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pratthobbies
USA
10 Posts |
 Posted - 10/12/2004 : 08:26:47
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Eric, you do NOT need the solenoid saver circuit for my solenoid valves. You only need that circuit if you are using HyperTEK valves, which are made by NOS Systems for cars. I have my valves custom made, and they can handle the on-time requirements with no extra circuitry.
I considered designing the solenoid-saver circuitry into the RTLS, but when I found a company that would custom-make valves for me, I realized I didn't have to. It's so much simpler just to use a valve that is robust enough for our application. Car systems are only on for ten seconds or so, and if you try to fill an M tank with a car valve it overheats after a couple of minutes. My valves can be held open for 20 minutes if necessary with no damage.
Your tank arrived last week and is on its way to you. Everything else is ready except the GOX Box, and that will be done shortly. Film at 11. In any case, don't worry about the extra circuitry. Just deliver 12 volts directly to the fill valve, and it'll be happy.
Best, Doug
quote:
Originally posted by EBurch
For a the launch system all we need is a 4 position rotary switch in series with a momentary contact switch on one end and 4 relays on the other, separated by at least 100 feet of cable. The relay controlling the NOS solenoid needs a special circuit on the positive terminal to protect the solenoid. The special circuit for the solenoid is available at http://www.nowhybrids.com/solsaver.html. I am not very electronics friendly but it seems simple enough, especially for the electronic guru types in the club. I should have the rest of the stuff from Doug soon. I will fill the tank and pick up a GOX tank to finish the hardware side as soon as I have the tank.
Eric
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jdhous
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2004 : 12:05:12
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OK, I can pick up the relays and switches locally on Friday if you want (I know a great little shop with all kinds of neat stuff), I need a few details, such as current ratings, are any of the switches double pole or double throw, etc.? I'll try to find out at the now hybrids site. Let me know by Thursday and I can have everything at the launch on Saturday
Jay |
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EBurch
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2004 : 16:24:46
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The rotary swith and the momentary contact switch only had to be robust enough for the switching side of the relay which usually is very low current. The Relays have to be robust, I have seen mostly automotive 20 or 30 amp single pole, single throw type relays like you see used for high power accessory lighting. You can e-mail Doug at Pratthobbies and he should be able to give you exact current loads for the valves.
Eric |
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pratthobbies
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2004 : 06:12:13
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The standard valve pulls 2.1 amps. The BFV pulls 3.1 amps. That is a constant current throughout the "on" cycle.
quote:
Originally posted by EBurch
The rotary swith and the momentary contact switch only had to be robust enough for the switching side of the relay which usually is very low current. The Relays have to be robust, I have seen mostly automotive 20 or 30 amp single pole, single throw type relays like you see used for high power accessory lighting. You can e-mail Doug at Pratthobbies and he should be able to give you exact current loads for the valves.
Eric
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Doug Pratt
www.pratthobbies.com |
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EBurch
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2004 : 07:52:08
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I have all of the components and the NOS and GOX tanks are filled. I am hoping to launch our first Hybrid flights at the November Launch.
See you there!
Eric |
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pratthobbies
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 11/26/2004 : 07:20:43
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Outstanding! Please let me know how it goes. Pictures would be great!
quote:
Originally posted by EBurch
I have all of the components and the NOS and GOX tanks are filled. I am hoping to launch our first Hybrid flights at the November Launch.
See you there!
Eric
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Doug Pratt
www.pratthobbies.com |
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jdhous
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 12/29/2004 : 11:12:12
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Congratulations to Eric Burch!
Eric made the 1st Hydrid launch on the clubs new equipment at the Dec. '04 launch!!!
Lets all wish him well with his surgery.
Jay |
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pratthobbies
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2005 : 07:00:40
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I'm glad to hear the launch went well!
Any news on Eric's health? I hope everything is OK!
quote:
Originally posted by jdhous
Congratulations to Eric Burch!
Eric made the 1st Hydrid launch on the clubs new equipment at the Dec. '04 launch!!!
Lets all wish him well with his surgery.
Jay
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Doug Pratt
www.pratthobbies.com |
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EBurch
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2005 : 16:29:01
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Just wanted to fill you in on the status of my surgery. On Dec 28th the doctors completed 2 valve replacements(the aortic and the mitrial) with mecahnical valves, and a myectomy (that is, they removed about 2cm of muscle from my left ventricle). The surgery went well but there were a number of issues afterwards including back spasms and a what they believe was a minor sroke. As of today, Thursday the 13th, I am still in the hospital waiting for my coumadin levels to stabilize above 2. I will be on anti-coagulants the rest of my life and they must be high enough so that I don't have another stroke or blood clots once I am out and not so high that I have bleeding problems.
All in all though I am very grateful for the prayers and visits of the club memebrs. God has been indeed gracious and I now have a new lease on life that only months ago was uncertain.
Eric Burch |
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pratthobbies
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2005 : 07:25:40
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Thanks for the update, and I'm delighted to hear that you have the situation under control! With luck, you'll be back on the rocket range soon. Best wishes for continued recovery.
quote:
Originally posted by EBurch
Just wanted to fill you in on the status of my surgery. On Dec 28th the doctors completed 2 valve replacements(the aortic and the mitrial) with mecahnical valves, and a myectomy (that is, they removed about 2cm of muscle from my left ventricle). The surgery went well but there were a number of issues afterwards including back spasms and a what they believe was a minor sroke. As of today, Thursday the 13th, I am still in the hospital waiting for my coumadin levels to stabilize above 2. I will be on anti-coagulants the rest of my life and they must be high enough so that I don't have another stroke or blood clots once I am out and not so high that I have bleeding problems.
All in all though I am very grateful for the prayers and visits of the club memebrs. God has been indeed gracious and I now have a new lease on life that only months ago was uncertain.
Eric Burch
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Doug Pratt
www.pratthobbies.com |
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Topic |
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club hybrid equipment
