I know of two types of linear drives. One that I have I believe was made to aim the large old-style home satellite TV antennas. It has a 12 VDC motor, screw drive and a travel of about eight inches. I use it to operate a sliding blade valve (like in a RV black water drain valve, but bigger and in stainless) as my main engine exhaust discharge sea valve so I can close it in case of a stranding or other emergency. It would have to be mechanically disconnected from the steering quadrant or tiller when not in use.
The second type I saw on the Internet. It consists of a tube with a series of toiriod (donut shaped) electromagnets stacked along it and rod sliding inside the tube with a series of strong permanent magnets. A controller turns the electromagnets on and off to pull the permanent magnets back and forth through the tube. I forget the web site and it got wiped from my bookmarks last time I had to reinstall @#$%$% Windows. My boat has Wagner hydraulic manual system with a no-name flea market Italian hydraulic pump controlled by a Furuno autopilot. Norm S/V Bandersnatch Lying Julington Creek 30 07.695N 081 38.484W ----- Original Message ----- From: Philip & Marilyn To: [email protected] Sent: 7/23/2008 8:42:59 AM Subject: [Liveaboard] Autohelm pilot I have an Autohelm 6000 wheel pilot (came with the boat) and definitely do not like the drag and catch that the disengaged belt causes on the helm. What investigation I have done tells me that there is no solution to this problem. I am thinking about getting a below deck electric ram - Type 1 Linear Drive 12 V. I believe it will interface with my existing control head. Money is a consideration. Does any one have any experience with these? When it is disengaged, how much drag does it place on the (cable and quadrant) steering system? Thanks, Philip "Be the change you want to see" Philip & Marilyn Lange AE4OV & KD4JRC, ORYOKI Witness 35 Catamaran
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