The Great $80 RC Submarine Challenge!

[Subculture]

I think a degree of common sense should apply.

So to give some examples, no one would buy100 servos to build a single submarine, but they may need to buy a metre(yard) or two of tubing if making a wtc. They may need to purchase ten O-rings rather than one or two.

In short I think a build should reflect the real world costs for new items a potential builder would face if wishing to replicate what is presented, rather than use discounting on large or secondhand purchases to operate under the $80 threshold.

In short, I believe it's important those entering get into the spirit of the competition, which should be to present a realistic boat that can be built for under $80 and emulated by others wishing to do the same.

Over to Bob.

[TuptubBuilder]

It seems my example was poorly chosen. I’m not suggesting the purchase of 100 servos to “legally” comply with the <80 rule. I assume that the “spirit” of the contest is to stimulate the design of a low cost starter sub that meets basic performance standards.

Manufacturers spend millions on R&D and prototypes before releasing a product. Iterations abound. Given my background, my first thought is to produce a working prototype and then cost reduce. For example, use lead ballast for the prototype, then substitute with an equivalent weight of cement for the contest entry.

How deep must you “drill down” in terms of cost?

[Subculture]

Well to print this in nylon costs about $20 plus postage. It's a small boat about a foot long, so Bob's worst nightmare, but all the linkages are external, and inside will be no worse than working with a 2" wtc.

That leaves around $50-60 for the rest, so plenty of headroom.

[Fishb0y]

So many sea lawyers...

[Subculture]

Well if we're into the professions, let's play doctors and nurses, and I've shown you mine.....

[wlambing]

Ewwwwww!!!!

[Subculture]

That was analogous btw.