Next message: Ken James: "Re: lv-ab: Linear actuator"
Hi Again,
OK the linear actuator is a 12 volt motor that
drives a rod in and out. The one I ordered has a
200 mm reach (just under 8 inches). That is fine
as the outboard motor steering has an 8 inch
travel, so nothing will be driven against it's
stops.
The active (powered) force of the actuator in 50
Kgrams or 110 pounds. At that load it will move 2
inches per second. Of course that is a load it
will never see while steering so the actual speed
will be much faster. the maximum speed, if I
remember correctly is about 3.5 inches per second.
The actuator also has a "passive" load resistance
of 100 Kgrams (about 220 pounds) which is the
force it would take to move the rod when the power
is turned off.
This is plenty as the entire motor, including the
mount, weighs only 190 pounds. This means after I
turn off the steering power with the motor
pointing straight ahead I can use the built in to
the motor electric tilt to get it out of the water
and it will remain in the straight ahead position.
This unit and it's "more expensive" solid state
controller (they offer a cheaper one which uses
relays but results in "jerky action") is costing
me 410 English pounds, without any VAT.\ I also
had to buy a joystick, which since it will be used
outside I wanted to be of a pretty good design and
construction. It had to include a 10Kohm pot and
have the three wires to connect to the controller.
That cost me 180 bucks for a joystick that is
hermetically sealed and is rated for 5,000,000
operations before failure.
If I live long enough to operate that joystick 5
million times I will GLADLY pay for a
replacement!!! :-)
So, if anyone wants more info on this "remote
steering of an outboard engine without a
mechanical linkage to your boat's existing
steering", email me direct and I will tell you
anything you want to know. At least IF I know the
answer...
Eric Thompson
S/V Procrastinator
South San Francisco
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