. I'll check that one off my list and get my order in...

          Funny, I saw the pics of the 'ugly' Polk and thought "What? Looks like a typical radio to me." The newer one is pretty sexy though.

          Nice to hear the kudos on the Blueback kit. I like the other kits too, the Oyashio is a slick looking model. ...and I would imagine perhaps a less common choice? (not that the Bluebacks are flying off the shelf at that price, but...) Yeah I'll admit, I was hoping to find a Seawolf or LA class in the SWM mix.

          Quality-wise they all look like great kits. Not sure which to choose now. Esthetically speaking, any thoughts, opinions?

          I'll have to take a look at the D&E kits. Don't think I came across those in my web-shopping last night.

          OK, I'll send in the membership request this afternoon. Actually I wasn't planning to do it LAST, just after I played with the Blueback a bit. Ya-know, tween the starter kit and attempting to mod a Revell. Granted, I had the Blueback downgraded considerably in my mind before making that comment. So yeah, probably wise to get in the loop before a kit shows up.

          Speaking of the Revell VIIC... I guess my decision on Revell vs. OTW (for the post-entry endeavor) was made last night when dimensions began to sink in. I think I can manage (after some careful wife negotiation) a prominent mantle display area for the 1/72 kit (42in). A sub in the 7ft range (did I calc right?) I just don't know where I'd keep the thing (banishment to the garage would seem a shame) and my 16x32 pool (which I consider rather large) wouldn't be good for much more than static dive testing. Probably couldn't even turn a circle.

          Yeah I use to run 8.4 packs with my modified engines. Still have a few laying around, probably won't take a charge anymore though. At least I've already got the dual-charger (hehehe, that's probably standard now). Use to build packs myself too. Actually a task I wouldn't mind avoiding in the future... I'm sure there's probably lotsa good packs to choose from pre-made now.

          Comment

          • capt blood
            Junior Member
            • Jun 2006
            • 8

            #6
            Only drawback I've noticed to

            Only drawback I've noticed to the Blueback, or at least my newb-perceived drawback...

            I was really impressed with the elec-pump/bladder ballast systems.

            Just hate the thought of propel cans being involved in the operation. Recalling a not-so-fond time when I couldn't afford a decent air compressor and was forced to use the things for airbrush work. Always dreaded having to go out shopping for those things...

            Am I right? The Blueback is a gas ballast and probably can't be converted?

            Anyone got a pic of themselves holding a Blueback? Just for a better sense of the size...

            Comment

            • capt blood
              Junior Member
              • Jun 2006
              • 8

              #7
              Some modest progress...
              Spent my first

              Some modest progress...
              Spent my first official "sub-money" today.

              Put the order in for the]http://www.polkshobby.com[/url]
              TRACKER III W/SEEKER 6 ON 75 (GRD,USA)
              $180.00 + $9.30 S&H

              And, put my $26 check in the mail to join SubCommittee.

              Still up in the air on which kit. decisions decisions

              Comment

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