Is there a Depth Limiting Device?

[redboat219]

Is there a device, electronic or mechanical that has the ability to limit how deep your boat goes and/or act as a failsafe (full rise /blow ballast ) when that set depth is exceeded?

I know there are available failsafes that rely on loss of contact with transmitter but not if the connection is maintained, like you inadvertantly pushed the dive planes down.

[Subculture]

Yes they’ve been available for years, they’re called depth controllers.

[vital.spark]

The units I have in all of my running subs is the Angle Keeper form Kevin. These only help to maintan a selected depth and there is no limiter for max depth. Andy, could you let us know the units you are refering to? I would .think these would have to have some form of pressure sensor

[Subculture]

https://www.rc-submarine.com/product-page/dc3-depth-cruiser-v3

https://engel-modellbau.eu/shop/en/Sub-Components/Pitch-Control/Depth-Controller-DC1.html

[redboat219]

Thanks Subculture.

[RCSubGuy]

The DC3 is a depth-related device, but not a failsafe. Basically, you dive to where you want to cruise using your bow planes. When you reach the desired depth, you release the stick, the unit takes a pressure reading and then uses the planes to try and maintain a depth that provides an equivalent pressure value. Your stick overrides the DC unit when you use it, the DC listening for a return to a neutral value and then going about the process again.

[mike27283]

Is it possible to have Kevin combine the BLM and DC3 such that a loss of signal, low battery voltage or reaching a pre-programmed depth would signal full rise and throw over the ballast vent servo to full throw thereby initiating an emergency blow? Would be nice to have one unit vice two... Throw in a leak detection circuit as well for good measure. I've achieved all of this minus the depth detecting function using a Parallax BS2 (coded using PBASIC) and wiring between the RX and servos.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Is it possible to have Kevin combine the BLM and DC3 such that a loss of signal, low battery voltage or reaching a pre-programmed depth would signal full rise and throw over the ballast vent servo to full throw thereby initiating an emergency blow? Would be nice to have one unit vice two... Throw in a leak detection circuit as well for good measure. I've achieved all of this minus the depth detecting function using a Parallax BS2 (coded using PBASIC) and wiring between the RX and servos.

I would regard an unwanted 'depth excursion' to be a symptom of a significant electrical failure. I would isolate the 'depth safety device' from the main bus by making its actuation (dropping weight, blowing gas into the ballast tank, etc) purely mechanical -- activation via bellows or some such. We are all too married to the electrical bus for propulsion and control (normal and 'emergency' mode).



Real-life 'chicken-switches' initiate a blow without need of any electricity (unless things have changed since my time in the game).

David