Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Fixed motors versus rotating

If you're trying to avoid having a rotating shaft penetrate the hull, one solution you might consider is using a small motor sealed with a worm gear to rotate the thruster motor. That can give you as many degrees of rotation as you want. It's very compact, has plenty of torque, and operates smoothly.

In a message dated 3/25/2011 7:54:37 P.M. Central Daylight Time, alanjames@xtra.co.nz writes:

Sorry mistake, should have said

"intended to have them rotating through 180 degrees to give me both forward & vertical movement."

----- Original Message -----

From: Alan James

To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org

Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2011 1:32 PM

Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Fixed motors versus rotating

Hi all,

I have 2 motors that are going to be mounted port & starboard, & had intended to

have them rotating through 180 degrees to give me both forward & lateral movement.

I have two linear actuators (electric rams) that I was going to use to achieve this; however a direct linkage from the actuator

piston to a disk or lever on the motor rotating shaft won't give me 180 degrees. I would have to use some sort of gearing,

maybe a rack & pinion.

This all is seeming a bit hard & I'm tempted to buy 2 more motors & dedicate them to the lateral movement.

So I would have 4 fixed motors.

I don't want to rotate them using "through hulls"

Any words of wisdom on either how to set the motors up to rotate 180 degrees or on the pros & cons of fixed or rotating

motors thanks.

Regards Alan