Caonverting (useless) single arm wipers to pantograph

[Whitelighter]

Is it possible? I assume a pantograph set up uses a rotational motor to drive it?

Some big FB boats were supplied with useless 90 degre swing wipers which struggle to cover half the screen

 

[Jurgen]

Hope someone comes along with the answer as we would like to do this as well

 

[AllanG]

I think it depends upon which manufacturer's system you currently have, but if you have a ROCA Industry system, check out their website, as I know their single arm systems can be converted to a pantograph set up, or vice-versa:-

http://www.rocaindustry.com/wiper-system/Cat/W12-System/268/

 

[salar]

I have installed Vetus wipers on two boats. The motor is the same, the arms are obviously different. Have a look at the downloadable Vetus catalogue for a full guide on wiper sizing. You may need a longer motor drive stub for a pantograph base, on my second installation I used a standard length but it was tight.

 

[jfm]

See other thread today for some links. Yes the pantograph ones still use a rotational motor. The pantograph effect is created just by a second arm parallel to the first one so that the pair of arms and the top/bottom form a parallelogram that sweeps. The top "bar" of the parallelogram obviously doesn't rotate, so the blade can be kept vertical and not rotate as the arm sweeps - very simple design really

 

[Whitelighter]

See other thread today for some links. Yes the pantograph ones still use a rotational motor. The pantograph effect is created just by a second arm parallel to the first one so that the pair of arms and the top/bottom form a parallelogram that sweeps. The top "bar" of the parallelogram obviously doesn't rotate, so the blade can be kept vertical and not rotate as the arm sweeps - very simple design really

Yes looking at your pics on tother thread I can see how they work, looks simple and makes sense.

Since it is so simple, why do builders persist in using crappy single arm systems

 

[benjenbav]

Since it is so simple, why do builders persist in using crappy single arm systems

Because they are (a) cheap (b) unlikely to be used in anger (c) will break post-warranty.

If the weather is that bad that the wipers are no use: just have to drive it on the radar.

I always fancied one of those revolving clear view screens but never quite got around to fitting one.

 

[Elessar]

Is it possible? I assume a pantograph set up uses a rotational motor to drive it?

Some big FB boats were supplied with useless 90 degre swing wipers which struggle to cover half the screen

To you and jurgen - you will need to move the motors inboard to make it work. Way too much hassle. GRP work required. Get the optimum length arms and blades.

 

[aquapower]

To you and jurgen - you will need to move the motors inboard to make it work. Way too much hassle. GRP work required. Get the optimum length arms and blades.

That's just reminded me of why I didn't do it last year when trying to fit new wipers, mine were fitted near outside of screens and would have to be moved for pantograph to work.

 

[benjenbav]

To you and jurgen - you will need to move the motors inboard to make it work. Way too much hassle. GRP work required. Get the optimum length arms and blades.

In terms of optimisation, I would also think about using shorter than OEM blades to build some redundancy into the operation of the arms. It's not like a car where your vision needs to cater for 100mph closing speeds with multiple bogeys. As with the clearviews you really just need a smallish area to see thtough.