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Once you have all the equipment connected you are ready to try it out. This is best first done on the workbench. First it is a good idea to trace through all your wiring and connections in a logical manner to ensure that everything is in order. Next make sure that the transmitter, receiver and drive batteries have been well charged. (This is were a multimeter can be useful for checking battery voltage). Now fit and connect all the above batteries. This is the moment of truth. Position your boat so that the propeller and rudder will not catch on anything. Switch on your transmitter first and then switch on the receiver. If you have done everything right when you move the stick on channel 1 the rudder should move. Move the stick on channel 2 and the motor should operate and turn the propeller. If the rudder or motor goes in the wrong direction most modern radio sets have servo reverse switches to alter this. They are usually on the front of the transmitter. If in doubt check the handbook or ask at your club or model shop.
Just a note on electronic speed controllers. Many of these have a specific set up sequence which should be followed to ensure correct operation. Check the instructions for this information or, again, ask at the club or model shop.
Hopefully, everything will work correctly and depending in what state of build your model is you may be able to give it a trial on the water. If you intend to do this and it is your first model take an experienced boat modeller with you. Before you actually launch your boat it is a good idea to do a range check on dry land. Place your model somewhere safe and if possible move about 50 yards away with the transmitter in hand. Switch on your transmitter and ask your friend to switch on the receiver. Check the rudder and motor operation as before and watch for any interference. If everything is OK you can try it on the water.
If things have not gone to plan and the motor and rudder do not operate as they should, or even worse not at all, it is time for some troubleshooting. Troubleshooting or fault finding must be conducted in a logical manner. Experience is a great help when it comes to sorting out these problems and I suggest if possible that you get some help from an experienced modeller. If you are a club member seek out the 'electrics guru', all clubs seem to have one and they are usually only too willing to put their skills to work. Also, your model shop may help but they may want to charge for their time. If you have to try and sort it out on your own here are a few tips:
1. Check that all batteries are charged and correctly fitted/connected. If necessary take them to your model shop for testing.
2. Check that any fuses fitted are OK. Get them tested if necessary.
3. Check that all the wiring is correct and any connections are well made.
4. Check that the battery indicator or LED/s light up on your transmitter when it is switched on.
5. With your transmitter still on, switch on your receiver and check to see if either channel operates (rudder and motor) when the sticks are operated. If either of them works try changing the plugs over in the receiver to locate the fault. For instance, if the rudder operates when plugged into either channel then there is a problem with either, the speed controller, motor, drive battery , fuse or associated motor wiring. Likewise, if the motor operates in either channel then there is a problem with the rudder servo or wiring. If both the rudder and motor operate when plugged into one channel but not the other then it is likely that the fault is in the receiver or transmitter.
Hopefully, the above will help you to trace and rectify any faults. However, as I have said before, being a member of a boat club really can have its advantages, especially when you are confronted with this type of problem.
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