Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Minn-Kota Thrusters -- Was: teathers

Frank

Thanks for the added description. I wonder if you will not find it easier to just connect both of the stern thrusters to the same stick. You'll still have the side thrusters able to thrust in different directions and the stern thrusters are so close together they they will not have much leverage when working against each other. I have my thrusters on the sides but they will not be nearly as effective as yours. That round hull of yours will turn on a dime. Mine should turn around more like a train. :)

I'm got the same idea for a portable control box. I plan open the top hatch and sit on the top of the cabin when running on the surface. I considered a joystick too but settled on knob for the speed and a toggle switch for the direction. I expect a very rough ride sitting up on the nose of the boat so something that didn't need finesse to operate seemed appropriate.

I like the gear connection to the pot idea. I may steel that and use one gear on a knob to turn two pots. At least that would make it easy to sync the stop position on the thrusters. Did you or do you plan to keep the magnet and reed switch that turns the thrusters off when the knob is between forward and reverse? I was going to try and do without those, but I am worried that it might be a mistake.

And I also wanted to say, well done, on your design. It shows a lot of original and creative thinking.

Best of Luck
Doug J
www.submarineboat.com

Hi Doug. Yes, I have 4 Minnkota 101 motors, and the controllers that go with them. The controllers have a little knob on them, and if you turn it one way it's forward, and the other way is reverse.

The joystick arrangement ( haven't made them yet) is set up so there's a small gear on the controller shaft, and a partial ring gear on the bottom of the joystick. Neutral is of course in the middle. I've seen the gears I need in a hobby shop here. The joysticks and box etc. I'll make out of stainless, because I want to be able to move the motor control box with 4 joysticks around inside the sub, and be able to stand up to drive with the hatch open. I don't have a tower with windows, so docking will be easier standing up with my head sticking out. ( although I can see pretty good forward, can't see beside or backward while seated.)

The two stern motors are fixed, with only forward/reverse. With the two joysticks side by side I will be able to push them both forward or back, or move one each way separately. Steering is by rudders on the outflow end of the motors, and additional ''fins'' all connected together, and operated by a hydraulic slave cylinder.

The side motors are also forward/reverse but are mounted on a swivel mechanism also controlled/positioned by slave cylinders.(one each motor)

Most traveling will be with the stern motors, but additional speed/power can be applied thru the side motors. Additionally, the motors can be set in a vertical position and by applying forward or reverse power to them, move up or down. The side motors are mounted at the center of the hull length wise, and with dive planes attached to the motor mounts, will help facilitate up down movement. I have a sketch on frappr of the side motors and attached dive planes. At first I plan to move ballast inside the sub to change angle, ( sliding the seats forward and back) but I may need to add movement to the drop weight for angle of dive changes if that proves to be less than required. Also, the horizontal/vertical position of the side motors is adjustable within a 120 degree arc, so smaller changes in depth can be accomplished while traveling. I may add some dive planes to the stern later if it proves necessary, again controlled by slave cylinder.

The sketch of the sub on frappr doesn't show the rudders on the stern, but the rear fins are shown.

Here's a link to the side motor sketch. I'll put up a sketch of the joysticks when they're made.

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