Hi

AlanP · 22-11-2007

After 40 years Im back to R/C boats, funny how things come around.
I have just started my first model after all these years TSDV Greamsey bought at the Blackpool show along with two 555 motors from Motors Direct. I could do with a little help in order to purchase a lead acid battery. Do I run these motors on 6 or 12 volts.
Anyone remember carrier wave RC, had mine in a baccy tin and a 3.5 Frog engine in my boat. my how things have moved on.

Regards Alan

Aquarama · 22-11-2007

Hi Alan P, two 555's should push the boat along a good rate, in the process of trialing one for a similar size boat, (suspect I will run on 6v), will post results when complete, regarding Jelly cells Maplins stock a range of 6 & 12 volt, you need to watch the trim of the boat and battery compartment size, suggest you check on Model Power's Web site the info you need should be there. When you have established motor rpm and amps you are pulling suggest you contact Simon at The Prop Shop for the recommended props.

**Bluewavestudios** · 23-11-2007

Hi Alan,

6v should run these nicely although I have used a 12v with a 540 motor and it has not done it any harm. I would avoid Maplins for buying the battery though as they tend to be expensive, unless they have any offers on. I used to get mine from a local Battery specialist, he always had loads of batteries in perfect for model use and they were usually cheaper than anywhere else.
The guy that used to work there knew me from school days and always used to ask me if I still did the models...I used to tell him that was why I was there - batteries for the new models !!

A little tip - if you can lay the battery flat in the boat you will keep the centre of gravity low and it will reduce the listing movement of the boat nicely.

Regards.....Mark

new to trains · 23-11-2007

try the component shop for batteries, they're good and cheaper too !

take a look, and their p and p charges are very very low, they also had a stand at the recent november international model boat show at warwick earlier in november

http://www.component-shop.co.uk/

AlanP · 23-11-2007

Thanks for the info, looks like I will be running on 6 volts, didn't know you could lay a battery on it's side, Looks like this is the place for a newbe to get all the good tips.
Thanks allot guys

**Bluewavestudios** · 24-11-2007

Hi Alan,

The sealed lead acid type batteries can be laid on their side no problem at all and without any leakage either.
I have done it this way for a few years now with My HMS Active (Pic is on my gallery) ....the battery in there is approx 7 inches long, 5 inches tall and about 2 inches wide... Being a warship with a narrow beam they tend to catch the wind a bit, so laying the battery flat in there helps a great deal.

Good luck with yours

Regards......Mark

Aquarama · 24-11-2007

Hi AlanP, have just seen my elecronics buddy, he has checked the 555 on 12v and it only pulls 1amp at stall, at 6v half that, hope this is usefull

AlanP · 24-11-2007

Now that information is very useful Aquarama, thanks very much. So if I run them on 6v and couple them both to a 15 amp speed controller I should have plenty to spare and no problems.
Thanks again.
Regards Alan

jankers · 25-11-2007

Hi AlanP,

Check out Maplins, they have an offer on 6 volt cells until Christmas.

J.