I would like something of a "for dummies" or "complete idiots" book covering all the aspects of model boat building and running, particularly scale boats and electric boats.
I want to learn the ABC's of:
-model boat terminology (what is a 500 motor?, what is a 2000 mAh battery pack?) I'm no motor expert but on the battery you gave, this is a simple one. The 2000 mAH is the capacity of the pack itself. For example, you have a motor that needs a specific amount of power to run, say 6 volts DC or VDC for short. You want the pack to last for 8 hours. You would need a pack that can supply at least 6 VDC or have 5 cells if using nicads. To run the required 8 hours, your pack would need to put out one quarter amp per hour. This means you would need to use a very small motor. To get more power, you could jump up to a 7.2 VDC pack or go with larger cells that would provide more amperage. In general, the higher the mAH rating is, the longer the pack will be able to supply the power needed
-how to select the proper radio control components for my particular model wisely Radios are chosen based on what you want/need your boat to do. Number of channels is based on how many functions you want to control. Servos are chosen by space available and how much force is needed to do its job. You wouldn't use a micro servo to turn the rudder on a racing boat but you could on a static model conversion for example
-sanding/priming/painting
-decals
-rc boat operation This one is fairly simple. For a full function boat, its front and back with the throttle and left or right with a rudder. Any other functions would be on additional switched channels
-rc boat etiquette This one is more of a boat type dependent question. What would be appropriate at a scale ship regatta wouldn't be appropriate at a boat race
-building from kits Are you looking for tips on this or how to's?
-selecting hobby tools and supplies Again, this is more boat type specific. You wouldn't need the same tool set for a kit as you would a plans build
Years ago, I built and painted an RC sailboat from a kit so I am in the next level above beginner.
This rig had a Futaba 2-channel radio a mini servo for rudder and a special servo for the sail winch.
I think the battery pack then was NiCad but since there was no motor for propulsion there
was not big demand for a lot of battery power.
These electric boats seem more complicated because
it takes more electronic guts under the deck cover to make them go. Sailboats are completely wind-powered.
I got bored with my sailboat a few years later and donated her in good shape to charity.
Do I have the aptitude? I am a former diesel truck mechanic by trade and a recent college graduate
with a degree in computer science. I even built the desktop PC I am typing on by hand in 2009.
The sales associate at the electronics store where I bought my PC components was quite
helpful and informative.
I would rather buy my hobby tools, RC gear and building supplies on line through big-box web sites as
amazon.com and ebay as much as possible. I am not fancying making this an expensive hobby.
Those independent hobby shops are a real rip-off. As far as RC components go, I only need what
is necessary for a modest and reliable performing scale boat. No speed demon here.
You won't find a book that tells you all the ins and outs of boating in 2016 because there isn't one. The technology is evolving too fast for that. I'll try to answer some of your main questions as best I can next to them in blue.
Last edited by Hydro Junkie; 03-10-2016 at 01:02 AM.