S400 to 1/8" Coupler r/c goose

[Slipperhead]

I'm building a r/c goose decoy out of one of the newer felt-covered/3D painted Big Foot decoys. These are very realistic decoys.

I have reviewed all of the rc duck threads on this forum and have decided that I don't want a Vac-up-Duck or want a converted submarine drive system. I don't want a Cabela's r/c decoy for $99. I'd rather spend hundreds on my own!

I have already cut an access into the decoy. I'll be using my son's 2-channel car radio and AM receiver for speed control and steering.

I'm an r/c aircraft guy and don't know diddley about r/c boats. I have a few Speed 400 can motors and speed controllers that I would like to use. After a bit of research, I'm thinking about using the Dumas 1/8" shaft and stuffing box from Tower.

Here are a few questions.....

Is there a coupler available that will link my motor with a 2.3mm shaft with the 1/8" drive shaft? It looks like if I move up to a S500 motor, I have more options but I'm not sure I need that much motor.

Is direct-drive my best option?

What size prop and number of blades would be preferable? A 1 1/2" prop would "look" about right. I'm not building a racer here. I'm just looking for scale performance. I do plan to tow other decoys. Also, to tether to an anchor so that it simply runs around in circles by itself, at times.

Is there an optimal angle the drive shaft should have to penetrate the hull or is this critical? I'm planning on simply mounting the motor to an angled block.

Do I need a U-joint instead of a simple coupler?

BTW, I have seen the video of the goose decoy with the head that turns. It adds a lot of realism to the ruse. The head on my decoy snaps into place. I'm guessing that I can cut off the "snap" parts, mount a rod in the neck and rig kind of like an upside-down rudder?

All recommendations are welcomed and Thanks In Advance! I'll post build pics or send them directly if anyone is interested.

Garland

[toesup]

I'm building a r/c goose decoy out of one of the newer felt-covered/3D painted Big Foot decoys. These are very realistic decoys.

I have a few Speed 400 can motors and speed controllers that I would like to use. After a bit of research, I'm thinking about using the Dumas 1/8" shaft and stuffing box from Tower.

Is there a coupler available that will link my motor with a 2.3mm shaft with the 1/8" drive shaft? It looks like if I move up to a S500 motor, I have more options but I'm not sure I need that much motor.

Is direct-drive my best option?

What size prop and number of blades would be preferable? A 1 1/2" prop would "look" about right.

Is there an optimal angle the drive shaft should have to penetrate the hull or is this critical? I'm planning on simply mounting the motor to an angled block.

Do I need a U-joint instead of a simple coupler?

BTW, I have seen the video of the goose decoy with the head that turns. It adds a lot of realism to the ruse. The head on my decoy snaps into place. I'm guessing that I can cut off the "snap" parts, mount a rod in the neck and rig kind of like an upside-down rudder?

All recommendations are welcomed and Thanks In Advance! I'll post build pics or send them directly if anyone is interested.


Hi Garland
Sounds like an interesting project!...

Have a look at Harbor Models http://www.harbormodels.com/Harbormain/Templates/home.htm
for the parts you need for the drive system.
The Kardan Style UJ couplers are the best option http://www.harbormodels.com/site08/main_pages/propulsion.htm , just select the ends to suit your motor and shaft.

Direct drive would be the simple option, though you may need something like a 3:1 gearbox to slow the motor / prop down to a more realistic speed.

How big is the 'goose'?... a 1 1/2" prop will 'drive' something 18" long @ 8lb quite easily.. but if you can get a slightly bigger prop in (say 2") that might be to your advantage.

The shaft angle should be as shallow as you can get it.

If you can work a linkage from the rudder servo, the head could move as you turn... or add an extra servo (would need a 3 channel radio) to make the head turn independantly.

Please post some pics so we can see your progress!...

[Boatfox]

Another thought to the project will be the noise produced. Gears will add noise as to say dirrect drive. A big prop will strain the little motor causing noise and heat (limited run times) The ESC will add noise if say you use a vantec. Sounds like you want a reliable long run time (1-1 1/2 hr) no maintenance system with little or no noise.
Consider spraying textured paint inside the decoy as a sound dampener.

Are these (http://www.bigfootdecoys.com/canadafloating.htm) the decoys?
They state poly body with weighted keel. Need to make sure you rough up the poly before trying to glue anything to it.

[Aerominded]

Try West System "G-Flex" for bonding parts to the poly-bird! Great stuff!

[Slipperhead]

YEP! Those are the decoys! One of ours got crushed and split along the back. A few hours indoors sitting on a heater vent and I was able to reshape it and make the repair.

Thanks for the recommendation of Harbor Models. After perusing their website, I'm thinking about the smaller Z-drive unit. I'll only have to drill one hole and I think it will give me plenty of thrust and maneuverability for "scale" operation! I'm going to couple my S400 to the unit but the description says it will take up to a S600.

Has anyone had any experience with this drive system? Here is the link. The drive is at the bottom of the page.

http://www.harbormodels.com/site08/motors.htm

The gentleman at Harbor Models was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

For my field application, I'm not that worried about the noise generated by the motor/drive system or the ESC. By the time the geese get that close, well......we know what happens next.....

Garland in VA

[Slipperhead]

Aerominded,
Thanks for the recommendation! I was planning on using Marine Goop. Is the G-Flex product recommended over Goop?
Thx,
Garland

[toesup]

Thanks for the recommendation of Harbor Models. After perusing their website, I'm thinking about the smaller Z-drive unit.

Has anyone had any experience with this drive system?

Umi has a pair in Her SDM Tug
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=551258

She has also had to do some repairs to the drives...
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=944413