Monday was quite busy - although we didn't do much new or exciting so this will be a bit of a short post. I'm working on detailed instructions about the 10' machines we build so I took a ton of pictures, but they're kind of redundant! We made a new set of magnet rotors for a 10' 48V machine that will be installed near Ft Collins soon.
We also welded up a new frame for an 11' machine. It'll be just like 10' machines, but slightly bigger magnets and we'll wind with slightly heavier wire than normal and a couple less turns. (135 turns of #16 gage wire)
This is the jig we use to cut the notch in the tail bearing. It makes for a nice square cut which is tricky otherwise. We used to use the milling machine for that, but it leaves a smaller 'scrap' (and we use the scrap) and it takes forever.
Last Thursday we got Rich's 7' (single rotor) machine and one other 10' machine painted up. In the back ground Rich is assembling his 7' machine for the final time. Perhaps next week we can stick it on the nose of my truck and drive around with it!
We cast the stator for Scott's 11' two blader at the end of the day (that's the one that won't furl, but it'll use the old wincharger airbrake and a two bladed prop).
We tested my large alternator. At first (with the airgap at .090") it was a bit too fast, cutting in at 70 rpm. I lowered the airgap about .050" and now it's cutting in at 65 rpm which seems nice for a 20' blade.
A lot of people (and dogs) showed up at the end of the day... and the pizza went fast!
Cheers!
