I have declined the offer by Steam Traction World to supply me with one of the first batch of ten boilers, as I have had to share my activities with family centred activities, so have fallen behind in my Lykamobile assembly schedule.
I do have kit of parts for a set of electrics for the steamer, which have prompted me to think about the best arrangement for me. I would like to be able to control the electrics by using a keyed switch, so that all electrics are off when the key is removed. I also want to be able to turn off the burner shortly before reaching a destination, so that the energy stored in the boiler can be used and reduce the boiler pressure as the end of a trip comes along (this is recommended practice for other steam vehicles). As I am hoping to be able to tow the Lykamobile using an A-Frame, then the lighting provided by the towing vehicle should be used by the steamer. The same lighting should be made available when driving the steamer on its own. Any legal vehicle designed for lower speeds should have a beacon if driving on dual carriageways. - I expect to be able to use one.
All in all, there is a need for an updated electrical circuit diagram, which I am in the process of producing.
The use of standard caravan connectors would seem to be worth adopting. I envisage adding an extra box for lighting electrics.
I have been able to procure a set of batteries as recommended by STW, they need to be kept charged.
It would be nice to include an alternator in the design somewhere to enable charging without connecting to the mains, and while running the steamer. If I achieve that ambition, I can post details in this blog.
For security, I would like to be able to use a padlock to disable the reversing control.
I have got to have a steam whistle, and might be able to build one from standard plumbing materials.
Hi Alan, Can I suggest while you are designing better electrics, add some circuitry to shut the burner off when a low boiler water level is detected!! By far the most important and as yet not addressed by STW!
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Greg
I like your idea of having some more safety built in.
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ReplyDeleteHi Alan, I had made a comment about your intended useds of an "A" frame but somehow I have lost/deleted all my note to you- so here goes again!! Is this a wise decision? Is it safe? Have you spoken to STW for their thoughts and advice? I dont know anything about these gadgets, or indeed who makes them, but I do know they are illegal/banned in France (maybe because a towed vehicle has gone off on it own exploration sometime!!?). I have heard of holiday makers being stopped at our channel ports from using them but on the other hand I have seen one in use on the autoroute and it seemed to be OK - I passed quickly!! (Presumably they escaped the clutches of our Gendarms at the ferry port!). I would think very carefully - I personally would be very worried about losing my precious cargo (all that time, and work not to mention the cost). Im not sure but perhpas you are.....?
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Greg
I am not planning to tow it to France. With a weight of 400kg, the Lyka is well below the weight of other cars I have seen being towed in this manner. I expect to have a few tests and trials to confirm that my theoretical assumptions work in practice
DeleteHi Alan, I wasnt suggesting that you should tow it to France! What I would be worried about would be towing it at all with a gadget such as that! I'm not so sure that the Lykamobile will lend itself to such an arrangement! ! Dunno!
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Greg