Gas strut

stu9000

stu9000

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near kingston upon thames, surrey
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Can anyone recommend a gas strut for 115w solar panel.
I have not worked out the spec.
Maybe 50 to 100cm.
Variable pressure as I do not know the weight (not the right word) required to hold the panel in a horizontal position.
Thanks

S
 
You could use an electric linear actuator. I fitted one to the camper together with a tracking device. It was a package deal on ebay and worked very well save that the hysteresis proved impossible to tune so it was constantly hunting looking for the "bright spots" and did become irritating.
Linease actuators are cheap as chips. They are fitted in many disabled aids and need replacement every three years as a matter of legal compliance. I'm not sure they would be sea air compatible but they are fitted in bathroom appliances so should be (fresh) water tolerant.
 
+1 for SGS, used a couple of their stainless adjustable rams, the last to update boom strut from original spring, note that the adjustable option only allows for lowering level as you have to let gas out from little bleed screw, bit at a time. If you go too far you cannot refill it, although they are not that expensive anyway.
 
Hi I have four 60 w panels two on each side on extended pushpit each has an adjustable strut on one end, SGS are good to deal with following day delivery be careful adjusting I let a little too much gas out, or I didn't tighten the grub screw enough, I returned it ans SGS refilled it for around £10. Two of these I have had for 5 years they work really well. I have cord attached to the top fitting of the strut done to the toe rail back up through a small dingy jamming cleat, so that I can adjust them anywhere from vertical to horizontal . Unfortunately due to lockdown I can't give you the exact part no.
Mike
 
Graham_Wright said:
You could use an electric linear actuator. I fitted one to the camper together with a tracking device. It was a package deal on ebay and worked very well save that the hysteresis proved impossible to tune so it was constantly hunting looking for the "bright spots" and did become irritating.
Linease actuators are cheap as chips. They are fitted in many disabled aids and need replacement every three years as a matter of legal compliance. I'm not sure they would be sea air compatible but they are fitted in bathroom appliances so should be (fresh) water tolerant.
Click to expand...

I absolutely love this idea. Maybe more prone to gremlins than simpler tech but not that much more expensive than a gas strut. More adjustable, and locks into position. Best price I could find is about £37 for a 40cm troke length. Ebay item.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Linear-Actuator-Motor-1500N-330LBS-Electric-Industry-Lift-Auto-12V-DC-w-Bracket/392773672632?redirect=mobile . Still a wee bit pricey. If you could help me find three cheap chips you speak of I would be grateful.

PaulRainbow said:
Gas struts are not the best solution here, IMO.

caravan window stay - Google Search

spring locker stay - Google Search
Click to expand...

I had a good look at both of these but could not quite find the right item. A twist locking painters extension pole might be just the job (cut down a bit).

Thanks
 
stu9000 said:
Can anyone recommend a gas strut for 115w solar panel.
I have not worked out the spec.
Maybe 50 to 100cm.
Variable pressure as I do not know the weight (not the right word) required to hold the panel in a horizontal position.
Thanks

S
Click to expand...
Hi I have had a look in my shed and I have a spare strut from SGS the number on it is GSSV8-300 if you go on their website you will see all their fittings to set your solar panel Mine although only 60w are similar layout to what you are planning and work extreemly well the adjustable struts come very high pressure so should cope with 120 w assuming the frame is not too heavy. Hope yours work out as well as mine have.
MikeIMG_0705.jpg
 
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stu9000 said:
I absolutely love this idea. Maybe more prone to gremlins than simpler tech but not that much more expensive than a gas strut. More adjustable, and locks into position. Best price I could find is about £37 for a 40cm troke length. Ebay item.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Linear-Actuator-Motor-1500N-330LBS-Electric-Industry-Lift-Auto-12V-DC-w-Bracket/392773672632?redirect=mobile . Still a wee bit pricey. If you could help me find three cheap chips you speak of I would be grateful.



I had a good look at both of these but could not quite find the right item. A twist locking painters extension pole might be just the job (cut down a bit).

Thanks
Click to expand...
A company close to mine manufactures, installs and services disabled aids. In this field, actuators are required to be changed for new every three years. Those removed, are discarded. To avoid re-use, they cut off the power leads. Easily replaced. The internal switches (which are adjustable) remain.

I have used a couple of their actuators to drive out and elevate our tv from its hidey hole.

You may have a similar local company.

MY camper fit was similar to this;-
Electronic Controller Single Axis Solar Tracking&Linear Actuator DIY Sun Tracker 602463254688 | eBay
 
LadyInBed said:
Wow! Vanity comes at a price.
Click to expand...

As everythin in the Sailing world ,
But the cheapest 316 stainless steel strut and I think it is important to fit 316, was £38 for one =x2 = £76
So yes cheaper out there, ofc but as he old saying goes buy cheap spend twice
8mm rod 50mm stroke gas strut - GSS8-18-50-100

But some 2 by 4 , plywood, string, tubing , we can all make a Jimmy rig , too for peanuts but will it take a wave on the side , who knows ;)
Each to their own and the OP will find what suit them.,
 
Pagetslady said:
Hi I have had a look in my shed and I have a spare strut from SGS the number on it is GSSV8-300 if you go on their website you will see all their fittings to set your solar panel Mine although only 60w are similar layout to what you are planning and work extreemly well the adjustable struts come very high pressure so should cope with 120 w assuming the frame is not too heavy. Hope yours work out as well as mine have.
MikeView attachment 89949
Click to expand...
Hi
Interesting to see your set up.
This confirms my thinking regarding the distance from the end of the panel to mount the strut.
Do you have a strut on each side of the panel?
 
stu9000 said:
Hi
Interesting to see your set up.
This confirms my thinking regarding the distance from the end of the panel to mount the strut.
Do you have a strut on each side of the panel?
Click to expand...
Hi no Only one end, sorry the picture was on of many but one would not upload. I personally think my set up is great, I suppose I would , but it is simple weather proof draws no power, only thing is you have to adjust it manually to close I push the panel down and jam off the line as you can see I have temporarily attached the cord around the top of the strut, that was 5 years ago I really must make it permanent. Mike
I am trying to upload another picture but for some reason it will not accept it it is 1.9 m how do I remove the other picture from my forum storage?
 
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