There's a much better method than using a resistor. The resistor
generates heat that is pure wasted energy. Instead, an automatic pulser
that cuts the power to the solenoids when the current exceeds a certain
value is a much better solution. There's an even better advantage to
this solution because you can adjust the maximum current depending on
what is being launched. An even more advanced concept is to have a foot
pedal that isn't simply and on/off switch, but a rheostat that controls
the current limiter. I actually have one of these sitting in my garage.
Anker
Jeff Steifel wrote:
Without knowing for sure, I don't think we want the same resistance as
the F3B winches.
The F3B winches use mono so they get power from that, and the FLS
draws way more amperage, so if we resistor down to where the F3B
winches are the resistors will probably get smoked...
I would think we would want a little less resistance to overcome the
lack of mono, and higher draw of the FLS.
One of the Electrical engineers could probably come up with a decent
resistance. I'd expect it to be a small , but as my F3B teacher has
taught me a little change is a lot of power.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Long, but read it anyway.
Tension limiter discussions come and go and even the simplest
concepts not only add a substantial cost to each winch an more
potential failure points which could put a winch in a contest
situation down for the day, where a broken line can usually repaired
within a few minutes.
Two things that we can do to stanardise winch power, minimize line
breakage and make winches more user friendly are:
1 ) A simple 1/2 stainless steel threaded rod installed between the
FLS and the power from the solenoid can be adjusted to provide the
resistance specs for F3B winches.
Remember that the resistor rod is threaded so adjustment is simple
with a pair of jam nuts. There are a few checking devises for F3B
winch certification that should be available to proof the setup. AMA
has one.
The target setup should be the same as current (pun intended)
requirements for F3B winches for a standard and then any winch could
be used for all TD comps,an F3B comp and possibly to run an F3J comp
also. The stainless rod is also unaffected by the heat generated by
contest loads and cannot fail during heavy use.
Also the cost can't be more than $10 to $12 per winch. That reads
CHEAP ! I have done this mod thee times and and can testify to it's
ease of installation and cost.
2 ) The slightly lower power achieved above, and I mean slightly,
allows for lower lb test line which will cost less and more
importantly allow some stretch at the launch release giving the pilot
a better choice on the amount of line tension preferred, instead of
jerking the sailplane out of his hand. Also could be an easier launch
with the more fragile wood constructed sailplanes.
This mod has been done 3 times by yours truly with successful
results. I see where Mr Hands Off Retriever fame, Rick Botha is
supplying the SWC comp with a winch resistor system and that will be
the start of something. We have to quit talking about this and get it
done.
I propose that we get the Soaring Nats winches resistorised for this
years Soaring Nats and with lighter line than the 300 lb test line
that we have migrated to this last year.
Regards, Dave Corven. Also Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Marc Gellart <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
From what I have seen in this thread, the two real simple, straight
forward suggesions seem to be, lower capacity batteries like used in
B, and lighter line, like 200# (which the Dayton club already uses
and it works just fine for them except they have a great grass field
and and no humps in it).
Personnally I just hate downwind launches (my problem huh?) and
tension limiters sound worse than retrievers to keep working
correctly. I am really interested to hear how SWC goes to see how
Rick's resistor set up works, that might work just fine.
I've had my arse chewed on privitaly about somethings here, heh,
these are just ideas, right? Still wished we all had the B winches
though, then there is no problem.
Marc
Have a great Christmas, and holiday with your families!
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