1:120 Spanish S-80 submarine

Following my previous 3d printed submarine (here), this is the new model, now capable of static diving.

The S-80 class submarines, still under construction for the Spanish navy, have been elongated due to technical problems. This model, at 1:120 scale, is of the original project.
The hull was modelled in Fusion 360 using photographs found online and some rather vague lateral and top views found on related publications.


Then, it was 3d printed in grey ABS and acetone-welded together.


The WTC, housing all the control electronics, servos, pumps, and propulsion motor is made out off a convenient water bottle I found at a local shop. All movements are magnetically coupled to the exterior, and two tubes go out through the end cap, one housing the antenna and another to a external balloon, the bladder of the RCABS.


The pumps and solenoid needed for mentioned system are controlled by the circuit below: By means of some op amps and passive components, the pulse width of the PPM signal from the received is turned into a voltage, which then goes to some comparators that in turn control the pumps and solenoid via a couple transistors. It could have been done with a microcontroller, but perhaps this can be simpler.


Here is a summary video of the build:



All files for the 3d printed parts and a couple drawings are available here.

Hi Juan,

A very interesting project you have presented - with some pointers for the future of the hobby?

How long did the build take and any idea of the the total cost?

(You may have achieved a compromise between the "spend several years building it" or "spend hundreds of £ buying it" options. Twin problems for our hobby.)

Many thanks for posting and I also think that the circuit using a single op-amp is very neat!

David

Excellent build and information, thank you for posting!

It took me about a month (on holidays) to design and build the model, except the hull shape, which I've had for almost a year waiting to be turned into something. Meanwhile, I've been working on my wooden U-Boot for 4 years, and it still needs some work. It's quite a contrast.

On monetary matters, everything came from previous projects and such, but say 20€ for the 3d printed hull, another 20 for the radio receiver, servos, and ESC, and 20 more for pumps, dc motor, magnets, pushrods etc. That makes for 60 € or around 50 £.

There are some design decisions I'm not very proud off, and it needs a more robust bladder. We'll see.

Thanks for the kind words.

I am in the process of printing the parts, using PLA. So far going good.Will post some pictures.

Radioman wrote:I am in the process of printing the parts, using PLA. So far going good.Will post some pictures.

Nice! Looking forward to it.
Juan

Still some parts to make but coming along.

Are you sharing the 3D files?
Peace,
Tom

You can find the files on thingivirse. Look for rd submaires. I believe it can also be found on Github.

Radioman wrote:Still some parts to make but coming along.

Looking great!

Salmon wrote:
Are you sharing the 3D files?
Peace,
Tom

All files (and a couple drawings) are available here free to use: https://github.com/Juan-Gg/1-120-S-80-RC-Submarine
Also on thingiverse, as stated: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3825032

I may also make some drawings outlining the hull shape, because none are available on the internet for this model.
Juan

Juan, thank you!

Was not pleased with the PLA printed parts. I have now printed one using ABS, like it. Having a problem with printing the dive planes and rudders. How did you print them, flat or upright?

I have printed both ways. However, printing upright has caused issues every now and then. Also consider strength. Printing upright makes snapping the plane easier. Printing flat the ridges from the layers are more prominent. So the best advice is play and see.
Peace,
Tom

Just wondering if you fiberglass the model? Had read on some forum that they glasses the hills of ABS and PLA .

A fellow modeller from Germany has made a submarine improving on this design:


And someone else has made not one but two S-80 submarines:

https://www.thingiverse.com/make:884511

I'm glad some people out there are making the most of this design and goes to show that (given one has a 3d printer), model submarines can be built on a budget.

Juan

Wonder what happened to der modellbauer's youtube video and 3D files on Thingiverse on how to make you own wtc using 3D printed endcaps.

Very nice, can you print a U-boat say the U-505?
Bill
Athens Ga. USA

cgbillb wrote:Very nice, can you print a U-boat  say the U-505?
Bill
Athens Ga. USA

1/72 Type IX B Uboat
https://juangg-projects.blogspot.com/2018/01/172-u-boot.html

Video
https://youtu.be/4K4q5dHAo6c