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.

[redboat219]

What ever happened to the contest?

[Nathan]

Winter and Bob got real busy. But we do need to see it through!

[RCSubGuy]

I was literally just thinking about this. When I get back from portugal, we are going to make this happen!!!

[RCSubGuy]

The CONTEST LIVES!

In revamping my site, I found the contest page, and I'm officially making it active. Contest details are posted there. Start date is... well... NOW! End date is October 31st, 2026. Prizes are going to increase in number and value as I wrangle vendors to help promote it.

I'm going to be creating a new thread where people can post up their progress, ideas, vendors and other details of their builds. Let's keep this thread separate for contest questions, clarifications, etc.


LET THE GAMES.... BEGIN!

[Nathan]

Thanks, Bob!

[Schmitty1944]

I am happy to see this contest come back. I really want to do it and bought a bunch of stuff for it last year then it fizzled out. I just don't think I have time to start (let alone finish) another project right now. I've got a sub project on the bench I'm hoping to bring to Sub-fest that still needs a lot of work.

Jason

[RCSubGuy]

I haven't seen a lot of interest, though admittedly people might be madly working in the shadows. For the quality of the prize, I want to see at least 5 entries. If we can't get that, we'll have to postpone or cancel the contest.

[Albacore 569]

I haven't seen a lot of interest, though admittedly people might be madly working in the shadows. For the quality of the prize, I want to see at least 5 entries. If we can't get that, we'll have to postpone or cancel the contest.

Great idea, but the parameters of contest are too restricted and unrealistic sir. Unless we have a time, machine and contest takes place in 1966 prices. $80.00? My Autobody primer rattle can alone cost $37.00.

If my entry looks like a transformer 2 Liter plastic soda bottle, then I would rather spend precious funds on getting my existing projects completed. Long to sit by a nice pond somewhere free of stupid park rules afraid we will harm mothing (nonsensical park rules formulated on complete total ignorance & stupidity by the powers that be)) and s run my sub safely in relaxed fun watching my sub makes realistic bow waves. I love whatever my very limited mental powers can enjoy devising engineering challenges for existing projects.

Salutes to Bob.