Need Advice
 

Hi,

I purchased this as a used RTR about a year ago, but moved and did not have access to a pool until recently. I made sure the sub was balanced to slightly positive buoyancy, and it was level from bow to stern. All the servos seemed to be working, so I put it in the pool. Two things happen: 1) every time the sub starts to dive, the electronics quit, and the sub blows the gas and surfaces. I tried putting the antenna at the top of the WTC and wrapping it around a notched piece of wood, but it made no difference. The other persistent problem is the dive planes get stuck in a severe "down" position. I check them before launching with the transmitter on, and then once the top of the hull is fastened down. I let it run for a minute or to, and previously checked that the servo connector is secured. But after a few minutes of non-diving, it seems to be back in the down position. There does not seem to be anything impeded its range of motion.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks,
Dale

RE: Need Advice
 

Hi Tokteacher! What sub is it exactly that you purchased? unless i'm missing something, it is not mentioned in your post.

I'm running a Robbe Seawolf v2, and had some similar problems: for no apparent reason the sub would drop dead in the water. I solved this by replacing all the AMP power connectors with DEAN connectors.
For the antenna: you may want to consider weaving it around a circular piece (wood or plastic) that follows tube-shape of the sub. (hope you get what i mean... it's hard to explain). I have a TT Neptune SB-1 in which the antenna is mounted this way and it has excellent reception.
Also check for interference: there may be interference that only exsists around the pond area that you don't have in your workshop.
I may be repeating things you already know but: Subs only benefit from frequencies up to 41Mhz, anything higher then that just doesn't penetrate the water well enough.

One more thing you may find interesting: for my Seawolf i added a digital spirit leveler that controls the aft diveplanes. I got this from Alexander Engel, it is called an LR 2.2It helps running the sub level and prevents it from making hard nosedives. It won't do you any good if the stuck diveplane condition is caused by interference though.

Hope i gave you some ideas!

Grtz,

Bart<br type="_moz" />

RE: Need Advice
 

Sorry for the lack of specifics:
1. It is a Small World Models Blueback
2. I did make a small piece of balsa wood, notched it, and wound the antenna around placing it at the top of the WTC
3. Not sure what AMP connector isthe sub has those white plastic connectors, one side is square and the other is roundish
4. Still don't know what the dive plane locks in the down position. Servos are nearly new

Thanks for you reply!

RE: Need Advice
 

MYSTERY SOLVED!

Well, I found out what caused my problems
1. The solder joint on the dive plane was looseit moved fine on land, but the tube slid under the water pressure. Only noticed when I put some resistance on the dive plane and moved the control rod. Used some silver solder to secure
2. Turns out it was a salt poolthe school switched over recently. Everything was watertight, so I didn't do any damage that I can see. Will see if the marina uses a chlorine pool.

Thanks for everyone who contributed!