BOW THRUSTERS  – ‘Z’ DRIVES  – “VOITH-SCHNEIDER” DRIVE UNITS

Z-DRIVE:  Our Schottel drive unit I emulates the functions and construction of the full-size system: the swivel range is 2 x 90º if a 2 x 45º servo is used. The drive unit is designed for the use of SPEED 500 to SPEED 600 motors with a maximum output power of 50 Watts. The shafts are made of V2A stainless steel, and run in ballraces in the more heavily stressed areas; the other bearings take the form of high-quality metal bushes. The Kort nozzle of the drive unit is attached to the motor by means of a locking device, making it a simple job to remove and clean the propeller if it gets soiled.

‘Z’ DRIVE

GR-1761

Z-DRIVE:  The Schottel drive unit II adopts the same working principles as the original design. Used in conjunction with the powerful SPEED 900 BB Torque 12 V electric motor, No. 6373, the unit's integral 3:1 reduction gear box and specially matched 65 mm Ø propeller produce considerable propulsive power, making the system suitable for use in quite large heavy model boats. The main assembly is made of plastic and is extremely strong. For direct control a powerful servo (e.g. C 4821, No. 3896) is required, installed in a special servo mount. If the servo travel is geared up to a ratio of 2:1 the swivel range of the nozzle is in the region of 180°, although the actual value will vary according to the servo you are using. There are no mechanical restrictions to the swivel range. The servo mount is attached adjacent to the shaft, and various positions are possible to suit the conditions inside your model.

‘Z’ DRIVE

GR-2335

Z-DRIVE:  The SPPS Z-Drive is particularly suitable for all kinds of marine vessels requiring great maneuverability, such as tugs, tow boats and ferries. This type of propulsion and steering gear is also used in the SEABEX ONE diver depot ship R/C model. A servo providing 2 x 45º travel is required for SPPS thruster (Z-Drive) control. The Kort nozzle boosts the efficiency of the marine propeller, at the same time protecting it against mechanical damage.  The submerged part of the SPPS thruster can be disconnected from the main part by unscrewing a single screw. This feature simplifies cleaning the propeller. The marine propeller is equipped with a stainless steel thrust bearing. The SPPS thruster is designed for electric motors having an output of 25-50 W.

‘Z’ DRIVE

GR-1775

BOW THRUSTER:  7.2 V. Plastic case with flange-mounted electric motor SPEED 400 and two extension tubes. Also used in the R/C mega-yacht MOONRAKER. Diameter of inlet/outlet tube 14 mm. Length of extension tubes approx. 60 mm each. O.a. width of tube (center section plus extensions) approx. 165 mm. Total height, incl. motor approx. 65 mm.

BOW THRUSTER

GR-1785

VOITH-SCHNEIDER:  True-scale propeller drive unit for powering and controlling model boats. The new Voith-Schneider propeller unit (usual abbreviation VSP) for model boats was developed with the help of original factory drawings. At the design stage we insisted that all the basic functions should emulate those of the original. In the Voith-Schneider system the propeller generates both thrust and steering forces by altering the angle of the propeller blades. Changes in speed are produced by altering the pitch angle of the propeller blades. Changes in speed are produced by altering the pitch angle of the propeller blades; motor speed remains constant. Thrust vectoring is used to alter the direction of running, with infinite variation available through 360º without any change in the direction of motor rotation. For this reason only a simple motor switch or a forward- only speed controller is required for the motor. The VSP is designed as a robust slow-running unit (the SPEED 500 E 12 V motor supplied is fitted with an appropriate reduction gearbox). In an effort to generate as little noise as possible, the reduction gearbox is based on a toothed belt reducer. The system is straightforward to install in the model boat: the mounting ring (supplied) is glued in the hull, and the VSP is simply screwed to the ring. The main shaft is supported in two rubber-sealed ball races, making the VSP unit virtually watertight. All other heavily stressed parts are made of metal or high-quality bearing plastics, and the unit can be expected to have a long useful life if maintained properly. The propeller blades can be replaced easily if they should become damaged. Two servos are required to control the system.

VOITH-SCHNEIDER

GR-2358