Midmar Dam - Dave Claxton
Tips Tricks and Hints for RCLaser sailors to avoid common
pitfalls and make RCLaser sailing more pleasurable
1. The most important tip is to avoid water in the cockpit as this leads to ongoing electrical problems
2. Remember to switch on the power on your transmitter before switching on the boat
3. Remember to switch off the power on the boat before switching off the transmitter
4. Before sailing the first time buy a round plastic dish (Addis available from P n P and Checkers) to insert in the cockpit to avoid water/moister getting to the electrics
5. Transfer the battery holder and radio receiver into the dish
6. The on/off switch can be removed from the deck and fitted onto the lid of the plastic dish, close the hole in the deck with some white insulation tape
7. Also insert a tissue into the hatch to collect moisture. It can be discarded if damp
8. Secure your rudder with a wedge or pin to avoid losing it in the event of a stern shunt
9. Take spare batteries
10. Don't drop or launch your boat from waist height into the water the keel will keep going to the bottom
11. Spray the steel pin on top of the keel with Q20 to stop it from rusting which causes the plastic to expand and crack eventually with the possibility that you could lose the keel
12. The range of the boat is improved by changing the aerial tube to be longer, the longer aerial tubes are available form hobby shops. You then need to put a bend into the aerial tube to come out behind the end of the boom
13. The penlight batteries must be 1.5v if you use 1.2v you have to change to a 5 battery holder in the boat.
14. Grandcell Alkaline rechargeable batteries (1.5v) available from Makro are the best type to use
15. Leave the sail on the mast and boom when transporting to prevent creasing of the sail
16. Make sure that the plastic lid on the cockpit is properly secured before launching, they have a habit of coming off and they don’t float
17. A tube of silicone grease from Wardkiss and a de-watering spray such as (ServisoI IPA 170) from A1 Radio are essentials for the toolbox. Silicone grease to reseal the 2 servos (winch & rudder) into the boat and to stop moisture from going down the shaft into the servos themselves. De watering spray to give the electrics an occasional spray.
18. The keel must be inserted into the boat with the rounded part of the bulb facing the bow of the boat and the sharp pointed end to the stern of the boat!
Please submit your useful hints and tips to be included on this list to rclaser@telkomsa.net
