I am building a wooden model “King of the Mississippi” and want to motorize the sternwheel (at about 15 revolutions per minute), control the twin stern rudders and add separate lighting to each of the 3 decks and wheelhouse. I know nothing and have nothing but learn quickly. What do I need to accomplish this?
@larchar Welcome to the RobotShop Community.
We see in the title you put “RC equipment”, but to be certain:
- Do you want to make it work as a display on a table, or actually have it work in water?*
- Can you give us an idea of size and weight?
- How do you want to control the speed of the wheel? What RPM do you need?
- If it will be in water, do you have a way to waterproof the motor, or a waterproof area to mount it in?
You’ll need
- RC transmitter, (and RC receiver, which is usually included),
- DC gear motor of the right speed and size
- Likely a pulley or chain system so the motor can be offset from the wheel
- DC motor controller which can provide the current required by the motor, and can be controlled using RC signals
- Main battery whose output voltage is the same as the nominal voltage of the DC motor.
- Batteries for the transmitter.
- Battery charger(s) as needed.
For the lights:
- Easiest would be to have them all connected to a relay which accepts RC input signals.