Hi Guys,

I came across the following company tonight while wandering around the web... It looks like it could be a superb source for all sorts of drive components!

And best of all, they do a FREE catalogue, just go to their website and request one...

http://www.hpcgears.com/

That is useful, I see they have those toothed belt drives (used in printers and photocopiers) that should be ideal for paddle drives...

hi Mick - model shops catering for cars sell the 6 mm wide segmented pulley belts & pulleys - so whilst the are not cheap they appear less expensive than the office supplies printers & scanners repair people here in OZ - Derek

That's interesting, I didn't know model cars use them...

To anyone who is interested, this has worked for me.  A 12v automotive wiper motor makes an inexpensive and easily available motor/reduction unit for paddle drive. Most are two speed, but the DC motors will work with variable voltage speed controllers as well...(the torque and rpm's are in the right general range). The ones for the rear windows and hatches are generally single speed and smaller in size. Mounted upside down with the motor below and the gearbox up, a low COG can be maintained. Hope this is helpful.

                                                                         James

hi PD's - here is a question best directed to Stuart [PS Reliant], but any other comment appreciated

Stuart - I am making quite a few assumptions here with your Reliant

1) paddle shaft chain sprockets 40 mm diameter?
2) engine shaft chain sprockets 15 diameter?
3) 2.7 : 1 speed reduction ratio?
4) 150 paddle shaft RPM = near 400 engine shaft RPM?

So irrespective of the accuracy of the numbers here, do these sorts of speeds create an unacceptable CHAIN NOISE?

5) what type chain drive [material & pitch] have you used in Reliant?

My reason for asking is that PS Decoy could be displayed with a viewable chain drive on the paddle shaft & I have considered the 0.1475" pitch S/S chain from SPD/SI & complementry chain sprockets - this chain has a UTS of 180 lbs, where as the nylon varient has a UTS of only 6 lb

I do remember some years ago you mentioned that one of the chain pinions [on an engine?] lost positive drive & you were to correct this with an alternate locking method etc   :music - Derek

Have a look to the following company, OK i know its a German company but they sell a lot of interesting things. Gear parts, belts and microengines for a lot of applications,  www.lemo-solar.de