GATO! (It has begun)

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Just to add to Alec's very thorough discussion:

Are you running with a 7.4 or 11.1-volt pack? The LPB motor is wound for 7-volts so I equipped the MPC input power lead with an 11-Ohm resistor to drop the voltage a bit so the motor does not get hot. If you are using a 7.4-volt pack, then only about 3-volts is getting to the motor and it will stall easily.

One correction to Alec's methodology: Never invert the submerged SAS equipped SD (in this case, to flood the ballast tank without use of the r/c system) as this will unseat both the float activated snorkel head-valve and safety float-valve, and water will pour into your battery space. Use the r/c system when venting and blowing the ballast sub-system.

Boat looks great, Matt. Keep at it.

M

[trout]

To add to the two prior posts - even though this was mentioned, I wanted to emphasize this, trim submerged first. Get her level submerged. I made my sub with approximately a quarter of the sail above water (Granted it is a gas system - not sure if the ballast tank volumes changed, if not, it does not matter). I like it lower in the water so less forward motion was needed to get her to submerge. Strap the foam on with rubber bands (one more reason not to put on a ton of details on the sub). I strapped foam on the sides for the bulk of the trim and on the deck when fine tuning. I strap weight on the bottom. Then blow the ballast tank and see how the sub sits. If it sits low in the water, then adjust that foam, it needs to be below the waterline (just below) and if the sub is fine on the surface then that foam needs to be mounted just above the waterline (you can see why it is important to know where your waterline is). Then try the whole thing over once you installed the first round of foam or weight. If it lists when on the surface one time and then next time you test it lists on the other side, make sure that your battery is not the cause. Make a form, shelf, or something that you will know the battery will be in the same position each time and not shift around. If it still lists more weight and more foam or slightly move weight off center towards the high side or more foam on the low side. In my mind I was building a stronger tension between the foam and weights making the above water structure less of a factor.. You will also notice as your trimming, it take less weight and less foam the more you slide it to to bow or aft end to effect trim submerged.

[matthewnimmo]

Ok, so i guess i might have fried my pump then. The green light on the pump lights up when i try to activate it but no noise from it. I have a full battery still and the battery pack used are the ones that came with the electronics gato kit from subdriver (i hope that answers the questions some of you had). Now i hant tried my pump again this morning. I figured i would let it rest for 8 hours and see but more than likely its a dead pump now. But how did i blow my pump? If i have to get a new one what are some things that i need not to do again when using the pump? I honestly didnt think i had it engaged that long

also, so the sub is never suppose to take on so much water that it drops to the bottom correct? If that happens then even my pump wont save me yes? As that was the last time i tried using the pump and she never would gain back her buoyancy

lastly, i know that im suppose to put weight as needed but the weight and foam kit provided seemed like it had all the weights planned for a specific location are either of these approaches correct with the weight placements from the kit?

1) wieghts back to back?
2) weights separated but still in order by number

[crazygary]

Maybe too much weight???
Always a possibility!

CG

[matthewnimmo]

I double checked the pump this morning and it still doesnt work (the light on the board lights up when i try to engage the pump but no noise. So any last ditch efforts to save my pump or do i have to buy a new one now:(. Oh how i hate to solder anymore in that area

[matthewnimmo]

Well ill be! So i started tinkering with my pump ntheres a little hole on the bottom of the pump. I started to assist the motor with a small screw driver and notice it was turning over! So i kept working on it and also added some silicone oil to that area and its back to life!! Now why did it freeze up to begin with is another story

[matthewnimmo]

So anyone have a clue on why my pump went bananas? Should i trust it? What might i be doing wrong that could be damaging it?

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

How many volts is your battery?

M

[alad61]

One correction to Alec's methodology: Never invert the submerged SAS equipped SD (in this case, to flood the ballast tank without use of the r/c system) as this will unseat both the float activated snorkel head-valve and safety float-valve, and water will pour into your battery space. Use the r/c system when venting and blowing the ballast sub-system.

M

Doh! I should have said that I close off the sas Snorkle with a small piece of tube capped off with a machine screw to stop the water getting in the sas system when I invert it. Sorry for the mis information...

[matthewnimmo]

How many volts is your battery?

M

11.1volts

Full charge as well.

The motor feels pretty cool to the touch after running it for a bit (or maybe slightly warm). The resister is still in line with all my connections as well.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Yank out the resistor.

In the immortal words of TWA's head Mechanic: "Any way she's gonna get it. Hang on! We're go'n for broke!"

http://www.manupnancy.com/airport/images/joe1.jpg

M

[matthewnimmo]

I think David is trying to kill me. Thats the bundle of wires that i had so much fun soldering to that damn dean connector! So, you think that the motor isnt getting enough power? It sounds nice when it runs. But ever so often it will sound like something is drowning the pump

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Don't dig into the terminal of the plug, just expose both ends of the resistor and solder on a jumper wire, effectively shorting around the resistor. I'm standing by to send you a new LPB. Just give me the word. Sounds like the swash-plate is coming off its foundations.

(I test these things before they go out, but sometimes a bum unit fails early with use -- you drew a bum card on that unit apparently, Matt).

M

[matthewnimmo]

David, i think you might be right:(. Sounds mechanical like something isnt quite right inside that pump. Would mind sending me that new unit?

Matthew nimmo
2373 roland dr
arnold, mo 63010

Thanks again!

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

David, i think you might be right:(. Sounds mechanical like something isnt quite right inside that pump. Would mind sending me that new unit?

Matthew nimmo
2373 roland dr
arnold, mo 63010

Thanks again!

This week.

M