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If I understood Ralph correctly, that a piston is run either fully empty or fully filled, I have a different view with regards to a piston tank (although there are some systems that is done - most are proportional now). If I misunderstood (and that happens to me) ignore my statement LOL. My Walrus, it uses a piston tank, does not run fully filled when submerged (currently at 55% it it just barely buoyant). At fully filled I am at the bottom of the lake (which is cool in shallow and clear water) The goal is to get where last 25% is used to get to various degrees of buoyancy submerged (I am being taught) at 75% the sail should be kissing the surface of the water. This gives you plenty of positive buoyancy if you need it for emergency and enough to adjust your depth. I adjust the piston to get my sub to run at a particular depth. The piston set to full empty and the sub will sit at waterline. I bring it to 56% filled and the sub will just start to dip below the surface. Fill it completely and I am at the bottom of the pond. It is a true static diving system. The Walrus ran for 3 hours and still had power left when we called it quits that day (it was a maiden run). The Akula II will have the same control if you set it up that way. Two people I have utmost respect for and decades of knowledge and experience, both have the Akula II and it runs amazingly well. They can sit still and the scope will be out of the water just sitting there.
Here is a photo of my Walrus (not painted) with two other piston subs each sitting at their own depth.
If you want a WWII type sub, Bob also sells a setup for a Bronco model's Type XXIII.
You asked about which goes deeper, the joke is, they both will go to the bottom. However, most people run at a periscope depth or 1-2 feet under the surface. both systems will go the same depth, it is radio signal that makes the difference. You mention running in a pool with viewing windows (cool), if the pool is chlorinated heavily you might not get below a few feet, but if it is not heavily chlorinated you can go much deeper. I am not sure the exact depth 75MHz will penetrate a clear water lake. I ran my Gato in a pool that was at my mother-in-law's community pool and could go to 8' with no issues (most days). When they would bump up the chlorine, sometimes just being at the far side of the pool barely submerged would cause the sub to do an emergency rise.
I, like you, enjoy the older subs. So, I understand the appeal of the WWII subs or older. I would be a hypocrite to say do not build an older sub for your first sub. Whatever you choose, you will have a ton of support here. There is not a wrong answer really. It is your choice. You will learn no matter which way you go. For me, I am loving all the different systems I have played with. Each has its merits and each has it's own quirks. However a well balanced and setup submarine is a joy to play with.
Here is a photo of my Walrus (not painted) with two other piston subs each sitting at their own depth.
If you want a WWII type sub, Bob also sells a setup for a Bronco model's Type XXIII.
You asked about which goes deeper, the joke is, they both will go to the bottom. However, most people run at a periscope depth or 1-2 feet under the surface. both systems will go the same depth, it is radio signal that makes the difference. You mention running in a pool with viewing windows (cool), if the pool is chlorinated heavily you might not get below a few feet, but if it is not heavily chlorinated you can go much deeper. I am not sure the exact depth 75MHz will penetrate a clear water lake. I ran my Gato in a pool that was at my mother-in-law's community pool and could go to 8' with no issues (most days). When they would bump up the chlorine, sometimes just being at the far side of the pool barely submerged would cause the sub to do an emergency rise.
I, like you, enjoy the older subs. So, I understand the appeal of the WWII subs or older. I would be a hypocrite to say do not build an older sub for your first sub. Whatever you choose, you will have a ton of support here. There is not a wrong answer really. It is your choice. You will learn no matter which way you go. For me, I am loving all the different systems I have played with. Each has its merits and each has it's own quirks. However a well balanced and setup submarine is a joy to play with.
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