With the radio and servos installed, and the switch-harness glued in place (figure A), the next steps will be to install and adjust the operating linkages, install the antenna and secure the drive system.
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 :
See Segment 1 from this episode (DIY Radio Control Hobbies, episode 103) for the complete materials list for this project.
- Install the driveshaft:
- Grease the flexible driveshaft.
- Insert the shaft into the hull (figure B), pushing it all the way in.
- The shaft connects internally to the engine output.
- Tighten the entire rudder assembly to the stern bracket (figure C) using the 4 provided hexagonal screws.
Tip: Don't fully tighten each individual screw. Finger-tighten each one first, then alternately tighten each with a hex-driver in a crisscross pattern -- in the same manner lug nuts are tightened when changing an automobile tire.
- Install the rudder linkage:
- Cut the rudder linkage rod to length according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Lubricate the linkage rod and slip it through the rubber boot located at the stern of the boat (figure D).
- Attach the rod to the rudder-control arm, fastening the clip to form a secure connection (figure E).
- At the other end of the rod (inside the boat), the cut end of the rod is soldered to the internal clevis (figure F) using solder gun and rosin-core solder ( figure G).
Safety Alert: Always wear protective eyewear when drilling or soldering to protect the eyes against stray drill shavings, dust or sputtering particles of melted solder.
- Install the throttle linkage:
- The throttle-servo cable slips through an easy-connector in the output-shaft arm and is held in place by a small screw that tightens it down. First, slip the servo cable into the output-shaft arm.
- Screw the arm onto the servo (figure H).
- Install the antenna and antenna mast:
- Drill a small hole into the back of the radio box and thread the antenna wire (from the receiver) through the drilled hole.
- Seal the hole with a small amount of silicone caulk to prevent water from leaking in during operation.
- Determine the best location to mount the antenna mast, and place a small piece of tape over the side of the boat's hull at that spot (figure I). The tape will protect the surface of the fiberglass hull from being scratched or damaged during the drilling of a hole that will be used to mount the mast.
- Use a small-gauge bit to drill a pilot hole into the tape and hull (figure J).
- Once the pilot hole has been drilled, use a 1/4" bit to drill a hole through the tape and fiberglass hull. Keep the drill bit perfectly perpendicular to the hull deck to ensure a straight hole.
- Once the hole is drilled, remove the tape.
- Install the antenna-mast stand in the hole and secure it by tightening the nut on the bottom side using an adjustable wrench.
- Thread the antenna wire up through the stand, then thread it through the mast.
Tip: Talcum powder or cornstarch on the antenna wire will help make it easier to slip the wire inside and through the mast. - Install the antenna mast into the base (figure K) and place the antenna cap on top of the mast.
With the antenna, servo linkages and driveshaft installed, the radio-control portion of the assembly is essentially complete. The final step in preparation for running will be to install the protective radio-box lid (figure L) and secure it in place with waterproof sealing tape. This step, however, will be completed at the site where the boat is to be run, just before it's put in the water. The next phase of preparation is to decorate and customize the body of the boat.
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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WINDOWS MEDIA VIDEO
