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New product announcement: Bowplane Interlock
The BowPlane Interlock is made for solving a problem uniquely found in model subs with retractable bowplanes: Many retractable bowplane mechanisms will bind up or even be damaged if the planes aren't precisely positioned during the retraction/extension cycle. The BPI solves this problem by sequencing and controlling motion for both the bowplane pitch and retract servos. Upon command to retract the planes the BPI assumes control of your bowplane pitch servo and forces it to a user-defined "clear to retract" position before initiating any movement in the bowplane retract servo. The retract servo is then cycled from the extended to the retracted position and drive commands to the pitch servo are shut off. For added realism the retraction/extension cycle is done at one of three user selectable (slowed) speeds. Until the planes are completely extended again all pitch servo commands are blocked by the BPI. Upon command to extend the planes the reverse sequence occurs - while the planes are slowly extended the pitch servo is once again held at the "clear to retract" position, when the extension cycle is complete control of the planes is returned to the user commanded position.
The BPI can be seen in operation here in Bruce Martin's Revel Gato. A retraction/extension cycle is demonstrated with the planes deliberately left in the full-rise condition to show how the BPI overrides the commanded position during retraction/extension.
The BowPlane Interlock is available from KMc Designs for $35USD. Contact by PM or email KevinMc.Electonics[at-sign]gmail.com.
The BowPlane Interlock is made for solving a problem uniquely found in model subs with retractable bowplanes: Many retractable bowplane mechanisms will bind up or even be damaged if the planes aren't precisely positioned during the retraction/extension cycle. The BPI solves this problem by sequencing and controlling motion for both the bowplane pitch and retract servos. Upon command to retract the planes the BPI assumes control of your bowplane pitch servo and forces it to a user-defined "clear to retract" position before initiating any movement in the bowplane retract servo. The retract servo is then cycled from the extended to the retracted position and drive commands to the pitch servo are shut off. For added realism the retraction/extension cycle is done at one of three user selectable (slowed) speeds. Until the planes are completely extended again all pitch servo commands are blocked by the BPI. Upon command to extend the planes the reverse sequence occurs - while the planes are slowly extended the pitch servo is once again held at the "clear to retract" position, when the extension cycle is complete control of the planes is returned to the user commanded position.
The BPI can be seen in operation here in Bruce Martin's Revel Gato. A retraction/extension cycle is demonstrated with the planes deliberately left in the full-rise condition to show how the BPI overrides the commanded position during retraction/extension.
The BowPlane Interlock is available from KMc Designs for $35USD. Contact by PM or email KevinMc.Electonics[at-sign]gmail.com.
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