How do they submerge?
There are two basic ways that model subs dive: dynamic and static. Dynamic boats have inherant positive buoyancy and dive by the use of forward motion and angle on the diving planes. When the model stops, the boat floats back to the surface - which can be a decided advantage when there is a failure of the battery or other equipment! The disadvantage is that the speed required to submerge, is much faster than scale (realistic speed).
Static diving subs on the other hand, actually take water into compartments called ballast tanks to increase their weight or reduce their buoyancy. They are just like the above described dynamic models only much easier to control under water: The model can dive at a slower, more realistic or “scale” speed. Many static boats can take on enough water to allow them to sink statically, without forward motion and actually hover at a fixed depth!
OK, now the boat is sinking, how does it come back up? Sinking is such an ugly word! We prefer to say “diving”, thank you. With a dynamic diver, you reduce throttle and/or elevate the dive planes. As the model slows, it will rise or as the water lifts the elevated planes the boat rises! Static boats either pump the water out of the ballast tanks, or blow it out with some form of compressed gas.
How deep can they go? In fresh water, the depth is limited by water visibility, the strength of the pressure hull and the operator's nerves. Typically, most model subs never get below 6 feet. Certainly some models have gone much deeper than this, sometimes on purpose!
SUPER DUSTER 134 Refills (see photo) In gas-operated ballast systems (commonly called "Propel" systems) on RC submarines, some sort of compressed gas is used to expell the water from the ballast tanks. There are several products out there that work such as Badger brand Propel. I have had good luck using Super Duster 134. It's contents appear to be much safer than some of the other products, having no flammable components (ie. butane) that the others do. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet for Super Duster the main danger for Super Duster seems to be frostbite. This can be a BIG deal, especially if it happens to your eyes, so don't be an idiot and BE CAREFUL using any of this sort of item. By the way, I hang my Super Duster with SubTech adapter on the end of my toolbox using a fire extinguisher bracket I bought at Menard's (hardware/lumber superstore) for about $9. Thanks to RC sub genius, Skip Asay for this neat idea!
Get the latest Material Safety Data Sheet for Super Duster 134 refills at: http://www.mgchemicals.com/msds/
Static diving subs on the other hand, actually take water into compartments called ballast tanks to increase their weight or reduce their buoyancy. They are just like the above described dynamic models only much easier to control under water: The model can dive at a slower, more realistic or “scale” speed. Many static boats can take on enough water to allow them to sink statically, without forward motion and actually hover at a fixed depth!
OK, now the boat is sinking, how does it come back up? Sinking is such an ugly word! We prefer to say “diving”, thank you. With a dynamic diver, you reduce throttle and/or elevate the dive planes. As the model slows, it will rise or as the water lifts the elevated planes the boat rises! Static boats either pump the water out of the ballast tanks, or blow it out with some form of compressed gas.
How deep can they go? In fresh water, the depth is limited by water visibility, the strength of the pressure hull and the operator's nerves. Typically, most model subs never get below 6 feet. Certainly some models have gone much deeper than this, sometimes on purpose!
SUPER DUSTER 134 Refills (see photo) In gas-operated ballast systems (commonly called "Propel" systems) on RC submarines, some sort of compressed gas is used to expell the water from the ballast tanks. There are several products out there that work such as Badger brand Propel. I have had good luck using Super Duster 134. It's contents appear to be much safer than some of the other products, having no flammable components (ie. butane) that the others do. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet for Super Duster the main danger for Super Duster seems to be frostbite. This can be a BIG deal, especially if it happens to your eyes, so don't be an idiot and BE CAREFUL using any of this sort of item. By the way, I hang my Super Duster with SubTech adapter on the end of my toolbox using a fire extinguisher bracket I bought at Menard's (hardware/lumber superstore) for about $9. Thanks to RC sub genius, Skip Asay for this neat idea!
Get the latest Material Safety Data Sheet for Super Duster 134 refills at: http://www.mgchemicals.com/msds/
