Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Need advice, new builder.

["D. Blake" <dblake@bright.net>]

Hi Stan:
Do you know much about hydraulic systems design?  I for one know little, but
I'am learning.  I just recently acquired a two decade old book intitled 'HOW
TO DESIGN / BUILD REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES'.  Very fascinating reading, and
absolutely relevant to our psub endeavors.
One conclusion that I have made so far at this early moment in my
investigation of hydraulics is the fact that no real advantage can be had
from little or nothing to begin with in terms of original force.  Your idea
of "pedal power" will ultimately result in a sub-fractional HP motive force
that leaves you with oxygen debt, and no time really to enjoy your
underwater surroundings.
Pedal-power may be alright for ambient or wet-subs, but forget it for
1-ATMs.

BigDave

-----Original Message-----
From: Stan Muller <smuller@iland.net>
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
Date: Friday, May 11, 2001 12:27 AM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Need advice, new builder.


>Hi All,
>   Well, here I am back from the drawing board, and I think with an
>improved design.
>   I am taking approximately 18 inches off the bow, and approximately 14
>inches off the stern. Reinstalling both end bells  at the new shortened
>ends, and then putting the top 1/2 of the cut off back on as ballast
>tanks. Basically the same as the bow on G. Kittredge's first sub. This
>will both lessen my displacement, and increase my flotation.
>   One of my greater concerns has been mechanical through hull fittings
>and from that, came another idea I would like feedback on. (please)
>   My thought is to install a hydraulic pump inside the boat, and a
>hydraulic motor outside with a 4 bladed, 14 inch prop with a 12 inch
>pitch. The inboard pump will be peddle driven, with a closed system to
>the pump. That way, my only through fittings will be pipe fittings.
>   There is no way to express my appreciation for the help the people on
>this list have been. I have built several boats, but this being my first
>sub, I had developed tunnel vision trying to design the darn thing so it
>would sink, never really taking into account the fact it would have to
>float high enough to be able to get in and out of the hatch. Foolish I
>admit, but true. Not only has this become a fun project, and at 65 I
>haven't as many of those as I once did, But the opportunity to learn has
>become more rewarding than the project itself.
>Thank you Carsten, and thank you all,
>Stan in Missouri.