Which one do I buy?
 

I'm looking at a [link=http://www.harbormodels.com/Harbormain/Templates/dumas/db1.htm]boat with twin engines[/link] and was wondering for realistic control of both engines independently what is the best radio solution. The [link=http://www.subconcepts.com/SubGuidePages/BG_RCsystems.html]Robbe F-14 NAVY and ACE 20-550F Nautical Commander Gold System[/link] say that they are specifically designed for boaters, and they are correct, however they also have a hefty price tag with few standard channels or options.

This brings me to my question, are these type controls that much better than a [link=http://www.*********.org/hitec_laser6_fm.htm]standard control[/link] where you have on engine on one control stick and the other engine powered from the other control stick both on the vertical axis and the rudder powered off the horizontal axis of one of the control sticks?

RE: Which one do I buy?
 

It is not that they are "better" per se, but the fact that it locates the controls in a manner that is more scale to actual throttle controls. I have seen where people have even installed a small ships wheel for the rudder control.

Rumors and scuttlebutt have it that the newer ACE are not the quality they used to be. And I was prepared to pick up a Robbe f-14 as a second radio. However I lucked into a used vintage ACE.

If you are going to be running a tug boat, and need to move your boat and tow sideways in a maneuvering competition, then the side by side throttle sticks are really necessary.
I find with my Voith Schneider drives, that it is convenient to put my thumb across both throttle sticks(while one is forward, and one is in reverse) and nudge them forward and back to get a complete sideways movent with the boat. Sometimes this also requires a slight nudge on the rudder also. This helps steer on larger ships and on any ship or boat with twin propellers it can improve your low speed maneuvering. So having the throttles and rudder stick separated helps achieve this type of maneuver.

If you require on want that type of control set up is very useful.
For my Destroyer I only use one throttle stick and the rudder, The second throttle is then switced over to a potentiometer knob, and controls my turret rotation. I have just ganged the motors onto one ESC, and never used the "dual throttles".
On my ferry boat, I just use a two channel pistol grip.;)

RE: Which one do I buy?
 

I have attached a picture of the servo configuration I was speaking about with the "standard control" because I'm uncertain that it was clear.

RE: Which one do I buy?
 

Well I thought your question was pretty clear.
"Which one to buy?, ACE or Robbe?" Robbe is the current favorite.

As for Dual throttle set up vs twin Joystick, I opted to stay with the dual throttle.
The Voith schneider drives can provide 360 degrees thrust. Having each drive on a joystick would have been very tactile. However after seeing how others had set up their VS drives on the dual throttle and rudder configurations, I found it was much simpler.

With the dual joysticks, there is the possiblity of nudging that right engine throttle when you move the rudder, and that could cause the whole boat to rotate during a lateral movement. And if you are trying to stop a slight forward motion, while attempting to move the boat sideways, the throttles need to be nudged an equal amount toward the reverse. That "equal" change in throttle for both engines is not impossible, just a little more difficult using dual joysticks.

Does what I am saying make any sense at all?[&:]
There is no reason why you can't use standard dual Joysticks.
It is usually personal preferance for most modelers.
If you learned on dual throttles and a rudder control, you will handle your boat best that way.
If you learn on dual Joysticks you will learn to handle your boat just as well.

;)

Umi

(Of course I know lots of people that can't drive their boats no matter what configuration they use. :D)

RE: Which one do I buy?
 

Thanks for the input it is appreciated!

Do you make since yes, However it hasn't made the choice much easier. I wasn't even aware there were such thing as maneuvering competitions. However I did have a twin engine [link=http://www.searay.com/online_brochure.asp?tab=2&modelid=43713&reqtype=1, 9,16,19,14]SeaRay 280 Sundancer[/link] so I am very familiar with maneuvering a boat with twins.

I did want realistic control of the boat, and I like the thought of the throttles side by side like in a real boat. However I was also noticing the expense as well the inability to use the TX with multiple boats as draw back's to using either the Robbe F-14 NAVY or ACE 20-550F Nautical Commander Gold System.

Is a bow thruster a must have if so, are there better one's or are they all about the same?

Also are there anchors and windlasses that actually work to anchor the vessel?

RE: Which one do I buy?
 

I don't know about the Robbe system, but my old ACE is able to run futaba recievers.
Someone else may know more about their current systems.

I typically build my boats to scale, and none of them have bow thrusters.
So as far as I am concerned, a bow thruster is not really necessary.

As for other working details, you can build anything your mind can imagine.
These Calypso are a good example.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...7&page=7&pp=15

[8D]

RE: Which one do I buy?
 

There is an ACE for sale on this site but it dosen't have a the twin sticks nor is it 75mhz would that be to extensive of a conversion to worth the time?

RE: Which one do I buy?
 

Personally I use the Polk's Tracker III with a MCD switch 16 on it. On my Calypso I use a single throttle, but on my Dusseldorf I have single throttle with twin variable pitch props. I can preset the motor speed and then use the 2 sticks to very the props forward and reverse. The duss. Fireboat also has a bow thruster, so the controls are right stick rudder and prop 1, the left stick is bow thruster and prop 2. Channel 6 ( knob above left stick) is throttle. There are 25 functions on the Dusseldorf. Both can be seen on my site at: www.jsgill.net