HW: Leveller Evo (name pending approval by Dave Mac)

[maddox10]

The advantage from 4 times to 8 times buffer isn't in relation to the weight and space used. In short, keep it 4 times.

[JamesDavies]

Thanks Mario. I have started with 8 times now so I'll see how that goes. Weight and space don't seem to be an issue at the moment but it's nice to know I have a buffer (no pun intended) if they become an issue.

Thinking about battery boxes- I was thinking of making a little polycarb box to contain them, but I realised I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to working with polycarb.

How do others secure their batteries? Do the batteries make contact with a baseplate- or would people put something in between to absorb some impact? Is arena fire (at RW events) an issue with LiFe batteries?

Cheers

[maddox10]

There are voices that want to mandate a metal battery-support-baseplate, but for now anything is ok.

For team RCC.

LiFe's are no firehazard. We had in the 7 years we use'm 2 mishaps.
1) Recharging a 4S pack on 6S. Result, a bit of smoke and bulged packs.
2) Drilling a hole trough them. Result, a lot of smoke.

The raptors Nebelwerfer and Perun use a bend and HDPE box that gets closed up when the armor goes together.
Hannibalito 3.2 uses a steel plate with bend sides as part of a support frame, and a piece of heavy duty RC velcro strap.

These 3 machines use a Zippy 3S 4000mAh LiPo hardcase pack.

Bullfrog has a shockmounted ali box containing the 2 5S 5000mAh LiPo's.
Kan Opener has shockmounted open framed Titanium support structures to keep the 4 Zippy 4S 8000mAh packs in place.

[JamesDavies]

So just don't drill through the batteries... got it!

Thanks for that- you don't happen to have any pictures of the on in Bullfrog do you (or any others, just trying to picture them)? Dont trouble yourself taking any if you don't.

[JamesDavies]

Drilled and tapped the holes in the buffer tank and got all the pneumatic parts put together today.

Current problem is that the ram goes up very slowly. Am I doing something obviously wrong? I'm worried the flow rate through the valve is too low.

If I remove the ram from the system and connect the ram up to with 2 closed burkets and leave one port open the piston moves up and down with ease. However if I now plug a 3rd burket into the open port and open the valve I can push the ram down but it is stiff. Am I getting a normal amount of flow through my burkets?

Cheers. Video attached.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gez...ature=youtu.be

[maddox10]

It's normal with all the ports closed that the ram moves very slow and stiff, it shouldn't move at all even.
But I guess there are some small losses in unpressurised Burkerts.

Now, how did you connect it all up? Any restriction in flow will make a large ram like that move slow.
The ports in the ram are 1/2bsp.
If you use 2 Burkerts 5404's to feed the ram, there should be 2 hoses or pipes between those and the buffertank. Internal diameter of hose/pipe should be at least 12mm.

If these conditions are fullfilled, there is another possible reason to have a "limp ram". The shuttles not moving in the main valves.
Option 1)
The pressure is over 50 bar, some Burkerts need more than 24V to open the solenoid fast enough to have the shuttle move, otherwise it's just the 2mm assist hole in the Burkert that feeds the ram.
2) Foreing matter in the valves ( swarf or sticky iccy stuff)

[JamesDavies]

I explained it very badly- I meant with one of the ports open the ram only moves slowly.

The burket needing 24V to open sounds like the most likely thing at the moment- I'll up the voltage and try again tomorrow!

Also- when the ram is at full extension, I can hear air escaping from inside the ram. Is this intentional or a problem?

Cheers,

[JamesDavies]

Tried it again with 24v, no change.

I guess that means I'm down to swarf in the burkets- but all 3 of them?
How would I clear this out if it is the problem?

[maddox10]

open the valves is the first part of that.

[JamesDavies]

Some slow but steady progress. Havent had chance to look at the valves yet, that's the next job for when I've got time to sit down with them. Also need some spacers on the wheels- they move laterally quite a lot at the moment.

IMG_1511.jpgIMG_1509.jpg

[JamesDavies]

Progress update:
Driving now, still getting some problems with one chain, think it needs straightening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GClbOEFiDMk

Got the gas working, think one of the valves isnt opening fully. Will investigate further but now I can crack on with drilling the buffers, plumbing and fabricating the shell.

[JamesDavies]

Oh- I am still looking for a 1000psi blow out valve and a screw top fire extinguisher/ valve. Does anyone have either of these spare or know where I can get them?

[maddox10]

I have a 1000psi 1/8 bsp PRV.

The screw top is another matter. Do you need a M25*2 or a tapered BSP sized one?

[JamesDavies]

What would you want for it?

I can't remember and I cant check at the moment as the bottle is not where I am. At a guess it's the M25

[JamesDavies]

Just as you think it's going well....

I manage to plug me speedo into itself... Bugger. Looks like I wont be making it to Newport then :/