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biggsgolf · 03-18-2021, 07:35 AM

So much talk about kids as a target group….. personally I don’t think they are the ones to target. Retirees looking for something to do and people 25 and up who have income to spend imo are the most likely to enter this Hobby. As far as cheap Subs on Thingsverse, this sector is more about Authentic Scale Submarines!

gantu · 03-17-2021, 06:06 PM

Nice starter kit https://www.tauchrobotershop.de/bausatz-tiburoncito/

Subculture · 03-17-2021, 04:47 PM

I'm sure you realise this, but you can go on Thingiverse and download STL's at least two full model submarine kits which include the wtc parts for completely nothing, and they look excellent.

Add on $150 for a cheap 3d printer, that leaves $350 for electronics and materials, easy. Some links, and there are more on there and elsewhere.

Radio Controlled Subnautica Cyclops Submarine HULL Rev_1 by T_Zero_Systems

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4560120

This is the HULL for the 3d Printable Subnautica Cyclops I designed and built! The Sub is approximately 654mm in length. The whole vehicle has to be printed in separate parts which you will want to minimize support material used to reduce print time. Total print time is approximately 100hrs with variability based on printer and infill. This model is each section of the wet hull and the necessary. You will need one of every STL part on the list The sub also will require a 3.5 inch water tight cylinder which I have plans for linked below: Files:LINK TBD Water Tight Cylinder Assembly:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKDwGNWA61Y&lc=UgzMRD_zn0l84W66PWV4AaABAg Assembly of the submarine hull is outlined here: LINK TBD Most parts can be purchased on amazon. Additionally you will need a minimum of a 30 AMP drone ESC and a 2204 low KV motor. I used 2300kv but the lower the better. The tail is made to fit a 2200 size brushless drone motor. The sub Hull must be weighted in the keel with weights to properly sink the boat for diving. It takes about 1.9kg of lead or about 4lbs total lead weight to reach this. The structure becomes very heavy and needs reinforcement to withstand the weight. All parts need an epoxy coating in XTC-3d to withstand long term use in water and the strengthen them for the load of lead weight the sub carries. The epoxy coat also ensures the PLA has no issues while sitting in the sun and seals the hull against the ingress of water. THREE COATS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Segments of Hull are assembled using these melt in inserts. M4 socket head screws are used to assemble the segments. Inserts:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0784VYCYY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Screw set:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HVTRNG9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Paint and primer can be added to sure up the seal and add flair to the sub too! PARTS! Dome:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNV7BGQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Weights:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079J4THNZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Remote Startup:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01COTC7C8/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 BEC:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZNWOYY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 O-Rings:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FMUXIC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Hull Tube:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B11QJGV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Pump:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IUVHB8E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Ballast Tanks:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PPFLKRD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Glues and stuff:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CWRTX13/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0166FFFD4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0166FFFS4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZFUPC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 XTC-3D:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PFXK4JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Bulkhead connectors:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006O8NX6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Conformal Coat: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009H1AMG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Metric Water Tight Cylinder for Cyclops Model Submarine by db3jhf

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4657352

This is a design for a metric watertight arcrylic cylinder (90/84 mm) which fits the Cyclops R/C Submarine https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4560120 by Robert Cook. Modifications Additionaly to the two O-Rings on each cap it is possible to add a third (90mm diameter) O-Ring to the front end of the cylinder. The inner rings will be mounted on two M4 threaded rodd and attached to ONE of the two endcaps. So you can remove the whole interior at once. A water ingress sensor ring (WIS) was added. It is designed to work with the RC-DiveMaster controller https://github.com/jenshackel/RC-DiveMaster An endcap for the syringe piston has been added. This ensures improved reliability of the end-switch.

T- Zero Water Tight Cylinder Version 1 by T_Zero_Systems

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4606648

Water Tight Cylinder Assembly:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKDwGNWA61Y&lc=UgzMRD_zn0l84W66PWV4AaABAg Assembly of the submarine hull is outlined here:https://youtu.be/FO-YKcTwEQQ Most parts can be purchased on amazon. Additionally you will need a minimum of a 30 AMP drone ESC and a 2204 low KV motor. I used 2300kv but the lower the better. The tail is made to fit a 2200 size brushless drone motor. The sub Hull must be weighted in the keel with weights to properly sink the boat for diving. It takes about 1.9kg of lead or about 4lbs total lead weight to reach this. The structure becomes very heavy and needs reinforcement to withstand the weight. All parts need an epoxy coating in XTC-3d to withstand long term use in water and the strengthen them for the load of lead weight the sub carries. The epoxy coat also ensures the PLA has no issues while sitting in the sun and seals the hull against the ingress of water. THREE COATS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Segments of Hull are assembled using these melt in inserts. M4 socket head screws are used to assemble the segments. Inserts:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0784VYCYY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Screw set:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HVTRNG9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Paint and primer can be added to sure up the seal and add flair to the sub too! Remote Startup:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01COTC7C8/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 BEC:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZNWOYY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 O-Rings:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FMUXIC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Hull Tube:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B11QJGV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Pump:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IUVHB8E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Ballast Tanks:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PPFLKRD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Glues and stuff:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CWRTX13/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0166FFFD4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0166FFFS4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZFUPC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 XTC-3D:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PFXK4JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Bulkhead connectors:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006O8NX6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Conformal Coat: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009H1AMG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

syringe ballast dive system 100cc 38mm size create for 1/72 scale RC submarine by LaLaRC

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4757105

Misc Notes This is a 100cc 38mm size Stl file to create syringe ballast going into a 1/72 scale. Only challenge those who can make it, the video is on my YouTube channel, and if it helps, please subscribe. https://youtu.be/c8mHPHYcWGk http://www.youtube.com/c/LaLaRC if it helps, please subscribe to my YouTube Channel Commercial use is prohibited and unauthorized distribution is prohibited. Please put my YouTube link when you post the finished product on your blog. You can modify the STL and use it personally in your own style. But I just cleaned up the syringe ballast. The rest of the files are too many. It's hard to organize. material Skipping basic tools such as soldering 4mm Long Bolt 3mm Geard Motor (12mmx10mm) The diameter of the 100cc syringe is out-dia 38mm Normal size servo control board Slide variable resistance 60mm 10k ohms Resistance 1 to 3 k ohms General Small Resistance 4mm hex nut Silicon, ex>ke-45 Instant glue Hose (Refer to YouTube) Two flange bearings F604ZZ Please refer to my production machine and YouTube video for more details.

RC submarine Mystic class DSRV by Ewolve

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4676024

Update 2021-05-15: Added a solid one piece model of the Mystic upon request. Update: Added a DSRV-2 Avalon version, to print it use the stl's for section 2 and 3 upper parts tagged with "DSRV-2 Avalon". A Mystic class deep-submergence rescue vehicle in scale 1/30 intended for radio control. Designed with ease of printing in mind, along with a high attention to details. Over 1000 individual rivets and bolts! Included stls for both DSRV-1 Mystic and DSRV-2 Avalon. This models is a wet hull design, ie the outer shell is flooded when submerged. The electronics are to be located inside a watertight compartment, a WTC, which usually is a plastic pipe with endcaps. No support needed except for the propeller, the parts are oriented correctly in the stl files for optimal print direction. Specs: Roughly 60 hours of print time and 450g filament. Total length of the hull is 495mm Prop shaft: 1/8" (3mm) Fits 2-2.5" WTC Stand included. Instruction: 1.Print all the parts, but only either Mystic or Avalon section 2 and 3 upper. -Print 8x of the "Rescue hatch support" and 2x "Stand" -Print 2x WTC craddles, either 2" or 2,5" depending on what size of WTC you intend to use. -Use support for the propeller -You might need to trim off excessive plastic along the corners of the section 2 & 3 parts, so that the lower and upper hull halves close properly. This is important for the lock to work properly. -Depending on the tolerance of you printer, the prop shroud might need some help to get moving freely. I used a 3mm drill bit inserted where the prop shaft otherwise should be, and carefully moved the shroud forth and back to grind off irregularities on the ball-link. -The "Rescue hatch support" might have to be trimmed in length, as it's intentionally slightly too long to compensate for tolerances during printing and assembly. 2.Connect servo linkage to prop shroud To facilitate installation, connect linkages to the prop shroud before gluing the shroud section to the stern section. 3.Glue the parts together -Cut 1,75mm filament in ~8mm long bits and insert in the holes as guide pins for aligning the hull sections. 4.The open the lock holding the upper hull in place, gently insert a piece of 1.75mm filament, or any other >2mm object, through the hole at the center of the hull. Don't push too hard as this might break the lock!

404

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4659934

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https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4645274

RC Submarine 3.25in Water Tight Cylinder by T_Zero_Systems

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4638848

Water tight cylinder for my Cyclops RC submarine

With regards to age. It takes time to hone skills, I didn't get a submarine until I was in my twenties, but I'd been modelmaking since I was knee high. My Dad used to give me some ropey tasks, like a tin of bent up rusty old nails to straighten out. This achieved two things, he got some (mostly) straight nails, and I learnt dexterity with a hammer.

I'll wager most here were getting similar instruction, but that is not the case for many now, and that is part of the problem. You may stimulate some interest, but you may be simply playing the role of entertainer.

I was interested in subs in my early teens, but I had one radio set, which was only two channels which limits things a bit, plus I was conscious of the fact many model submariners had floods, and I didn't have enough confidence in my building chops to risk my one radio set. So I stuck to boats and cars. It took me until I was 21 before I was earning some serious wedge. Once I finished my apprenticeship my pay quadrupled and I was holding folding. It was a bit later before I got my boat.

biggsgolf · 03-17-2021, 03:24 PM

After some thought and reading these posts I have somewhat changed my view on what might help grow the hobby:
1. Local exposure & availabilty to share knowledge
2. Flood YouTube & Social Media with videos & Photos, perhaps using #rcsubmarines
3. Develop and sell an introductory Sub Kit for under $500 without a TX, RX & Charger but provide them separately. This kit should require basic assembly including installing a
TX, RX, Battery, Foam, Weights to Trim, Grease for Bulkhead Seals, RG-178 Coax for 2.4Ghz option.
4. Carry on & enjoy what we do

rwtdiver · 03-17-2021, 03:18 PM

"SUB Ed"

You hit the nail right on the head! Lets do the best we can to promote this hobby at every turn! But do not loose sight of why WE are in it. If people see it and show an interest, they will come!

Nice right up, and well stated Ed!!!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

trout · 03-17-2021, 01:55 PM

Bingo. It is not a youth issue.I am seeing a lot of people wanting to make a sub. Most will not do it, but if we play the odds, we will grow our hobby. I love the great suggestions some are coming up with - sure most of it has been done before, but let them discover. We have to make sure, as Ed said, that we promote the enjoyment and awe and cause division. As small as we are we cannot afford division. Some have strong opinions, but the proof is running in the water before them. Did their way work great. Did the other persons sub run well? great. Both are right. The fellowship we have pond side is a draw in itself! The subs are a bonus and the selfish part. I love my subs. I would rather not hear the what we should have done, but what we can do, no what we WILL do. Ed is right rehashing the same thing does not help. What we need to do is focus on what we can/will do. So, what suggestions do you have to move forward?
My first suggestion is run your sub. Get out there and practice/refine your sub to run well. Share your joy and passion with positive attitude. We are a small group, so each person has a huge impact to the hobby.

Monahan Steam Models · 03-17-2021, 12:38 PM

^^^^ THIS ^^^^

ED gets it and nails it! Well said Sir!

QuarterMaster · 03-17-2021, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by He Who Shall Not Be Named

Today's kids -- for the most part -- are self-important, brainless, brats, spoiled to the point where they demand immediate gratification, and possessing no mechanical skills.

Aldous Huxley, call you office.

I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on
the frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless
beyond words.

When I was a boy, we were taught to be discrete and respectful of
elders, but the present youth are exceedingly wise and impatient of
restraint.

--- Hesiod, Eighth Century B.C.

The broken disco record of this argument is beginning to bore me. My grandparents said this, my parents said this, now WE say this. What an easy blame to focus on, the kids. Been going on since the 8th Century BC.

Really, I'm finding this whole argument absurd after all these years, same in every organization I was part of....Member recruitment.

Understating it always costs much more to get than to retain, in any organization, I would rather change the focus to....Member Retention. Make that a priority.

The day we truly realize this is a NICHE hobby, and focus on keeping those WHO DO COME, whether they're new OR an Elder statesmen. Again, by doing what we do, naturally, those that are interested WILL follow, naturally.

Stop this absurd focus on anyone under 40, I was in my late twenties BEFORE I could scrape enough to purchase my first hull. A newborn daughter, focusing on Mortgage and Family (post get drunk chase girls phase). But I did get in relatively early, another reason I'm called "Special" Ed.

The only reason I had started so "early" in this hobby I attribute directly to conversations I had with other crew members to while away the hours during "Vulcan Death watch" periods of BattleStations Missile on the USDAFISH. I was laughed at saying this hobby will one day be real with RC Boats having features like real subs.

Yeah, Dad was a hobbiest, but he WAS a Hobbiest, focused on the older balsa rib, paper, dope construction of models. I did get the bug. (For the record, my RC Sub Hobby was merely a novelty to him, never came to see one run.) Maybe he was a “bad” dad.

BUT you CAN'T make a hobbiest, or wish for them to appear. It's either there or it's not. You CAN'T make a Submarine Modeler, it's either there or not. So don't blame society, kids or Drones or loss of low frequency radios.

Cheese and crackers, I helped my son make his first boat at the age of 7! Today he is building a life with his family, and has other interests. Yes he enjoys this hobby, but not at the level I “wish” he was. Rich Koelbrecher Jr. is another example, but his dad moved on. The former 7 time “Bottom Gun” winner builds wooden kayaks now. Retention is key, newcomers may not flow in, but they'll see what we do best...run.

If SOMEONE WANTS to do this , they will.

What makes this hobby different from the rest, besides the obvious of sinking plastic with the hope it comes back? What's cool about it? With the exception of a few remarkable boats (Yes Bob, NAUTILUS) it’s not eye candy! Put a decked out Fleet boat next to a decked out Destroyer, what will the common man be drawn to after the initial wonder of one submerging will be drawn to? BE HONEST! (most here will check the biased wrong answer) Why are there so many Air Clubs, Boat clubs (tugs, military) than Sub Clubs, why are there perhaps 20k worldwide, perhaps 10K operational subs? Because people didn't raise their kids right? Because the Craftsmen are gone? Because NO one knows about RC Subs? Bush? O’Bama? Trump? Biden? Putin?....phhhhhhh.

It's the Engineering of it folks. It's the nerd that is drawn. Yep, face that fact you're a nerd and be one with it. I do. You have to want it. We are that select group that walks into the local hardware superstore (Lowes, Home Depot) and see’s submarine parts instead of the home improvement project, if that’s why we even went there.

Ray Mason did it 40 some odd years ago scratch building a NAUTILUS hull, and making it WORK (possibly the first such one). Not because of some club, or guru, because HE wanted it, period.

So the trick is to reach them by example, and stop worrying about it, and have fun. Regardless how we try it will always attract only a special few. Let's keep them and revel in our uniqueness.

As another example, the SCLI group partnered up with Empire State Model Mariners, right. Many times my boat swam with gorgeous tugs and surface craft. How many folks did we win over? ONE, the Commodore is building a boat. Maybe I’m the problem with my 2.5Ghz boat in swamp water Queens. 1/60+ members, what a score!!

To be really clear on my point: Place the focus on being happy, retaining those that play, and show how amazing we are when they come (as we do), ease off on all the absolutes. IE: Ghz Radio boats is not a sub, RCAB’s or Pistons is the way to go, YA gotta do this and not THAT as opposed to, you can try that but look at this first. Pull the lurkers from the shadows. Look I dig, it….don’t coddle them, but let them make a mistake or two, that’s how one learns! Those that really want it will stay. Above all, get out there and do what you do best, run. It will be seen, and those worthy will come. I got ONE.

After all this, I'm the first to admit I'm wrong and everything I just typed is horse$#*!, but let's review this argument next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.......
I honestly don't care whether I'm right or wrong, or opinions of this entry. I'm here for me, and will help in any way, any newcomer that shows up and ask's for it. BUT, I will not build it for them, I will point the way and let hem decide. If I get a new shipmate..YAY, if not, it sucks to be him.

And stop with the "getting the youth" argument. Sounds like we're pedophiles.

Subculture · 03-16-2021, 03:42 PM

People don't really change much in 30-40 years.Many blame modern methods of entertainment, computers etc. I think it's simply that most people fall in with what is easy entertainment, before computers, it was sport, reading, going down the boozer etc.

If I look at how things are here in the UK with regards the model submarine hobby, I think the organisations have struggled to find a purpose in an age where information can be easily shared without paying a subscription. I read somewhere that back in the early 20th century it took a hundred years for all the information in the World to double, today it takes twelve hours.

He Who Shall Not Be Named · 03-16-2021, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by coryhenry

I guess if you look at how its working so far, its not! The hands off, let them come approach is leading to a very old group of people that will eventually die off and their skills with them. Without adapting to the youth this portion of the hobby will just get smaller. Maybe we need a RC simulator that then can translate into a working boat? But somehow incorporates tidepods and smiling cats :)

This is how you 'adapt' to the current crop of youth:

1. give it to them NOW
2. give it to them FREE
3. make it simple to UNDERSTAND
4. insure that the product will bolster their self-esteem no matter how badly they **** it up
5. make it for them

Today's kids -- for the most part -- are self-important, brainless, brats, spoiled to the point where they demand immediate gratification, and possessing no mechanical skills.

Aldous Huxley, call you office.

coryhenry · 03-16-2021, 10:30 AM

I guess if you look at how its working so far, its not! The hands off, let them come approach is leading to a very old group of people that will eventually die off and their skills with them. Without adapting to the youth this portion of the hobby will just get smaller. Maybe we need a RC simulator that then can translate into a working boat? But somehow incorporates tidepods and smiling cats :)

Subculture · 03-16-2021, 05:34 AM

I take a totally different approach. Put a show together for model submariners, and make it available and known to those who have an interest either as participant or spectator.

I found that far more effective. It's work though, it takes time plus a bit of cash, but not much. You'll experience some disappointments and not everything will go to plan. Here in the UK I can fund a dozen events for the price of the tent hire at Carmel.

trout · 03-15-2021, 11:00 PM

Ed, I chuckle at your shampoo reference. Accurate and funny. That does bring up a great point that you need to have a running submarine and not just talk about it, but go out and run it. In other words, practice what we preach.

QuarterMaster · 03-15-2021, 04:35 PM

This discussion is like shampoo directions....rinse, lather, repeat. Been hearing it forever.

It's been going on as long as humans have socialized, Either 4M or 8k years depending what camp you're in.

I agree with Rob. I liken it to what I heard in Bootcamp..."You wanna be a Bubbleheads? Not for me!!"

People will only do what they want to. We can only do what we do best....run our boats, run often and in crowds.

You want exposure? Take Your boat and go to EVERY running pond with people within a two hour drive.

Join as many boating clubs as you can.

rwtdiver · 03-15-2021, 04:18 PM

The old saying! "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" This statement really holds true with our hobby (RC submarine building) We can spread the information to all! But there has to also be a desire to get involved with RC submarines!

I have tried to get my old flying buddies involved, poo pooed is the word! We can just do our best to get people involved!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

Welcome to our forums. For the best in R/C submarine kits, components and accessories, be sure to visit the Nautilus Drydocks

Growing The RC Submarine Hobby

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