Gyro for trim tab control?
 

I was wondering if anyone has tried using a Gyro for trim tab control. I was thinking if the boat was traveling at mid speed or higher and rolls to one side or the other the gyro would have a servo counter the roll by pushing on the apropriate tab. I'm sure someone must have tried it or something similar? One of the immediate problems I can see is the tab activation always being too slow and "behind the roll". Having a channel available to turn this feature on and off would be handy too. Oh and I was thinking about this for boats 25" or longer.

Dean

RE: Gyro for trim tab control?
 

Not a bad idea Dean. I have seen it suggested before but dont believe I have seen it done. I think I have seen 5 or 6 boats with remote adjusted trim tabs for that matter.

RE: Gyro for trim tab control?
 

Hi Dean,

If you're going to try this in a medium speed scale build, it may be worth a try, but you may be right as to the correction always being a bit late...
The faster you go, the more the correction will lag behind, possible making things worse in terms of riding attitude.

If it's a fast electric; trimtabs are a bandaid for a poor set-up, so don't bother, just get the set-up right.

Another option might be to adjust stabiliser fins , sticking out of the hull like on the Drumbeat of Devon.

Regards, Jan.

RE: Gyro for trim tab control?
 

Yeah I was thinking of a scale or semi scale boat that might travel at a rate just below planing.  Approximately the speed of Wayne d's  Lobster boats as seen in his video:  http://youtu.be/SyF2spqH3r0?t=1m19s

I looked at pictures of the Drumbeat of Devon.  Both the model and the actual vessel. Nice boat but I was looking for something a bit more interactive and complicated mechanically.  If controlling the trim tabs was not the best option then something similar to these:  http://www.wesmar.com/stabilizerVideo.html Really They're just a smaller non-retractable version of what various large ships use for roll stability.

I will be running in an area that has a lot of cross wind and chop (relative to boat size) and would love to have a toy to play with on the model.

RE: Gyro for trim tab control?
 

<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Dean

I have used gyros in my Matrix 51 Powerboat ! This model powerboat 51inches was designed by myself and another dedicated modellor with stepped hull lubrication + gyro and trims from the start for shaft and trim tab control and provided your trim tabs are designed properly in relation to hull size beam I cannot see you having any problems, but be aware that as your gyro gives you roll control it also eliminates crabbing in the turns which then leads to better speeds and the gyros will do their job of smoothing out roll control and stern height levelling.
We took the boat to a race meeting and our boat only had a 25cc zenoah watercooled engine and apart from test and trials leading up to race day this was our first boat race and we were pitted against boats with 30 -35- 40cc engines, our boat going into the turns were rolled by the gyro whilst the propshaft was adjusted autowise to compensate for roll and the result was our boat overtaking in the turns and keeping level with faster boats in the straights, indeed one competitor standing behind was overheard saying our boat would never work ! did he get a surprise ! so good luck with your project .
Will dig out pic of my boat and upload.

regards
John http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...ades_smile.gif
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