Arminius

Hi all

I am new to RC boating and there is one thing I haven't found an explanation for: you can have 6volt or 12volt power sources. Which is preferable for powering a Tug (Model Slipway's Aziz) and why? What is the difference in usage?

Thanks for helping a beginner!

Arminius

Midget

7.2v normaly

patmat

For models needing displacement, 6 or 12v gel cells make a good choice for adding ballast, but you can also gang up multiple 7.2/8.4/9.6 v rechargeable packs if you like, for higher amp-hour capacity.
For gel cells, 12v offers more flexibility- more accessories (like water pumps) are available that run on 12v. And a motor sized correctly for a 12v system will draw fewer amps to deliver the same power than a motor sized for the same power on a 6v system… not a real issue, as the wiring isn't really a problem in either case.
You want to get all your accessories together and check that either voltage is ok. For example, Graupner's bow thruster comes with a 7.2v motor that will run ok on 6v, but 12v is too much- you'd need to swap motors, or use it with an ESC and limit the max throttle (possibly with EPA adjustment on your radio). And many ESC's are ok with 7.2-8.4 v, but not 6 or 12 (Mtroniks is a good choice for 6 and 12v marine usage).

Harbor Models offers a power center which takes 12v and gives you regulated 6v outputs, if that's better for some accessories or lighting.

Patrick Matthews

skip40

My Feedback: (5)

Hi Pat, don`t forget the Pro-Boat ESC from Horizon Hobby will also handle 6v - 12v. Skip

LtDoc

Arminius,
The motors, ESCs, and accessories are primarily what determines your supply voltage. If you are using 6 volt motors, there's not really much point in using 12 volt batteries. Or, if you only have access to 12 volt motors, and ESCs, a supply voltage of 12 volts makes sense (you can series a couple of 6 volt batteries). Another consideration is the amount of volume and weight your model can handle. I seriously doubt if the 'Aziz' would have volume or weight restrictions that will limit the size of battery used (within reason!), so '6' or '12' volts is up to you and what you have available. There's no overwhelming reason for either voltage...
- 'Doc

FlyingPilgrim

My Feedback: (26)

Skip, Thanks for the tip on the pro boat esc. That's exactly what I was looking for (see post on Jim Wilder batt & esc). I think I'll give it a shot. Sure beats paying $80 for the only other 12v esc that I found!

skip40

My Feedback: (5)

Hi, we have approximately 20 sailors in our get together and 8-10 of these $40. ESC`s have been working just fine for us in our powerboats. One gentleman uses a 12v system with the 12.v gell cell, 2-3 guys use NIMH- NiCAD all the rest use Gell cells ranging from 4.5 amp - 12amps. If I need ballast I use the higher amperage battery. Iv`e had great luck in converting to single motor direct drive, others have two motors, and Iv`e tried the gell cell in thier boats, and it is way longer run times, and the difference is hardly noticable. Experiment, have fun, Skip

lasatalayas

One advantage of using the higher voltage is that the cuurent required to produce the same power will be halved!
A 12V car heater type motor will only draw a few amps.

skip40

My Feedback: (5)

Do you mean by useing the said 12v car heater motor, and using a 6v battery the amp draw will be less? I just want to make sure I understand what you are saying. Lately Iv`e been looking for motors for slow turning Radar 10 -30 RPM, I first see if they will spin at all with 1.2v - 1.5v, if not I keep increasing the voltage I want for those RPM`s. Most of the time the motors are way to fast even at 1.2v. Iv`e never tried the heater motors, but what I have read, they work fine for powering the boats, so I`ll be giving that a try before to long. Thank you for the information, Skip

CadillacDTS2001

really mine caught on fire with 8 cells and a stock 550 motor like literaly on fire

lasatalayas

Skip,
The point I was making that running a 6 volt motor from a 6V supply would probably use twice the current than running a 12V motor from a 12V supply (obviously with similar type motors). This would give twice the running time and also use smaller cables and possibly a lower cost ESC.

Regarding turning the Radar aerial have a look at the bottom of page 2 in http://members.aol.com/actionkit/prices.pdf

skip40

My Feedback: (5)

Lasatalayas, I fully agree with you. Thank you for sending me information on the radar motors. Skip

Arminius

Ok, thank you all for your advice!!