Beginner need some help with complex boat.

[DarkJoost]

Hi, this will be the first RC boat to construct for me.

It is the model “Maerks Anglia” from Deansmarine. :eek:
Scale 1/96
You can find the model on http://www.deansmarine.co.uk/

I need some help with the right choice of the electronics, and how to connect it.

I already have:
- 2 electomotors for the propulsion with 2 regulators.
- 1 electromotor (at the front side)
- 1 big 6 Volt battery tor the propulsion elektromotors.
- 1 middle 6V battery for the front electromotor
- 2 smaller 6 Volt battery packs for the servos and lights.
- 1 servo for the steering.
- 1 servo with 2 switches for the navigation lights.

I need:
- 1 transmitter
- 1 receiver (I’m thinking about a receiver with 8 exits. 5 exits for the boat and 3 for 2 extra servos and a regulator for a camera equipment.)
- 1 regulator for the front motor.
- All the lights (navigation, interior and other.)
- If possible a more detailed switch/regulator for the lights.

What do you suggest for the equipment I need?
What do you have for solution for the lights?
Which transmitter?
Other suggestions? :confused:

Greets, Joost.

[Doc]

Joost,
There may be a few things you can do to simplify setting up your boat. Those things may not be all that inexpensive since you already seem to have quite a bit of equipment on hand. So, take the following with some thought, it may not be the 'best' idea in your circumstance. (Another problem is that I may not have understood everything you said, the terminology isn't what I'm used to hearing, my fault, not yours.)
Some 'regulators', or ESCs, have provisions for the use of the main or large batteries for propulsion for use in powering the receiver in the boat. Generally this simplifies the system's wiring, not as complicated or cluttered in the hull. You might check your 'regulators' to see if they offer this.
Seperate batteries for powering individual motors, or lights, or other accessories can be useful, but they can also be a lot of extra bother and weight. Consolidating those 'extra' batteries into one larger one which would power everything is an option to consider.
The 'regulator' for the front motor. I'm assuming that this 'front motor' is a 'bow thruster'. If it isn't, then this wouldn't apply. But instead of a 'regulator', would a simple 'On/Off' switch work as well? It would mean there would be no variation in front motor's speed, which may not be what you would want.
I have no idea what is available to you in the Neatherlands as far as radio equipment is conserned, or the bands/frequencies of use, so this is just more of the same kind of 'qualified' suggestions as above. I would think that a 4 channel radio should handle the steering and propulsion of your boat. It would even do the differential motor control to help in steering. Any additional channels would be for the 'extras', lights, sound, etc. So, maybe a 6 channel radio system would be just fine for you. (I wish my radio system could control dozens of channels! I have no idea what I'd use them for, but it would be nice to have - lol.)
I'm sorry if this isn't any help to you. There is at least one other person here from the Neatherlands and I'm sure he can be of more help. Good luck!
- 'Doc

[DarkJoost]

Thanks for the reply Doc.

Sorry for my terminology, English is a second language for my.

The front motor is a bow thruster.
For “regulator”, I meant controller.

The boat I’m constructing is not a powerboat, but a detailed scale.
So I can use the batteries for balance weight. I already tried the hull in the water with all the batteries. The balance is perfect.

In the Netherlands we use 27, 35 and 40 MHZ transmitters.

The wiring of the supplies is not so difficult for me, but I don’t have an idea how to connect the controllers and servos to the receiver. I mean which channel recommended for which function?

Does somebody know any equipment to switch many different lights separately, but using only 1 output of the receiver? Do I need a digital transmitter/receiver for that?

All suggestions can help!

Thanks.

Joost

[Doc]

Joost,
Which 'channel' to use for which function? Just depends on what is most comfortable or convenient for you, left/right 'stick', etc. Keeping certain function together on the same 'stick' just seems logical, such as forward/reverse speed, and directional control on the same 'stick' (at least that seems logical to me, which isn't necessarily very 'logical' at times).
Which band to use depends on how your country classifies them, surface or air. Naturally, it's best to use a 'surface' band for sureface models, don't have the 'fly-guys' chasing you cuz you crashed their plane, right? After that, the 'trick' is to use the band that a radio system has the most number of channels available for, and the least interference. That usually means a higher frequency band and FM mode. Then it just depends on how much money you can 'throw' at it. There are models of radios that offer twin motor control with dual throttle sticks grouped together. On other models of radios you have to use both 'sticks' and both hands. Which would be 'better' for you is primarily personal preference, and $$$. (Me = 'Cheap' rather than most convenient! - lol)
There are radio accessories for some radios that 'group' some control in a 'stepped' fasion on one channel of a radio. Meaning that a series of 'pushes' on a control button turn on things, one after the other. Seems like a nice idea, if you can afford the expence. The number of things that can be controled is almost unlimited, again $$$. I'd be afraid to recommend any particular radio system for you. Best thing is to look at all of them (easy, right?) and decide what will work for you.
Connecting the controlers to the receiver. Most controlers (ESCs) have a cable exactly like a servo's, which is plugged into one of the channel sockets on the receiver. Which channel socket to use just depends on which 'stick' function you want the things controled by. (Some controlers also have an 'on/off' switch, just remember to turn the @#$ things on before sailing - lol!)
Still not much help to you, but good luck.
- 'Doc

PS - Jan is in the Neatherlands, I'll look for his 'user name'. I know he can give you some helpful specific advice.