AWR Rudder!

[all4smallrc]

This is a new type of rudder I've invented! It allows the boat to turn while moving as well as sitting in one place! It doesn't require a servo, just a small high torque motor. It attaches directly on the motor and sticks out under the boat. As the motor spins the rudder, the drag created by it causes the motor torque to spin the boat. It works with any actuator receiver, and will work proportionally. The boat I'm using it in is one of those toy boats for the tub, and has been converted to rc! Here is a video demonstration in my standard size bathtub! http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=975882

[WesleyC]

Do you think this could be modified to work on a larger scale? How could you make sure the rudder is in the right direction for higher speed runs?

[toesup]

How could you make sure the rudder is in the right direction for higher speed runs?

It probably wouldnt work at high speeds.. the forces on the 'flat blade' trying to spin while the boat was moving forwards would be considerable..

I can see its advantages for slow speed boats such as tugs though.... :rolleyes:
Kinda like a cross between a voith and a bow thruster...

Interesting idea you have there all4smallrc :)

[boredom.is.me]

I probably missed it, but what does awr mean?
And are pagers really safe in water, or did you put something over them?

[boater_dave]

I agree with toesup in that it probably won't work too well. The problem will be stopping the turn where the blade is sideways.
Why not use an internal flywheel? Use the resistive force of a flywheel to turn the boat. No appendages in the water at all. Remember the demo of holding a spinning bike wheel while sitting on a stool?
Just a thought.

Dave

[all4smallrc]

Dave, that would work for larger boats, but for tub runners, the weight of the flywheel would be too much. And yes, this would ONLY work on slow boats (tugs would be a great idea to use it on), and I'm sure it could be used on a larger scale. On fast boats it would cause too much drag, but it actaully doesn't cause as much drag as you would think. Pager motors are like brushless motors in the way that they can get as wet as you want, and they'll still work at maximum performance. AWR stands for Alec Woods Rudder (My real name. I'd prefer to be called all4 on here though.)

[more coffee]

a gyro of sorts.. then you would have to be able to manipulate it to turn the boat ..more gear to install ....

I can see how that would work in a tug ,,or even a rather large ship ..as a cost effective and cheap thruster of sorts ..

Fast launch ,rescue craft or deep V ....not so good .

[boredom.is.me]

thanks for answer

[boredom.is.me]

SO I CAN SAFELY RUN A PLANTRACO 6MM MOTOR UNDERWATER?
I WANT TO BE SURE.

Here is mine. It is 5-1/4" long.

[all4smallrc]

Yes, from my experience, they don't seem to care one bit. Any motor 4-10mm (basically what qualifies as a pager) doesn't mind water.

[boredom.is.me]

lol, I just tried it and i think my boat is 4 inches to small. This thing throws water.

[all4smallrc]

My boat is 7in long and weighs 67.4g. What's your setup? How much does it weigh? And what prop are you using?

[boredom.is.me]

I don't have a scale but I know it is far under 30g.
Micro9 actuator Rx
6mm motor
picco tail rotor trimmed to 24mm

Ill eventually get the servo Rx

[all4smallrc]

My picco tail rotor is trimmed to 15mm. What size motor are you running for the steering? And make sure that the prop is far enough under water. If it's throwing water, it's probably because the prop is getting in the air a little.

[boredom.is.me]

I wanted to use the mini act for steering but that wont work.

[all4smallrc]

Oh, you must be using a normal rudder. Why won't it work? It should.

[boredom.is.me]

im gettin the servo rx soon so ill just make another boat same motor, or i might upgrade to my 7mm motor with a bigger prop. the prop is a avion prop cut down to 25mm.

[boredom.is.me]

scratch the servo rx. im saving up for a real boat so im gonna give another go with a custom hull, about the same size. except this one actually looks good. trimmed the prop down to 16mm but the stupid prop hub got a bit to big