RC Star Ship Video

[Moontanman]

This is so awesome I had to share it, fantastic RC Star Ship Enterprise video!

 

 

[Spyman]

Nice, but I wonder how the RC-system is built to transmit/recieve signals through water...

[Moontanman]

Nice, but I wonder how the RC-system is built to transmit/recieve signals through water...

 

 

I wondered about that too, possibly the moves were preprogrammed into a small on board computer?

[Spyman]

It seems like standard low frequency RC equipment works for the tiny depth of a few meters of fresh water, like in a swimming pool.

 

After a small Google search I found this:

These are some of the more common questions that we get asked about radio control in 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. All but 1 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)

 

The newer radio control systems on 2.4GHZ DO NOT work underwater whatsoever!!

 

 

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.

 

Link: http://associationofmodelsubmariners.com/radio-control-underwater.php

 

I also found this buyable RC Submarine model:

Neptune SB-1 Submarine SC

 

 

Specification:

Displacement(mm / in.) 7.7kg surface, 7.95 kg submerged

Length(mm / in.) 774mm

Height(mm / in.) 285mm

Beam(mm / in.) 290mm

Draft(mm / in.) 200mm

Propeller 3 blades OD:40mm Pitch:41mm

Speed 1.45knots(2.7km/h) surface, 1.08knots(2km/h) subme

Operating Diving Depth(mm / in.) 5M

Max. Diving Depth(mm / in.) 10M (mechanical limit)

Propulsion Motor 12V motor

 

Introduction:

Discover the Silent World

 

The NEPTUNE SB-1 submarine is the 1st underwater R/C model by Thunder Tiger. Equipped with high technology operating equipment in the inner hull tub, covered by the brilliantly yellow color outer hull, the NEPTUNE SB-1 will let you enjoy the otherwise hidden, underwater world.

 

Adopting a static diving system, operating the Neptune is just like the real thing. The system is driven by a ballast tank with pump & motor unit. Start the pump to induct the water into the ballast tank. Control the amount of water in the ballast tank, the submarine can dive from the surface and stay underwater in static. Using the propulsion power unit and full elevator and rudder control, you can drive the submarine graceful sailing underwater. Install a digital camera (optional) and you can watch the amazing underwater scenes.

 

Link: http://www.thundertiger.com/product/5220-F.html

Edited June 17, 2011 by Spyman

[Moontanman]

Paint the walls to the pool black, add a few more lights, fiber optics should be able to even light up individual windows on the craft, you could use this as special effects in a movie! I remember back when STNG was very popular there was a model that came out that used fiber optics to light up all the individual windows on the NCC 1701 D model, all the engine lights worked as well as the deflector dish light. It was very cool and very expensive but such a model or a similar one in a blackened pool maneuvering around would be outrageous for sure. The things you can do with a talent and money, lol

 

There was a submarine show (Sea Quest I think) around that time as well, a detailed model of it would be interesting to build and "fly" in a blackened pool. I wonder if the NCC 1701 D had any "invisible" fins to help it maneuver, the video of Voyager looked like it had clear plastic fins helping it maneuver.

Edited June 18, 2011 by Moontanman

[Spyman]

I think blue or green would be a better background color for special effects, since that would allow for easier adding of close stars, planets, moons, large spacestations or whatever is needed in the background.

 

Chroma key compositing (or chroma keying) is a technique for compositing two images or frames together in which a color (or a small color range) from one image is removed (made transparent), revealing another image behind it. This technique is also referred to as color keying, color-separation overlay (CSO; primarily by the BBC), greenscreen, and bluescreen. It is commonly used for weather forecast broadcasts, wherein the presenter appears to be standing in front of a large map, but in the studio it is actually a large blue or green background. The meteorologist stands in front of a bluescreen, and then different weather maps are added on those parts in the image where the color is blue. If the meteorologist wears blue clothes, his clothes will become replaced with the background video. This also works for greenscreens, since blue and green are considered the colors least like skin tone. This technique is also used in the entertainment industry, for example for special effects.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chroma_key