The 18m proa has unidirectional rudders as these are more efficient than bi-directional and no issue with having them self-centering. For that reason the steering hydraulic motors are continuously rotating. The only issue with this is knowing where the blades are pointing as the rudders are under the hull. The deck mounted indicators are not easy to see at night. That means a torch is needed to check rudder position during a shunt at night. I do have a design for an electronic rudder indicator but that has not yet been done. The deck indicators are fine in daylight.
Rick
On 5 Dec 2018, at 5:42 am, ryanonthebeach@gmail.com [harryproa] <harryproa@yahoogroups.com.au> wrote:"The system operates one rudder and that works fine for steering in either direction."
That's great info, thanks Rick! Will make things simpler and more cost effective.I would think the most cost effective approach would be to flip the heading sensor (manually) and have a switch to reverse the polarity on the hydraulic autopilot drive pump.I know the pump switch would work, because I thoroughly confused my autopilot by wiring mine up the wrong way before.Do like the idea of an open center hydraulic valve, for the neutral gear to release the tiller for hand steering when mucking about in the bay or racing. They typically don't use open center valves on rams, usual ly on hydraulic motors for this reason. But I'm not sure how "loose" the ram will be in neutral gear, likely acceptable.
__._,_.___
Posted by: Rick Willoughby <rickwill@bigpond.net.au>
| Reply via web post | • | Reply to sender | • | Reply to group | • | Start a new topic | • | Messages in this topic (5) |
SPONSORED LINKS
.