Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Path: brunix!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!rice!rusty
From: rusty@masc.rice.edu ( Robert Kelley)
Subject: Re: Underwater Motors
Message-ID: <1992Mar20.075552.20470@rice.edu>
Sender: news@rice.edu (News)
Organization: Dept. of Math. Sciences, Rice University
References: <1992Mar19.193709.2760@arizona.edu>
Distribution: world,local
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1992 07:55:52 GMT
Lines: 30


Re: Observations of:   frank@evax2.engr.arizona.edu (Frank Manning)

>>For a super quick and dirty solution, I wonder if you could just use a
>>cheap motor and let it flood?

Frank is perfectly right.  This works well.  I think the motors run
quieter electrically, also.

If you elect this approach, I do recommend the following postmaintenance:

			After EACH use

1) Run briefly in fresh water; no salt, no chlorine.

2) Run briefly in air to help dry it, then dry it if possible in the sun
or with a hairdryer (without getting the magnets too hot).  This step
is less critical than you may think, but it's a good idea nonetheless.

3) Oil both bearings.  Don't skip this one.

Doing this, I've run small electrics submerged and open on sporadic
occasions over a period of months.  The motors still work and show no signs
of ill-use, and I'm planning to use them again.

As others have remarked, the trolling motors may be the most practical,
but if they're too large or expensive, try the above.

	RS Kelley, Ph.D.	rusty@rice.edu		Rice University

