Electric Steer By Wire / Rudder Torque

Discussion in 'OnBoard Electronics & Controls' started by jim_restoration_project, May 10, 2014.

  1. jim_restoration_project
    Joined: Apr 2014
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    jim_restoration_project Junior Member

    :) It does help, please continue!

    I've no issue with anyone playing Devils Advocate, that was the whole point of me posting... for people to pick holes in the plan and/or improve it. If the preliminary plan cannot stand scrutiny then it isn't much of a plan!
     
  2. Michael Y
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    Location: Pennsylvania

    Michael Y Junior Member

    Quick google, and there are a couple of systems you can buy right now it looks like. Electronic Command Steering by Hydro Marine, and ZF SteerCommand. I'd study those and steal as many ideas as possible, if not just buy one.
     
  3. jim_restoration_project
    Joined: Apr 2014
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    jim_restoration_project Junior Member

    Thanks, good call/tip. :)

    I'm on a tight budget so buying one isn't an option.

    Hypro Marine by the look of it... good call, wasn't aware of that one. Alas their website isn't responding at the moment. I'll keep trying though.

    I'm planning on using ZF microcommander digital throttle controls. I'll go looking for the technical documentation rather than the sales/marketing brochures. This is actually quite good for a sales/marketing brochure, ZF do seem to be a cut above the rest for such things don't they. Alas I can see straight away they assume a traditional pivot/tiller rudder attachment.
     
  4. jim_restoration_project
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    jim_restoration_project Junior Member

    I said earlier that Encoders are relative rather than absolute, usually true. However it does seem that you can source Absolute Multiturn IPxx Encoders, so I take that back. I doubt they are cheap though.
     
  5. Michael Y
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    Location: Pennsylvania

    Michael Y Junior Member

    I'm obviously interested in the topic. I come from an aircraft controls background.

    turns out maybe you can steal a system from an auto? I didn't realize that cars are moving to Electronic Power-Assist Steering, with full drive by wire on the way shortly. Cars with auto-parallel parking directly command the power steering unit, so they are obviously susceptible to remote driving. A visit to the junkyard could result in actuators and what-not.

    http://www.cnet.com/news/power-steering-shifts-to-electric/
     
  6. jim_restoration_project
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    jim_restoration_project Junior Member

    Yes, PAS and e-PAS have been around some time. Having said that it didn't occur to me to raid the scrap yard.

    The downside is knowing exactly what is what (in terms of technical documentation), not knowing the exact condition, lack of warranty, compromising (no doubt) down to 12V. etc. In my experience, most scrap yards don't want any hassle... they expect you to just take the part you want and that's it... no returns, limited knowledge (apart from simple stuff) etc.

    The parts aren't actually that numerous or expensive. Still, I will ponder this some more.
     
  7. Yobarnacle
    Joined: Nov 2011
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    Yobarnacle Senior Member holding true course

    Anything mechanical eventually breaks. goes double for electrics, and triple for electronics.

    my philosophy is, design and build it myself whenever possible. Using readily available components. that way I can fix it when it goes haywire.
     
  8. jim_restoration_project
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    jim_restoration_project Junior Member

    +1 to those sentiments
     
  9. Poida
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Poida Senior Member

    True Yoba

    But it also depends what you feel comfortable repairing.
    If a wire rope steering breaks, who carries X metres of wire rope turnbuckles shackles etc. and willing to get down into the bilge and try and undo nuts and bolts and do a major repair.

    With electrics if you are competent with trouble shooting you may need to replace a wire back into a connector, change out a relay, a limit switch or a proximity sensor. The units are small and spare ones can easily be kept on board.

    Controllers are very reliable, it is normally the peripheral electrics that fail, as mentioned easy to replace, and motors, how often do you replace your windscreen wiper motor?

    So yes Electrics will fail more but easier to fix if you know what you are doing. IMHO

    Poida
     

  10. Yobarnacle
    Joined: Nov 2011
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    Yobarnacle Senior Member holding true course

    I agree. I'm not going to go to extremes and build heathkit electronics. :D Remember those?
    But i'll install my own radio, depth-sounder, chart-plotter, ect. myself. Buy off the shelf ready-mades.
    Then I'm comfortable un-installing and re-installing new replacements and upgrades when stuff eventually fries.
    I want my electric steering and feedback systems just as simple.
    Actuator, controller, wiring harness, and power source. KISS principle. :)
     
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