Self Steering - Fraction too Much Friction

[TonyMills]

Perhaps a bit more than a fraction!

I've built the connection between the vane unit and the paddle using bicycle brake cables. The theory works really well except it has resulted in a fairly stiff action! I can move the paddle with a light finger on the blade but winds of 8-10knots dont shift it (tested out back of shed). Individually all the parts seem to have free movement. The paddle (a helicopter rotor blade (cut down of course) is set up to turn using a dry joint and supported on a trailer bearing. It turns with minimal touch when not connected to vane.

Any ideas? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[William_H]

Does that mean there is some helicopter flying around with one blade shorter than the others? Seriously is it an aluminium rotor blade or a wooden one? Wot never heard of wooden rotor blades try early Bell 47.
it seems to me like you need a bigger wind blade. olewill

 

[CPD]

Very thin rope ?

 

[Twister_Ken]

Are they top notch bike cables?

You can get them teflon coated to reduce stiction and kevlar sheathed to avoid kinking.

 

[Sea Devil]

Have a look at the Hydrovane wind blade - very big and made of narrow light alloy tube covered in spinnaker material like a glove... The area is at least 3 times greater than most but is lighter and more responsive..

 

[Blueboatman]

You would be far better off scrapping the cables idea and using rigid lever type links,each one balanced with counter weights-the friction will be negligible.Sorry. Based on building my own,which worked very well in its mk4 form !

 

[TonyMills]

Wood would be good!. Its Stainless casing with an aluminium core. I realise that I need to completely seal it before emersion. These are replaced every so many hours and effectively scrapped. I have about 3 metres of blade left in the shed ready for another really good/useful/dumb idea. I got it from a place in Jandakot - very helpful

 

[TonyMills]

OK, I'll have too find some design ideas!

Thanks TonyM

 

[TonyMills]

I dont think top knotch comes at $2.99 (1 quid+-) from KMart. I'll chack with the really good bike shops.

Thanks TonyM

 

[pampas]

What sort of bike cables? the reason I ask is this, some cables have a "Nylon inner case to reduce friction,if yours have been used before then I would suspect that the liner has worn a groove at the point if tightest radius,just a thought.