High Performance MPX Foil/Self-righting Trimaran-The Test Model

MPX Test Model

In response to some suggestions I've broken up the large "Summary" post into three separate posts. The "What I expect" post will continue to stay within three pages of the end of the building portion of this thread. The "Specifications and MPX Foil Systems" post is referenced at the bottom of the "What I expect" post. Also, the "Reference" post is also listed.
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I've tentatively decided to NOT start a second thread for test results. May
create an "index" page that would be moved as the "Summary" post has been
so that videos and sailing analysis can be easily located as testing proceeds.

 

How can you keep saying "in a month maybe"

It seem's like your trying to find extra things to do just to make it take longer... Less time posting about it, more time finishing it!

At this rate I feel like it'd happen faster if I just tried to re-create what you've built, I mean its a model, its not like its 20 foot long, even then I re-built a tornado in like 3.5 months...

Are you not keen to sail it?

 

Sounds like a great idea... you should go do that. Surely we'd all love to see your work. And do come back and report after you're done.

 

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Please do it-don't just talk about someone elses work.....this boat will be ready when it's done-"in a month, maybe".

 

MPX Test Model

Working on the radio set up and found I'd made a stupid mistake when I installed the radio box: I set it up so the sail winch would come out of one side of the box but at the time I didn't sort out the continuous loop for the winch drum. Thats a shame because now it lines up perfectly with the stb, aft vertical crossarm support! That means I either have to go thru the vertical or above the rear cross-neither are good options,damnit.

 

MPX Test Model

The sailwinch I have has a "BEC" circuit(Battery eliminator) that has an input voltage of 5 volts to the receiver. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that when I ordered the rudder servo and it requires 6 volts! I have other servos that should do the job on 5 volts. I've asked Rob Guyatt(winch builder) to look at the specs on one of the other servos to make sure I'm right and it will work.
It will be fairly simple to change out the servo. Definitely simpler than having to rewire the switch!

original rudder servo: https://www.servocity.com/html/hs-5565mh_servo.html
to be replaced by: https://www.servocity.com/html/hs-645mg_ultra_torque.html

 

MPX Test Model

Rigged up the wand spring. The spring holds the wand against the water and is key to any wand system working correctly. The adjuster(bowsie) is used to vary tension depending on conditions but is likely to be rarely used on this boat.
PS- in moving the hull around and getting it up on the boxes, I had the wand retainer unhooked(so wands dropped down) and couldn't see the stb wand. So, in setting the hull down on the boxes I, apparently, had the boat tilted and broke off the stb. wand paddle. Nice.
click--

 

Doug.
Go to "HobbyKing.com
Scroll down to Servos and Parts.
Blows your mind on availability and price.

 

MPX Test Model

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I'll check it out, Paddy-thanks!

UPDATE: Geez-$2 servos, a 2.4ghz, 6ch radio for $30! Amazing!

 

Put an IGOTU GOS system in the boat yesterday. Recorded top speed of 13mph or 21kph

 

Sorry - that should have read IGOTU GPS system

 

You got to stay out of the dirt Ian, it will trash the foils! LOL

Looks like a scaling problem on the GPS track.
Good job, It will help fine tune everything.

 

MPX Test Model

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I've got one of those for the new boat-any tips on installation?

 

I put the IGOTU in a plastic bag and threw it in the pot with the receiver and battery. worked OK

Yes unfortunately Google thinks we're sailing on dry land as they haven't photographed our lake!

 

MPX Test Model

Is it in a carbon hull? I thought the unit was supposed to be waterproof-I'll have to check that out. I think I have a picture of Chris's(German Forum) unit mounted outboard on his tri.
Here it is: