In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli demonstrates how to assemble and run a scale-model offshore ocean racer, the Enforcer Gator (TM) gas-powered boat.
Radio control (or RC) boats come in a variety of styles and configurations, many of which are scale models of real vessels, including sail boats, military ships, aircraft carriers, etc.
The giant-scale gas-ignition race boats and hydros constitute one of the most exciting variations on the sport. They are relatively large in size, highly maneuverable and capable of speeds of 30 mph or more. They are built to emulate the excitement of full-size ocean racers but in miniature form. For our demonstration, we selected the Enforcer Gator gas-powered boat from Warehouse hobbies. It's close to 50" in length and is outfitted with a deep-V hull, just like its full-size counterpart, which is designed for ocean racing.
What separates this class of RC boats from others is the power source, which is functionally similar to the type of engines found in leaf-blowers used for yard maintenance. The engines used in the boats, however, is much more powerful.
The Gator comes with the engine already assembled (figure A) and ready to be installed. All that needs to be done to make it functional is to install the radio, driveshaft, servos and rudder (figure B).
The radio transmitter sends signals to the radio receiver (figure C), which is mounted inside the body of the boat. The receiver in turn sends signals to the two servos that operate the various functions controlling the boat.
Important: This demonstration shows the basic instructions for assembly of this particular model of boat. There are variations in assembly for each particular RC model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your boat, whether it's this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the engine can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.
Materials :
Enforcer Gator model kit
Small tube of CA modeler's glue (found in hobby shops)
Heavy-duty soldering gun
Rosin-core solder
Cordless drill and assorted bits
2-channel radio transmitter and servos (sold as a kit in hobby stores)
Phillips screwdrivers (small and medium)
Hexagonal screwdriver (8/32")
Driveshaft grease (included in model kit)
Radio Box waterproofing tape (or electrical tape)
12 AA alkaline batteries (8 for transmitter, 4 for battery pack)
Steps
The Gator comes with a radio box that has precut holes for mounting the servos. Install the two servos according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make certain that the throttle servo is installed with the output shaft aligned toward the rear of the boat (figure D) and the rudder servo with the output shaft toward the front of the boat (figure E). - Drill pilot holes into the radio box for mounting the two servos (figure F ). There should be four holes for each of the two servos.
- Install both servos into the radio box, securing them with the screws provided. Make certain that each servo is aligned in the proper direction, as described above.
- Install four AA batteries into the rubber battery-boot, and install it into the precut receptacle inside the radio box. The battery-boot (figure G) keeps the batteries from becoming jarred loose when the boat is operating in rough water, and thus ensures a solid and uninterupted radio signal.
- Plug the servo wires into the receiver, according to the manufacturer's directions. In our case, channel 1 on the receiver is for the rudder servo, and channel 2 is for the throttle servo. Once the wires are completely connected, place the entire receiver unit into its precut recpeptacle in the radio box (figure H).
- Plug the switch harness into the battery pack.
- Glue the switch harness to the top of the radio box (figure I), using a couple of drops of CA glue.
Once the radio and servos have been installed, the next steps will be to install and adjust the operating linkages, install the antenna and secure the drive system.
RESOURCES :
Enforcer "Gator" gas-powered RC boat
The Enforcer "Gator" is a gas-powered, radio-controlled offshore racing boat, available from Warehouse Hobbies. This model was featured on episode 103 of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies workshop.
Warehouse Hobbies
Lake Placid, FL 33852
Phone: 863-699-1231 (tech)
Fax: 863-699-0360
Website: www.whobbies.com
Horizon Hobby
Horizon Hobby is a supplier of radio-controlled planes, cars, boats, etc.
Horizon Hobby
Website: www.horizonhobby.com
HobbyTown USA
HobbyTown USA (Registered Trademark) is a Nebraska corporation formed in 1985 by Merlin Hayes and Thomas Walla. HobbyTown began in 1980 with the purchase of a local business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The corporation was established for the sole purpose of sharing their dream with other people who wanted to own their own hobby store.
Today, HobbyTown USA is a nationally registered franchise, and the company is widely regarded as a leader in the retail hobby industry.
With the company motto of "Building Your Dream" and with more than 150 stores open, it is the largest retail hobby franchise in the world and is ranked in the top 2% of all franchises worldwide. More importantly, there are now hundreds of owners realizing their dream of being their own boss, and having fun while they do it.
For store location information, please click here.
HobbyTownUSA
Lincoln, NE 68516
Phone: 402-434-5050
Email: info@hobbytown.com
Website: www.hobbytown.com
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