CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
In modern era, remote control are widely use in our life. Remote control is a device that controls an equipment by radio or infrared signals. In electronic, a remote control is a component of an electronic device used to operate the device wirelessly from a distance.
Remote control are used by all individuals, whether children, adults or the elderly because all of equipment now are using remote control to make our life easier. The remote control system can be implemented in a wide range of electronic devices such as the appliances (TV, radio) and also used in manufacturing industrial whereby the system is used to control all the equipment like the one used for controlling welding hand robot in automobile industry and many more.
The first radio controlled boat are patented as early 8th November 1898 by Tesla. Today, there is a new trends where people, not only the youngsters but also adults, focusing their interest in a prestige and expensive hobby, which are the remote control cars, planes powerboats and drones. It comes in a wide variety of shapes, speeds and prices (usually expensive).
Even though, the price of the remote control boat are expensive but still there are so many people that buy it for their children or for themselves but not everyone can buy it, so there are alternative ways to have remote control boat that is make DIY remote control boat.
In this project, I am focusing in modelling a remote control boat with different types of material for its body. By using this method, we can minimize the cost of the body. Standard remote control boat are using fiber that are expensive, heavy and hard to produce.
1.2 Objective
The objective are created to make sure the aim of this project will be achieved:
i. To design the DIY RC boat.
ii. To fabricate the DIY RC boat using hybrid material for its body.
iii. To investigate the design of RC boat hull shape.
1.3 Problem statement
Available RC boat in the market normally have varieties size and design and mostly using complicated technique. Current model in the market using complicated approach in developing RC boat. Basic model normally use fibre as a frame and composite materials for the body. There are also RC boat using hybrid materials as body and frame for RC boat.
1.4 Scope of project
i. Design DIY RC boat using AutoCAD. The DIY RC boat design will have dimension 70cm x 15cm. The software programming are used to analyze the stability, resistance and speed of structure design.
ii. Fabrication of structure design DIY RC boat will use hybrid materials that is polystyrene and plastic board.
iii. The performance of DIY RC boat will validate the speed, resistance and stability using SolidWork. The buoyancy of DIY RC boat expected to be positive buoyancy in the water.
1.5 Expected outcome
i. The design of DIY RC boat will have dimension 15cm width and 70cm length. The design will follow the hydrodynamic law for the hull and aerodynamic for its body design.
ii. The body of DIY RC boat will be coating with thinner to protect the polystyrene to avoid from the polystyrene is broke.
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Types of RC boat
Nowadays, there are so many type of remote control boats that have in our market. Whether you are beginner or you are veteran racer, selecting the right hull for your driving style is important. It is also important to understand what body of water you might be running or racing on. All these factors should be considered when looking into the type of RC boat that suitable.
2.1.1 Hydroplane
Figure 2.1 Hydroplane RC boat
Racers call these sport or scale hydroplanes and just as the name implies, they are full bodied like full-size unlimited or limited hydroplanes. This type of boat rides on a cushion of air as well as compressing the water with its sponsons. One of the challenges with a full body hydro is keeping it from blowing over or crashing. As a full body hydroplane builds speed it also packs more air under the hull. The faster the boat goes, the easier the boat can blow over.
One very important fact is that hydroplanes only turn well in one direction, typically clockwise in our RC hobby. Sport and scale hydroplanes look great as they dance across the water. If you like the look of a scale hydroplane and enjoy that “on-the-edge feeling” a full body hydroplane just might be for you. Although the fastest hull design, they are limited to smooth water and only turn well one direction.
2.1.2 Outrigger hydroplanes
Figure 2.2 Outrigger hydroplanes RC boat
Outriggers have an open distance between the center body and the sponsor. This hull type packs less air, allowing greater speeds with less chance of a blow over. Outrigger hydroplanes are purpose-built for RC racing and the fastest boats in the RC boat hobby. Some are capable of speeds well over 100mph, and in a heat racing situation turn like a slot car. An outrigger hydroplane is the pure bred of RC boat racing.
Keep in mind as you decide what type of hull you want that although outrigger hydroplanes are the fastest boats in the RC boating hobby, they do not tolerate rough water well and can be finicky to tune. They also only turn well in one direction.
2.1.3 Monoplanes (monohulls)
Figure 2.3 Monoplanes RC boat
Monoplanes are boats that have a single planning surface and are sometimes called “V” hulls or deep-V. A monoplane also compresses air as it runs, but spills it off the sides as it builds speed. More importantly however, is how the water releases or sheds off the bottom of the hull as it rides across the water. Most monoplanes have strakes that shear the water from the bottom of the boat as it operates. Strakes also create lift or a force that raises the boat from the water. The faster your mono goes the more you have to control the lift by adjusting and tuning the hardware on the back of the boat.
Monoplanes turn quite well in both directions. They can also handle rougher water than air suspended hulls. If your body of water is somewhat larger and maybe gets rough from time to time, a monoplane is a good choice. The typical mono is not as fast as a hydroplane, but can operate on rougher water better than other hull types and also turn quite well in either direction.
2.1.4 Catamarans
Figure 2.4 Catamaran RC boat
Most RC catamaran hulls are based on the looks of full-scale catamarans. Performance is no less spectacular as they too can reach great speeds. Cats, like hydros, are also air suspended hulls, but the main difference is the length of the sponsons. The sponsons on a cat run the full length of the boat. As the boat races across the water, air is trapped and passes under the center of the hull.
The faster the boat goes the more air it packs. As we learned with hydros, the cat too is susceptible to blow overs, but will run in slightly rougher water than a hydro. Catamaran hulls turn very aggressively and do so quite well both right and left. Catamarans are a good choice for sport running and are also a great choice for racing in some of the offshore lasses around the country. Scale looks and aggressive steering are trademarks of a well-designed and tuned RC cat. This hull style turns well both right and left and can reach fantastic speeds.
2.1.5 Tunnel hulls
Figure 2.5 Tunnel hulls RC boat
Almost all tunnel hulls use an outboard motor to propel the boat. Tunnel boats are the sports cars of the boat world and can place as much as 4Gs on the driver as it turns. Our RC models also turn super-fast and in a straight line are literally flying across the water. Learning to tune a RC tunnel hull to “balance” as it operates is very rewarding. Tunnel hulls turn well both left and right, but don’t operate well on rough water.
RC tunnel hulls are easy to work on and maintain as there are no difficult hardware kits needed during the build or setup of the hull. If you like a simpler build and setup and are willing to sacrifice a little speed compared to a hydro, this is a great hull style to choose. The tunnel hull is simpler to build and setup with speeds that are slightly slower than the other hull types, but the feeling of flying the boat across the water is hard to deny.
CHAPTER 3 : METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter will discuss the developing of hybrid material for DIY RC boat body in a new innovation. AutoCAD software has been used to create the design to be more compactable. The method of flow diagram of the project is shows in figures shown.
3.2 Project flowchart
Figure 3.1 Flow chart of project
3.3 Flowchart operation of the project
Figure 3.2 Flow chart how the project operate
3.4 Block diagram of RC boat operation
Figure 3.3 Block diagram of RC boat operation
3.5 Hardware development and requirement of the system
The sketch is designing by AutoCAD to check the suitability of the proposed design. Proposed design are chosen depends on the suitability of the part of circuit design. Besides that the effective cost and the components at the final prototype expected. In general this part are categories in many parts of hardware development and the software development.
3.5.1 Transmitter (radio remote control)
Figure 3.4 Radio Remote Control
Radio-frequency (RF) remote controls are very common. Radio remote control (RF remote control) is used to control distant objects using a variety of radio signals transmitted by the remote control device. Rather than sending out light signals, an RF remote transmits radio waves that correspond to the binary command for the button you’re pushing.
As a complementary method to infrared remote controls, the radio remote control is used with electric garage door or gate openers, automatic barrier systems, burglar alarms and industrial automation systems. Also, transmitters can be universal, meaning it able to work with many different coding. In this case, the transmitter is normally called “Universal remote control duplicator” because it’s able to copy existing remote controls.
3.5.2 AM receiver
Figure 3.5 Am receiver
In radio communications, a radio receiver is an electronic device that receives the electrical signals or electromagnetic waves that are sent by the transmitter through the channel. It is used with an antenna. The antenna seize radio waves (electromagnetic waves) and converts it to small value of alternating currents and transfer the signal to the receiver, and the receiver extracts the expected information sent from the transmitter earlier.
The receiver have two types of receiver that is a super-regenerative and superheterodyne. The super-regenerative receiver works like that of an intermittent oscillation detection circuit. The superheterodyne works like the one in a radio receiver. The superheterodyne receiver is used because of its stability, high sensitivity and it has relatively good anti-interference ability, a small package and lower price.
The receiver uses electronic filters to separate the information from the received signal or waves and sent the information to the user received by the antenna, an electronic amplifier amplify the power of the signal for advance processing, and finally received the expected information through modulators. Receiver is call “Universal receiver” because it works with almost any controller in market.
3.5.3 LiPo Battery 11.1VDC, 4500mAHh
Figure 3.6 LiPo Battery Pack
Lithium Polymer batteries (henceforth referred to as “LiPo” batteries), are a newer type of battery now used in many consumer electronics devices. They have been gaining in popularity in the radio control industry over the last few years, and are now the most popular choice for anyone looking for long run times and high power. LiPo batteries offer three main advantages:
i. LiPo batteries are much lighter weight, and can be made in almost any size or shape.
ii. LiPo batteries offer much higher capacities, allowing them to hold much more power.
iii. LiPo batteries offer much higher discharge rates, meaning they pack more punch.
The designation of “lithium polymer” has caused confusion among battery users because it can be clarified in two ways. In the first place, “lithium polymer” represented a developing technology using a polymer electrolyte instead of the more common liquid electrolyte. The result is a “plastic” cell, which probably could be attenuated, flexible, and manufactured in different structure, without the risk of electrolyte leakage.
3.5.4 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
Figure 3.7 Electronic Speed Controller
An ESC regulates the power from the batteries to the motor. It must be correctly selected in order to be able to handle the current draw demanded from the motor.
3.5.5 Brushless DC motor
Figure 3.8 Brushless DC Motor
Brushless DC motor is an electronically commuted motor which do not have brushes. . Brushless DC electric motor (BLDC motors, BL motors) also known as electronically commutated motors (ECMs, EC motors) are synchronous motors powered by DC electricity via an inverter/switching power supply which produces an AC/bi-directional electric current to drive each phase of the motor via a closed loop controller.
The controller times commutation (hence rpm) and creates current waveforms (hence torque). In this context alternating current does not imply but does include a sinusoidal waveform, with minimal restriction on waveform; it must be periodic, and its frequency will determine motor rpm, and the waveform does affect how smooth the generated torque is as well as the motors efficiency at transforming electrical to mechanical energy. The efficiency of this types of motors are high in producing large amount of torque over a wide speed range. In brushless motors, permanent magnets rotate around a fixed armature and overcome the problem of connecting current to the armature.
Commutation with electronics has large scope of potential and flexible. They know for their consistent operation, and holding torque at stationary mode.
To select the best Brushless Boat Motor suited for a hull, it is important to know the size of the hull and amount of cells needed to be used. In order to push the weight, size of hull will determine the size of motor needed. Cell count will determine the wind (Kv) of motor needed. Hulls from 20”/55cm – 34”/86cm usually will use a 540 size motor 36mm Diameter by 50-75mm length while , hulls from 34”/86cm – 40”/102cm + typically will use a motor with a diameter around or over 42mm and a length of over 65mm.
3.5.6 Servo motor
Figure 3.9 Servo motor
A servomotor is a rotary actuator or linear actuator that allows for precise control of angular or linear position, velocity and acceleration.[1] It consists of a suitable motor coupled to a sensor for position feedback. It also requires a relatively sophisticated controller, often a dedicated module designed specifically for use with servomotors. Servomotors are not a specific class of motor although the term servomotor is often used to refer to a motor suitable for use in a closed-loop control system.
Servo motors are utilized in many applications and have been around for a long time. Although they are small in size, but they are powerful and are very efficient in terms of energy. These element allow them to be used to operate the remote-controlled or radio-controlled toy such as cars, robots and airplanes. Servo motors are often used in industrial applications which involves, robotics, in-line manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and food services. The servo circuit is built-in right inside the motor unit and has an adjustable shaft, which usually is fitted with a gear. The electrical signal which determines the amount of movement of the shaft will control the motor.
3.5.6.1 Operation of Servo Motor
Figure 3.10 Component in Servo Motor
Servos are controlled by sending an electrical pulse of variable width, or Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), through the control wire. There is a minimum pulse, a maximum pulse, and a repetition rate. A servo motor can usually only turn at 90 degrees in any direction for a total of 180 degree movement.
The motor’s original position is described as the position where the servo has the same amount of potential rotation in the both of the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The PWM sent to the motor determines the position of the shaft, and based on the period of the pulse sent via the control wire. The rotor will turn to the position that user wished for.
The servo motor expected to see a pulse every 20 milliseconds (ms) and the distance of the pulse will decide how far the motor turns. For example, a 1.5ms pulse will make the motor turn to the 90-degree position while shorter than 1.5ms will cause it to moves to 0 degrees, and any longer than 1.5ms will turn the servo to 180 degrees position.
Figure 3.11 Variable Pulse width control servo position
When these servos are ordered to move, they will move to the desire position and hold that position. If an external force pushes against the servo while the servo is holding a position, the servo will endure from moving out of that position. The maximum amount of force the servo can utilized is called the torque rating of the servo. Servos will not hold their position forever. However, the position pulse must be repeated to command the servo to stay in desired position.
3.5.7 Propeller
Figure 3.12 Propeller
A propeller is a type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust. A pressure difference is produced between the forward and rear surfaces of the airfoil-shaped blade, and a fluid (such as air or water) is accelerated behind the blade. A boat propeller is a fan instrument that transmits power by converting the rotational motion into thrust. Propeller usually consist of 3 or more blades.
A boat propeller spins around a central shaft to create dynamics same as to a rotating screw or airfoil. When the blades spin, a pressure differences between the forward and rear surfaces is produced and accelerated the water behind the blade to create force and make a movement.
3.6 Proteus design suite
The Proteus Design Suite is the combination of schematic capture, SPICE circuit simulation and PCB design to make a complete electronics design system. Proteus PCB design combine the ISIS schematic capture and ARES PCB layout programs to provide an integrated, powerful and easy to use suite of tools for professional PCB Design. All Proteus PCB design products include an integrated shape based auto router and a basic SPICE simulation capability as standard. More advanced routing modes are included in Proteus PCB Design Level Two and higher whilst simulation capabilities can be enhanced by purchasing the Advanced Simulation option and/or micro-controller
3.6.1 ISIS schematic capture
ISIS lie at the heart of the Proteus system, and is far more than just another schematics package. It combines a powerful design environment with the ability to define most aspect of the drawing appearance. Whether your requirements are the rapid entry of complex designs for simulation and PCB layout, or the creation of attractive schematic for publication, ISIS is the tool for the job as shown in Figure 3.13.
Figure 3.13 Schematic of project
3.6.2 ARES PCB layout software
Refer to the Figure 3.14, The high performance net list based on PCB design package perfectly complements powerful ISIS schematic capture software and feature both automatic components placement and a truly world class shape. ARES and ISIS together form a complete Proteus PCB Design package.
Figure 3.14 PCB diagram
3.6.3 Software used for design project – AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a software application for computer-aided design and drafting. The software supports both 2D and 3D formats. The software is developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. Picture below is an example of AutoCAD software. The sample of interface are shown in Figure 3.15.
Figure 3.15 AutoCAD software interface
3.6.4 View of the RC boat
Figure 3.16 Top view of RC boat
Figure 3.17 Side view of the RC boat hull
Figure 3.18 Perspective view of the RC boat hull
Figure 3.19 The dimension of RC boat
Chapter 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
The table below shows the time(s), distance (m) and the velocity of the RC boat in certain distance that have been taken:
Time (s) Distance (m) Velocity = distance (m) / time(s)
1.21 5 4.13
3.14 10 3.18
5.04 15 2.97
7.29 20 2.74
9.36 25 2.67
11.27 30 2.72
Table 1.1:Table for time(s),distance(m) and the velocity(m/s)
The graph belows shows the relationship between the distance (m) and time(s) graph:
Graph 1.1: The distance(m) against time(s)
The graph below shows the velocity (m/s) against time(s):
Graph 1.2: The velocity(m/s) against time (s)
Result of solar
Date Time Voltage (A) Ampere (A)
21 May 2017
Sunday 1.00 PM
2.00 PM
3.00 PM
4.00 PM
5.00 PM 3.58
4.91
4.50
3.88
3.70 143m
147m
155m
144m
135m
22 May 2017
Monday 1.00 PM
2.00 PM
3.00 PM
4.00 PM
5.00 PM 3.90
4.00
4.50
3.90
3.50 149m
156m
157m
145m
140m
23 May 2017
Tuesday 1.00 PM
2.00 PM
3.00 PM
4.00 PM
5.00 PM 3.20
3.90
4.10
3.00
2.50 143m
150m
151m
141m
134m
Table 1.2: Table for the solar result for the three days
The graph of the solar on the first day:
Graph 1.3: The current (mA) against time
Graph 1.4: The voltage (V) against time
The graph of solar on the second day:
Graph 1.5: The current (mA) against time
Graph 1.6: The voltage (V) against time
DISCUSSION
Based on the graph 1.1, the relationship between the distance (m) and the time(s) is if the distance is increase the time is also increase, this shows that the distance is directly proportional to the time. At the 5m of the distance the RC boat takes 1.21 seconds to move from zero to 10m distance. After that, for the 10m distance the boat need 3.14s to arrive at 10m.At 15m the RC boat need 5.04s and for 20m the time needed is about 7.29s.For the 25m the RC boat need 9.36s and lastly for the 30m it takes 11.27s.The time of the RC boat to arrive at certain is different because there is other factor that occur that is the wind factor that we need calculate but when we take this reading we are abandon the speed of wind that is why the reading is not accurate because of this factor.
Next, the graph 1.2 shows the relationship between time(s) and the velocity of the RC boat(m/s)/Firstly, the velocity of the RC boat is 4.13m/s when the distance of the RC boat is at 5m and when the RC boat is at 10m the velocity of the RC boat is 3.18m/s.At 15m the velocity of RC boat is 2.97m/s and at 20m the velocity is 2.74m/s.When the RC boat is at 25m the velocity of the boat is 2.67 and lastly at 30m the velocity of the boat is 2.72 m/s.The difference of the velocity we can see that is cause from the wind factor that we abandon this is why the velocity of the RC boat is not accurate.
For the graph 1.3, the graph shows the result of the solar for the first day that we get the reading of the current from 1.00pm until 5.00pm.The reading of the current is difference every hour because of the situation that is usually most hotter at 2.00pmor 3.00 pm that’s why the reading of the current at this hour is more higher compare at the 1.00pm or 5.00pm.