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In a message dated 7/23/2010 1:23:38 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
alanjames@xtra.co.nz writes:
Hello Alan. Thanks for the Lenco link. I had looked at some of their info
before but this link has quite a bit more info. These look like pretty good
actuators. Ball screw driven, O ring sealed, gland seal on the wires, stainless
construction........nice !
The max stroke is 4-1/2 inch but it said it'll push 750 pounds so
re-working the linkage to the shorter stroke would work.
The Firgelli actuators I have are very cheaply made. Not really up to snuff
for my application but an inexpensive way to test the whole concept of elec.
actuators.
The cost of the Lenco's looks to be $284 each and I got a quote from a
Minnkota dealer on their actuators of $ 259.
They both say " fully submersible " but I doubt they're talking about
submarines !
An enclosure would still be required ( with oil compensation ) but the
quality design and materials on these Lenco's looks like a good choice.
Good link.....Thanks.
On the position indicator, I look forward to seeing your mock-up and
schematics. I'm a big fan of making inexpensive mock-ups to see how everything
fits up and functions.
On a side note, the side thruster mounting I'm using is off-center and
weighted so that in the event of failure the dive plane/thruster will " fail "
in the vertical position and the power stroke pushes the assembly to horizontal
and beyond through the 120 degree arc. The linkages are stainless with brass "
shear pins " in case I smash into something. The pins should shear off before
too much damage occurs to the dive plane assembly, and the dive plane "drops "
to vertical for ascent of the sub for repairs.
I plan on keeping a full dive plane/thruster motor assembly as a spare in
the tool chest. As a new and inexperienced pilot I'm expecting to do a lot of
"crashing " before I get the hang of this boat. After testing at depth I'll be
putting in a hundred hours or so of self teaching so I'm confident what the sub
will do under various conditions and situations.
A lot of this early testing will be done while attached to the crane.
Things like flooding only one ballast tank, locking out various systems
simulating failure ( air and electrical ), and maybe even a drop test into the
water to see if anything "shakes loose "
I'll be developing some type of seat belts too in case I encounter a
hurricane ( just kidding )
But I want to find out what the sub will do in extreme conditions and train
for it. No riders until I'm confident the thing is " bullet proof "
As a long time scuba diver I've experienced some pretty scary situations in
deep water and I'll be developing procedures to deal with as many situations as
I can dream up.
Frank D.
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