RC Simulator/Trainer

[Jay Hargest]

There was an interesating article in the January issue of Power & Motor Yacht magazine.

It showcased a powerboat handling trainer invented and produced by Henry G. Dietz Company. This is built around a 4' RC boat with the control module replicating a real vessel. The wheel is a smaller version of what one would really encounter but the gears and throttles were real sized Moorse/Teleflex type controls. See the link below for more details.

http://www.lowpressure.com/pbhand.pdf

I am not certain what he is attempting to acomplish by synchronizing the engines. When docking a twin screw inboard, I don't necessarially want both engines at the same RPM. It would be better if the control module gave the operator some indication of the RPM's of the respective engines.

But then, remember the warning: Never buy model #1 of anything.

Well, I just thought it was interesting. An RC model being used to teach real boating techniques.

Regards, Jay

[keith S]

Well, I just thought it was interesting. An RC model being used to teach real boating techniques.

Regards, Jay

Jay, that is more common now days with full size tug and tanker companies using scale models to help train pilots and catpains of those vessels. There are a handfull of places that have 1/24 scale tankers that they ride in and receive assist from tugs in the same scale. At the price of a vessel and fuel, the models are a cheaper way to "train" or understand the basics of ship handleing. I have been lucky enough to run a couple of the tug models that went to a facility in France. Way too cool of toys---err models. ;)

[Hoghappy]

We used RC models in the training of the officers for the Spruance Class DD I was a member of. I watched as they took turns learning how to dock and manuver the twin turbine model. The US Navy has been using them for years.

I got to play with the gunfire control models (a set of spotting binocks), learning to spot the projectile trajectories and bracket then walk the 5" rounds to the targets. It had little tanks and buildings and stuff set up in a diarama that had thousands of little hidden tubes that would emit a puff of smoke where the rounds landed. It was interesting but paled to the real thing. Nothing like getting to be the one to say "On target...fire for effect!", then watch the 5" guns hammer away.

Capt. Crash