My Trumpeter "Seawolf" Conversion

[petn7]

Here's a blog with some pictures and information about my Trumpeter "Seawolf" conversion to R/C. As you can see, it's not really a Seawolf as I've made some modifications that will hopefully make the submarine perform better in a pool.

The hull is basically done, so now it's on to work on the WTC and internal boat systems.

Might be a while until another blog update, but for now, enjoy.

http://submarineproject.blogspot.com/

[raalst]

nice !

is this one

nice !

is this one of the Kazzer/merriman conversion kits ?

[petn7]

nice !

is this one

nice !

is this one of the Kazzer/merriman conversion kits ?

Yes it is.

I added some brass bearings for the dive planes and rudder, and resized the kli-cons, too.

[petn7]

Dry Dock

I've updated the "blog" regarding this submarine build. I added pictures of the "dry dock." It's basically a carrying case.

[Rogue Sub]

Why didnt you use the

Why didnt you use the Meriman provided propulser? It really rips.

[petn7]

Why didnt you use the

Why didnt you use the Meriman provided propulser? It really rips.

Because a propulsor inhibits a submarine's ability to turn.

[Rogue Sub]

The turning radius isnt that

The turning radius isnt that bad.

[petn7]

The turning radius isnt that

The turning radius isnt that bad.

It could still be better by removing the propulsor...at least that's what everyone says.

I value performance over scale fidelity (assuming I have to choose b/w the two), as you already know. I only plan on running my "Seafox" in pools. No gross lakes for this thing.

[petn7]

So I did some testing

So I did some testing with the RCABS-DP ballast system and realized I had a problem. I was using the SES 3 with an 8 cell eneloop AA battery pack. I was using two of the larger of the Caswell air pumps - one pump creates the vacuum in my WTC to inflate the bladder while another pump replaces the valve in order to restore the air to the WTC and allow the submarine to dive.

The problem was that the Caswell pump could not inflate the bladder past a few cubic centimeters of air. I would estimate that the bladder was being inflated about 5-10%. Basically the Caswell pump was underpowered, even under 8 cells. I made some changes by replacing one pump with the air pump BigDave sells. I knew it was more powerful, but I didn't realize it was by so much. I just finished a test where I used the BigDave air pump AND used a weaker battery pack to inflate the bladder no problem. Instead of using an 8 cell AA pack, I was using a 6 cell AAA pack.

I don't have any pictures, but I'll have my WTC and Seafox submarine to the SubRegatta. Also, this post is to basically say that the BigDave pumps are FAR MORE POWERFUL than the Caswell pumps. I still think the Caswell pump can be used for an RCABS system, but you'll need plenty of air in the WTC or an extra large pressure vessel for an RCABS-R ballast system.

[kazzer]

http://www.moonrakers.com/submarines/RCABSpump.mov

http://www.moonrakers.com/submarines/RCABSpump.mov

[petn7]

I imagine pumping air against

I imagine pumping air against pressure is different than pumping against a vacuum...maybe not, I don't know, but I know what I saw (with my own experience).

[petn7]

Here are two pictures of

Here are two pictures of the "Seafox's" WTC:






I'll get more pictures uploaded onto the blog, later.

[petn7]

I finally replaced the Caswell

I finally replaced the Caswell pump with the 6V Clippard Solenoid valve. I did some testing and the RCABS system works like a charm. I got the entire WTC to rise and fall like clockwork. The only problem was a leak in one of the pushrod seals. I have drilled out the leaky seal and glued in a new seal with JB Weld.

Anyone have extensive experience with the Caswell 1/16" pushrod seals? They've worked just fine with my Alfa V2 so far (the leaky seal in the Alfa V2 was my fault as I got glue in the seal's o-ring). However, with the Seafox, the 1/16" stainless steel servo pushrods have been sitting in the seals for more than 4 months, and maybe the o-rings stretched out? I noticed that the pushrod, even in the non leaky seal felt loose, but in the brand new seal, it felt very tight and secure.

[wayne frey]

I don't know if you

I don't know if you did it, or if it matters, but I lightly oiled both sides of right where the seal rides on the rod. I figured it could not hurt.
Mike's Subworks also sells pushrod seals. That is what I used on my RCAB cylinder.
I have not tested it yet. I discovered dropping my wtc on the ground packing for the regatta had done servo damage and a few other things, so I am redoing my cylinder now.
Fortunately, everything will be fine.

[bigdave]

Unfortunately my extended warrantee does

Unfortunately my extended warrantee does not cover the 3' drop test.
Looks like you are SOL my friend!!
Just kidding!! BD.