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Here are a few of the more common questions that we get asked about radio control and model submarines. QUESTION: What sort of radio should i use? ANSWER: Any of the commercial equipment available in your local model shop will be more than adequate. Any of the frequencies used for surface craft will do, the only advantage that 40 MHz may have over the 27 MHz is the number of channels that are available in that band to avoid clashing with other users. (27 MHz and 40 MHz are available in the UK other frequency bands may be available in other countries) QUESTION: Does the RX antenna have to be out of the water? ANSWER: No, It is not necessary to extend the antenna outside the watertight compartment. But if you do wish to extend the antenna outside (better reception for metal hulls?) then remember to seal the end of the antenna wire with an epoxy resin to prevent any contact with the water. QUESTION: How deep can you go down with a model submarine? ANSWER: Most people find that just over 3M (9-ft) is about the maximum depth that control is easily maintained (swimming pools) but this is with the transmitter in close proximity to the model. In practical terms we have found that at a depth of around ½M is best for open sailing. If the operator cannot easily see the model it is in effect uncontrollable. However at any distance and even at periscope depth the model may still be invisible to the operator, so be cautious about the distance and depth that you sail at. QUESTION: How does the radio work under water? ANSWER: In fresh water reception with the antenna submerged is not a problem. When the model is at a distance the radio signals tend to bounce off the water so reception below a few feet degrades as the model moves further away. Salt water does interfere with the signal so it is best to avoid the sea, coastal or even in some cases tidal waters completely. The most enjoyable submarine operations are in clear water and close to the bank where the model may be easily seen and manoeuvred. Water is not the same quality in any two locations and sometimes it can be even vary at the same location. Remember the conditions of the water may have a great effect on the way your submarine operates. Colder water is more buoyant than warm water. (Icebergs only float in the cold regions of the poles!) Thus a submarine diving in cold water could be in trouble if it hits a sudden warm layer. The saltier the water, the more buoyant it is. Therefore if you set the ballast of your model in salty water, you could have trouble when submerging in fresh water. QUESTION: How about chlorinated water, swimming pools? ANSWER: The same applies, but to a lesser extent, with chlorinated water as long as the chlorine levels are low the signal will get through. The temperature of the pool will affect the buoyancy of the model though so always be prepared to adjust the trim with each sailing. |