ORIGINAL: syrjr
Hi. I just won an auction for a nikko sea star. I have no idea how old it is. The owner said the prop is missing and the dive/surface feature does not work. Otherwise the sub is in good condition. I need some info on a replacement prop and trouble shooting the dive/surface function. Can anyone help me? Mabey there is a web site I can go to? I also have two walmart subs that i'm presently modifying. I have made a career working on the real subs for the navy and am presently workin on trident missle subs. Thanks, Ron[8D]
Hello syrjr,
Welcome to the Nikko (Sea Wolf/Sea Star/Ocean Explrorer) submarine club.
This dynamic diving sub has several names & color schemes but share the same basic design ever since it was first introduced in 1983.
I have two 1983 versions. One is stock & the other is undergoing modifications for an underwater camera. This Nikko sub's main flaw is the 3ft dive depth that it is limited to ... unlike it's smaller but more modern cousin the "Wally sub" by Motorworks.
This subs' main asset is it's endurance or runtime. My Nikko subs use those new NiMh 2500 batteries. The runtime is an amazing 45 minutes. My thumbs were getting numb so I stopped my timer at 45 minutes!
I'm still not done with the underwater camera. I'm having balancing & watertight compartment leak issues to solve.
It would be better to order the propeller assembly from Nikko USA. Or you could wait around at those e-bay auctions for another Nikko sub that turns up for spare parts. Installing a larger traxxas prop will increase it's suface speed but will shorten it's runtime. The increase torque will drain the batteries at a faster rate.
Check the dive motor for rust. that is likely the problem with these old subs.
Have fun!
GulfstreamI