That's a very good looking installation Doug. Using an industrial gear box like that was my second choice, but I already had this one and every buck counts since this is part of a major multi-year rebuild of the boat. As far as controls go I'm using the integrated box offered by Kelly for use with their controllers:
http://www.kellycontroller.com/controlbox-p-131.html
Its a pretty home-made set-up but once everything was considered it was the least expensive and more importantly, its the quickest way to get going, just one plug and the controls are done and I know they're going to work. Once everything is running smoothly I'll build a nicer set of controls.
I looked for a while for an appropriate single axis, no-return, 5k pot joy stick but never found one, you'll have to let us all know how yours works out.
I've thought a lot about the controls too. With everything removed and filled my cockpit is now one solid bath tub with nothing through the walls. For some reason this appeals to me. I thought about mounting the switches and pots of a custom set up on the cabin bulkhead in the cockpit or even some micro switches and pots into the tiller itself. I thought that might be pretty neat. I've got to build a new tiller anyway.
I'll try some lighter weight oil in the transmission.
David
Looks good David. I just fitted the gear reducer on my project this weekend. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/electricboats/photos/album/1837698165/pic/1922930997/view
Ebay had a couple of single axis joysticks used for mobile equipment that I just purchased so they should be here sometime this week. I may have to change out the pot but between them both I should be able to get something just right. Reverse, Off-center detent, Forward.
Other than batteries and a charger that should do it.> I just uploaded a couple of pictures of my MARS PMAC motor mated up to a Kanzaki transmission from the Yanmar 2QM removed from the boat. I cleaned up the transmission, painted it and used an aluminum plate to mount the motor to the bell housing in such a way that a spider coupler on the transmission input mates to the motor drive shaft.
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> I have a Kelly controller and controls on order. I'm planning on installing it in a case mounted on top of the back of the gear box, so the whole drive is in one more or less self contained unit.
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> My thinking in using the gearbox is it will be a very robust and reliable reduction gear and installation should be the same as any engine. I replaced the engine beds with similar but much shorter ones in the boat.
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> I do have a question about efficiency. There is some effort in turning the transmission. I've been inside this type of gear box and its pretty much just two shafts with gears, nothing to it. The efficiency of mechanical gearboxes should be very high, in the 90% and up range, comparable to belt reduction, but the initial effort in turning the output shaft makes me wonder. Is it just that once the gears get running they are very efficient? Is there a fly wheel effect going on?
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> I'll update with pictures of the controller installed and installation in the boat when the time comes.
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> David
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