relay to reverse a motor?

Fishbonez

Active member
Was not sure where to post this question so I guess right here. If I am the wrong spot please feel free to move it but,

Ok here is a question for all you electronic geniuses out there. I recently took my HZ Super Cub out on the water and one time it floated into the weeds and I had to out into the water to retrieve it. Was it a big deal? No but I was wondering if it were possible to put a relay or something similar in line between ESC and the motor to a switch that would allow the motor to go in reverse to push the Cub out of the weeds? Just curious if any one has done it or am I as loony tunes as the next guy and should stop drinking so much coffee. :cool: Eager to read any and all responses
Thanks
 

pgerts

Old age member
Mentor
I think that there are boat controllers with reverse ;-)
-- As you are "boating" and not flying in the weeds.
 

Foam Addict

Squirrel member
I'm certain you could do that.
When I still worked on Model Railroads, I used relays quite often for various functions, and they are very versatile.
 

FlyingMonkey

Bought Another Trailer
Staff member
Admin
It would probably be as easy to put in a variable pitched prop, and manage that in your throttle mixes, or through a switch.
 

Ak Flyer

Fly the wings off
Mentor
A reversable esc would do it, a variable pitch prop would do it, a pair of relays could do it but you need another channel to make it work so it won't be cheap.
 

earthsciteach

Moderator
Moderator
Here's your solution, Bonez: Get a labrador retriever puppy and train it to retrieve your SC. Name the pup, SWD - Swimming with Disaster. :D
 

tramsgar

Senior Member
I agree with pgerts, a boat or "waterproof" car ESC will do well. I use a fishing rod for my seaplane, although I've had better success with full scale boats or stripping down to get it myself.
 

Ak Flyer

Fly the wings off
Mentor
Here's my solution...


I knew that Tyco Terrain Twister would come in handy some day.
 

squishy

Pirate ParkFlyer
That is the most innovative and useful way to use a useless item I have seen..simple too...
 

xuzme720

Dedicated foam bender
Mentor
Weren't those made in the early 90's? I haven't seen one of those in like ...forever!
 

randall_l

Member
I'd go for the variable pitch prop myself. Just my opinion here--it would probably be more efficient than reversing a fixed prop. Fixed props tend to make more noise than thrust when reversed.

As for the relay, I gave it a try. I found that (with the various HobbyKing/Turnigy ESCs I have), the motor stops working when I reversed it. I had to dis/re connect the battery to get it to work again.

Now that I think about it, a variable pitch prop is a good idea for my upcoming swappable Dehavilland DHC-2 Beaver. Thanks for the idea FlyingMonkey.

Cheers!
Randall
 

Fishbonez

Active member
Much love for the green machine. That is just great and probably the best way to do it I have seem yet LOL.

Teach I did try to get my dog to jump out and go get it but she looked at me like I was some crazed lunatic who got their plane stuck in the weeds LOL

After some research it can be done using an ESC from a car and or micro switch between ESC and motor and a servo but seemed like an expensive experiment that may cause motors to burn up etc so I think I will just hold off and maybe look into buying that green machine