2021-01-03, 12:21 AM
Thanks Sean
Absolute pilot would not work as I would still need to sync the position of both motors
One motor is much larger 200hp vs 15hp one is my main the other is auxiliary (trolling motor) The main has built in hydraulic assist steering so no easy way to connect to it with a tie bar or really anything, the auxiliary is mounted further back, and they do not align vertically. So a modified single steering cable might work but expensive in parts and still would require custom linkage.
Blocks and pulley will not align and consideration has to be given to tilt and trim.
I have been using the auxiliary under power fixed and using the main to steer, this works well up until the conditions get to windy and wavy.
I have even steered with the auxiliary and left the main fixed and this works too but has the same limitation.
All the research I have done says both engines turning together is by far a superior set up.
The completely separate electric control loop is exactly what I was thinking. And it doesn't have to be exact, but slop is a concern if it degrades over a matter of minutes... over a matter of hours would be okay.
This is the actuator I am considering https://www.firgelliauto.com/products/op...6698172487
it is very accurate as it has an optical position sensor.
The speed and position can be controlled very accurately. I could build linkage with minimizing sloop as a priority.
As an educated guess, how quickly do you think the motors would lose alignment?
Absolute pilot would not work as I would still need to sync the position of both motors
One motor is much larger 200hp vs 15hp one is my main the other is auxiliary (trolling motor) The main has built in hydraulic assist steering so no easy way to connect to it with a tie bar or really anything, the auxiliary is mounted further back, and they do not align vertically. So a modified single steering cable might work but expensive in parts and still would require custom linkage.
Blocks and pulley will not align and consideration has to be given to tilt and trim.
I have been using the auxiliary under power fixed and using the main to steer, this works well up until the conditions get to windy and wavy.
I have even steered with the auxiliary and left the main fixed and this works too but has the same limitation.
All the research I have done says both engines turning together is by far a superior set up.
The completely separate electric control loop is exactly what I was thinking. And it doesn't have to be exact, but slop is a concern if it degrades over a matter of minutes... over a matter of hours would be okay.
This is the actuator I am considering https://www.firgelliauto.com/products/op...6698172487
it is very accurate as it has an optical position sensor.
The speed and position can be controlled very accurately. I could build linkage with minimizing sloop as a priority.
As an educated guess, how quickly do you think the motors would lose alignment?