Interest from HEFA members in having a Float Fly has grown to the point that this might be something to organize in 2014.
The first thing to consider when flying off water is to have a means of rescuing the plane, because invariably trouble will occur; which involves going after the model with a kayak, dingy, etc., or in the case of a parkflyer size model, at least sending out a tow boat with a hook to tow the plane in. An easy tow boat to make would consist of an "airboat" with a motor and prop mounted on top of a tower. Dumas had a kit out called the "Swamp Buggy".
Here is a link to a website with lots of info on floats as well as other items pertaining to flying off the liquid stuff.
http://www.seaplanesupply.com/
The second thing to consider is making sure the electronics stay dry. Corrosion-X is a product that many flyers use to water proof servos and receivers. It's hard to wrap up a servo, but if you remove the outer case and dip the servo in Corrosion-X , let it drip dry, and reassemble, it will like survive a ducking in water, and more importantly not start working erratically after moisture penetrates the case.
Receivers and esc's can be wrapped in plastic wrap and sealed with tape where the wires protrude and they will work fine.
Motors do not mind a dunking in fresh water...just tip the model up to drain the water out, turn the prop by hand to make sure it is free and start it up again. My experience has been that it is the speed controller that was the weak link. If the ESC is in a hull type water plane, have it near the top of the hull, clear of any water that might get in and be sloshing around....and speaking of that..put a small sponge or even paper towel in the hull to soak up any water that enters. Next time you open the hull for a battery replacement...change the Diaper..!
..something to think about this winter when it's frosty outside..!
Bill
Float Flying in 2014
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Float Flying in 2014
Last edited by retiredVTT on Sat Nov 23, 2013 4:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Bill
HEFA #5
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Re: Float Flying in 2014
pics, from "back in the day", taken at the "Jerry Lawrence Park", operated by the Prov. of NS, in the Tantallon area.
The dock was constructed by the provincial govt to be wheelchair accessable for fisherman, so they have priority over we mortal RC fliers.
However if you arrive early on a Saturday morning around 7am the calm water is a spectacle to behold, and quite often the fisherpeople have not arrived yet.
Remember to wear a neckstrap however, most Transmitters would sink like a rock if dropped over..!
Bill
The dock was constructed by the provincial govt to be wheelchair accessable for fisherman, so they have priority over we mortal RC fliers.
However if you arrive early on a Saturday morning around 7am the calm water is a spectacle to behold, and quite often the fisherpeople have not arrived yet.
Remember to wear a neckstrap however, most Transmitters would sink like a rock if dropped over..!
Bill
Last edited by retiredVTT on Sat Nov 23, 2013 4:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Bill
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Re: Float Flying in 2014
..check out the calm lake water...!
..then Greg breaks that calmness...!
Bill
..then Greg breaks that calmness...!
Bill
Bill
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Re: Float Flying in 2014
Great recommendations Bill. Thank you for sharing. I will spend som time on that link today!
Jamie
MAAC # 97835
MAAC # 97835