Speed Controller

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

I am nearing completion of my first build (Springer Tug) but am having problems with the Speed Controller, in that it blows fuses on a regular basis.

 

The model is fittted with the following:

 

Vision 500 motor, rated at “up to 12 Volts” but is running on 6 Volts

Electronize FR12X Speed Controller protected with a 15A fuse (as supplied)

Prop = 40 mm dia, 3 blade

 

I keep the speed to a minimum and also include a delay between switching from Forward to Reverse. However, the fuse blows afer about 10 minites running. Does anyone have any idea what is causing the problem and a suitable solution?

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

David. first off I might get an ammeter to see what current is being drawn, even on small throttle openings. Try also simply connecting the battery across the motor with the ammeter to see what max current draw is. (in water naturally)

 

Not familiar with a Vision 500 motor, but it may be fruitier than it looks.

 

The 40mm prop should be ok..some might say a 35 would be better but I have several models with 500`s/40mm setup no probs however you cant neccessarily compare like for like on these motors.

 

Does the motor get hot? Overheating per se can be due to a lack of AIR in the boat causing hot running, or do you have any tightness in the drive train OR lack of lubrication causing tightening up and so more friction/strain on the motor..?

 

You could try another speed controller if the previous tests show no problems…..(sorry)

 

Ashley

[sammykParticipant @sammyk]

Hi David it sounds as if your motor is drawing to many amps , as Ashley advises test with an amp meter if you do not have one try a smaller prop about 25 to 30 mm .if it still blows the fuse something is to tight .the best way is the amp test then you know what is going on. regards sammyk

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

At the risk of plugging my own material, this is just the sort of problem which is covered in the current Model Boats Construction Special Issue. As the others say, it looks like the motor/prop combination is mismatched and overloading the motor.

 

If not that then there may be the possibility of the driveline binding – see Glynn Guest’s article in the Construction Special.

 

Colin

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

Gentlemen

 

Thank you all for your help and comments. Following the comments made by Colin Bishop, I reviewed the driveline and considered that it was tight/binding. I adjusted the collar at the motor end of the propshaft to provide some end-float. this allowed the propshaft to rotate more freely.

 

I then had a trial run on the garden pond including running the motor at full throttle with the tug’s pusher pads (lengths of V belt) hard against the edge of the pond. Although this made the motor `warm’ the fuse on teh speed controller remained intact. I also did some rapid changes from forward to reverse and again no problems.

 

Colin – I had already purchased the Construction Special Issue.

 

Ashley – The motor is an Mtroniks product

 

 

[Author]

Posts