ONBOARD Hydro RETRIEVAL sytem!!

[Shooter]

Here is the video of the final design!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At7jWr7iYC4

OK, so we all have been aggrevated with an upside down hydro!!

I started working on an onboard retrieval system that packages into the Vacupickle cowl. It runs an alternate prop if upside down (reef racer prop, brushed motor, 5v). I'm sure the haters will speak out! ....but I really think it will be great during practice and liesure runs, etc!! I rigged one of my gassers with this system (see second photo) and it works great. A reverse command on the TX engages the lever switch and off she goes!

The electric Pickle will require some sort of logic though since there is no throttle servo. Most likely a PWM switch. Not sure what I'm going to do here yet.

Regarding asthetics, it will look rather stupid to have a prop on the back of the turbine, but I think it can be hidden by a small, vented shroud around the turbine.

Should be fun to really put the steam behind this boat and not have to worry about blowovers.

[teach]

Is there any way to make use of the third channel most radio/receivers have?

[blackcat26]

Dude! That's cool. Most innovative idea I have seen in quite some time. I had the same idea but have never fooled with it. What about steering?

[Jesse J]

I gotta laugh, this is great - will be watching!! How many of us have NOT been asked if there was a way to make a prop on the top for recovery reasons?

great work man, stride forth!

[bigpapa]

cannot wait to see the final out come hats off to ya

[Shooter]

What about steering?

There will be a small extension on the rudder. Doesn't have to be much since the hull will be mostly in the water. Right = Left, Left = Right.

I finished the motor mount. Turned it out of Al. I might have to remove some material for weight, but it should make a nice heat sink. Since the water will surround the cowl, might cool the motor! Now for the motor mount holes (this is where I got a little sick in the head). I turned a few threaded centering points to find the mount position. Oh brother....

I just ordered a "servo switch" that will switch power on when full reverse is commanded. As for power, I'm hoping to get away with tapping off one of the main power connecters for 2S. Not sure about the heat though, so I might have to put a few diodes in series to bring down the voltage....or maybe a regulator. Nothing complicated though, I want to keep it simple so I can plug and play a standard cowl if need be.

[blackcat26]

What about putting the complete Reef Racer guts inside the canopy then you could use a different transmitter to drive her back in.???

[Shooter]

What about putting the complete Reef Racer guts inside the canopy then you could use a different transmitter to drive her back in.???

That's not a bad idea. Simple, and it would work.....but it's just too much weight with the combo rx and speed control. I'd rather not run a speed control, just a switch. Limit the weight.

I did find that the Reef Racer rudder will fit nice into the shaft of my existing rudder. I'll use it as a combo rudder shaft and 2nd rudder! Sticks up like a tiny little shark fin.

[Shooter]

It's starting to come together. I mounted the motor and am working on a stuffing tube. There will be a rubber plate between the motor and mount to account for any misalignment. With this low power application, it should be fine. This is exactly what I did with the previous RTR system for my gasser.

The servo switch came in the mail today. Amazing! I just ordered it Tuesday afternoon from Robotmarketplace. Neat little gadget.

[Tuslow1]

That Is Awesome!!!

[Shooter]

Thanks Tuslow! I had a few hours to work on it today and it's mostly complete. I shortened up some wiring and neatly packaged it in the cowl. Not much more than a small motor and a circuit board. I also added a diode across the motor to protect the switch at start-up. I'm eventually going to shrink wrap the board with clear shrink tube. So far, everything tests fine on the bench. Full reverse turns the motor on. I let it run for 30 seconds out of the water! No heat, no power problems. The proof will be in the pudding though. What will it do on the lake?? I'm a bit concerned about the boat being so front heavy that it will nose dive at low speed. However, the power will be sooooo low that it will most likely be fine.

I love how the reef racer rudder fit right into the existing rudder. Can't beat that! As I look at this thing from a distance, I really don't think the overall styling of the boat is affected. You can barely see the prop. From certain angles, it blends in with the back of the cowl. I still might put a shroud around it, but it's fine for now.

[Shooter]

After a little testing and tweaking (lengthened the rudder), it works like a champ! Definitely my funnest boat. No more I flipped it!!! Just run the alternate power and she's back home in a flash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EZNR8FmSQU

[Rumdog]

THAT IS AWESOME! Pushes it quite well actually.

[Jacked1]

Looks awesome dude! If my boats flipped more i would do that!

[Jacked1]

You should market that!