2021-10-25, 09:15 PM
I'm planning a Pypilot installation on my 41' ketch with hydraulic wheel steering. Willing to do without the complexities associated with installing an electric pump for that matter, I'm contemplating a wheel contraption based on a brushed motor for which I have two possible scenarios. The first one is the classical and proven "wheel within the wheel", the second one is to drive directly the shaft of the manual hydraulic pump in the console (which is coupled to the steering wheel). I have two questions:
1. In any scenario, is it really necessary to disconnect the driven shaft (be it the wheel's or the pump's) from the motor? As I understand it, a brushed motor will generate electricity when its axle is turned. Where will this electricity go when the autopilot is not in use and the helmsman is happily steering away? In other words, when the motor controller is turned off, can the current generated by the wheel being manually operated damage Pypilot? I would very much prefer not to install a clutch mechanism and have the link be permanent between the motor and the shaft.
2. In the second scenario, where the motor directly drives the pump's shaft, the purchase arrangement would be from smaller gears than in the first scenario. Wouldn't then the steering wheel, as dead weight being actuated, act as a flywheel and somehow affect the proper functioning of Pypilot? In this case it would take something to engage/disengage the wheel itself.
Any thoughts?
1. In any scenario, is it really necessary to disconnect the driven shaft (be it the wheel's or the pump's) from the motor? As I understand it, a brushed motor will generate electricity when its axle is turned. Where will this electricity go when the autopilot is not in use and the helmsman is happily steering away? In other words, when the motor controller is turned off, can the current generated by the wheel being manually operated damage Pypilot? I would very much prefer not to install a clutch mechanism and have the link be permanent between the motor and the shaft.
2. In the second scenario, where the motor directly drives the pump's shaft, the purchase arrangement would be from smaller gears than in the first scenario. Wouldn't then the steering wheel, as dead weight being actuated, act as a flywheel and somehow affect the proper functioning of Pypilot? In this case it would take something to engage/disengage the wheel itself.
Any thoughts?
"Overthinking, I try very hard not to do that."