Ballast System Survey

[redboat219]

What are the different ballast system being used in RC sub nowadays?

[redboat219]

Forgot to add "hybrids". Please

Forgot to add "hybrids". Please include it under "others"

[JWLaRue]

It's too bad that the

It's too bad that the forum doesn't allow polls where multiple answers can be provided. When I look at my r/c sub fleet, I see that to date I have used 4 different ballast system types.

-Jeff

[bigdave]

I thought the same thing

I thought the same thing Jeff.
We need an (All the above)
I have used one of all those systems at one time. BD.

[redboat219]

is there a way for

is there a way for me to modify the list so I could add hybrid systems to the choices ?

[JWLaRue]

...try editing your post.....

This works

...try editing your post.....

This works for forum admins and should work for editing your own post.

-Jeff

[redboat219]

I tried that already. All

I tried that already. All I get is the message section not the poll choices.

[redboat219]

3 weeks into the survey.


3 weeks into the survey.
I see that majority of the modelers are into RCABS/-R.
It's a tie between gas and piston tanks.

[scrumpyjack]

Being new to mmodel submarines

Being new to mmodel submarines can some one tell me why a RCAB system is preferred over any other?
Yes I can under stand that there isn't a off the shelf cyclinder ballast sytem big enough for the 'bigger boat'
But why choose RCAB ?

[hakkikt]

I suppose it is more

I suppose it is more of a local thing. You see a lot more piston systems in Europe, just as you see less WTC-based and more single-hull boats.

[steveneill]

Simply because it works so

Simply because it works so well and it reliable. I have been using it for years and have had no problems. I can dive and surface as much as I need to with the only regard being that of the battery and how long it will run for.

Simple. Easy to set up and inexpensive. It is the only system I now use.

Steve Neill

Being new to mmodel submarines can some one tell me why a RCAB system is preferred over any other?
Yes I can under stand that there isn't a off the shelf cyclinder ballast sytem big enough for the 'bigger boat'
But why choose RCAB ?

[Guest]

Don't forget that you're only

Don't forget that you're only seeing a microcosm of opinion here.

RCAB's in it's various forms has been around a looong time. It's a catchy acronym for what is a low pressure compressed air ballast system. Air is moved around within the dive module- no external snorkel.

The system gained increased popularity with the availability of cheap, miniature diaphragm based compressors, which enabled the use of this system in the smaller scale boats. Up until that point, you had to use larger compressor models, like tyre inflater's, converted steam engines or grow your own.

One of the major benefits with such a system is that it can be put together very cheaply and with the minimum of tools. A few basic hand tools and a bit of grey matter is all that is required.

[cnutting]

As Andy said: RCABS =

As Andy said: RCABS = simple, cheap and reliable.

Rumour has it that another site specialising in gas and snorkeling systems has a similar poll. No surprise, the vote leader is.... gas and snorkeling systems.

Personal preference, they all work. They all have their positives and downsides.

[scrumpyjack]

Cheap and reliable a!!!
Mmm food

Cheap and reliable a!!!
Mmm food for thought.
My very first Ballast system just built used a length of 80mm plastic gutter down pipe (left over from guttering the shed!!) two baffles made of some old plastic laying around for the inside of the tank, sealed either end with screwwy end thingys (£5 about) , a caravan water system submersible pump (£9) a pair of 12 volt Valves (£16 about).
It's a basic a ballast tank operation open both valves to dive upper valve vents air, lower valve takes in water.
To surface open upper valve start pump. Bingo !! Works a treat as a stand alone yet to be put in boat. Now if £30 ain't cheap and I reckon I could do away with water intake valve taking the cost down to £22.
But hey I'm a KISS merchant.

[britt boyette]

Cheap and reliable a!!!
Mmm food

Cheap and reliable a!!!
Mmm food for thought.
My very first Ballast system just built used a length of 80mm plastic gutter down pipe (left over from guttering the shed!!) two baffles made of some old plastic laying around for the inside of the tank, sealed either end with screwwy end thingys (£5 about) , a caravan water system submersible pump (£9) a pair of 12 volt Valves (£16 about).
It's a basic a ballast tank operation open both valves to dive upper valve vents air, lower valve takes in water.
To surface open upper valve start pump. Bingo !! Works a treat as a stand alone yet to be put in boat. Now if £30 ain't cheap and I reckon I could do away with water intake valve taking the cost down to £22.
But hey I'm a KISS merchant.

When it pumps out the water, does it have to draw in air to fill the ballast tank or does it just create a vacum inside the tank? I'm coming from the angle of only having a water pump system like the one found in a Sub Tech Albacore. Everything else has been Propel type systems.