Sliding Solar Panels on Cal 28 pushpit

[Brien]

Here is one source. http://www.csctextiles.com/jef_02.htm
Brien

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by callmecrazy

Where do you find this hardware (the one in the picture)?

I've looked exhaustively online and cannot find them.

They are here, but very expensive for what they are:

Panel Mount

[callmecrazy]

Originally Posted by Pete7

They are here, but very expensive for what they are:

Panel Mount

Thanks. I've seen these before, but I was hoping to find that type of "tilt assembly" by itself (preferably somewhere not related to marine or solar usage).

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by callmecrazy

Thanks. I've seen these before, but I was hoping to find that type of "tilt assembly" by itself (preferably somewhere not related to marine or solar usage).

If you do, please let us know too

[Thorpydo]

Pete,

Final thought for now, how about the saddle of a small outboard engine less the leg and power head?

I didn't understand this one, can you elaborate?

Where do you find this hardware (the one in the picture)?
I've looked exhaustively online and cannot find them.

I would probably machine this hardware myself with my NC mill. If there was enough interest, I'd consider doing a bunch.

I'm still not seeing an elegant way to mount an assembly like that on my pushpit though. Pushpit tubing is horizontal while the pictured assemblies mount on a vertical pole. (Trying to react rotation across the rail). I would rather not want to rely on a friction clamp, but I also don't like the idea of driving a pin through the rail either. Maybe I'm over thinking it. A failure is hardly catastrophic after all.

[Thorpydo]

I have bought the panels and slides. They look good.

Next up I need to finalize the design.

Two things I am considering:
1. The flat bar that runs top to bottom on the solar panel frame and bolts to the rail clamp- I might make it run side to side instead. It would be a longer beam but would then tie into the angle iron and take the lower panels frame out of the load path to the second, extended panel.

2. I have drawn the assembly up with the aluminum as the material in mind for the angle iron, flat bar, and gussets. I might also consider smaller sections of stainless instead. A considerations is galvanic corrosion and where is it easiest to insulate the two. Another consideration would be strength to weight and I believe stainless wins in strength over density, but maybe not when moment of inertia comes into play.

And finally, one thought I had on the rotational support.. Something like a telescoping pole will slip if the load gets out of control, and that might mean the panels are saved.

[Thorpydo]

Maybe a channel brace.

[Thorpydo]

I will add a bit of clearance between the detent brackets (highlighted in red). Otherwise, I think the concept is well illustrated.
Any thoughts or concerns? This is the time, as I am getting ready to order material.

Afterthought/Edit: I had to add a gap of about 3/4" between panels to make the detent brackets fit above the slides but I think I can change the geometry to reduce that gap. The gap adds height to the overall assembly and makes it so that the panels stick out more when folded down and docking the boat. I can maybe save 3/8" of an inch or so.

[Thorpydo]

Construction has started!

I've changed from using aluminum angle iron to a fiberglass over ply construction.

[Thorpydo]

Wrapped in fiberglass, ready to be cut to length and assembled.

[Thorpydo]

Starting to take shape:

[Thorpydo]

I am getting close to discovering electricity!

The slides are nearing the finish line. I have some loose ends to tie up: Blocks to mount to rail. Paint. Support poles. A solution to keep the panels in the extended or retracted position. My original solution was to have a detent pin on one or both sides. Having the panels in physical form, I realize they need to be secured from both sides. Detents would require hanging outside the lifelines and that is something I'd like to avoid. My new approach is to run some lines and a couple clam cleats that would secure the slides in either position from both sides and be operable from within the lifelines.

Ive also noticed that I seem to be talking to myself here. Maybe no one is interested and I should keep my progress to myself?

[jgbrown]

I'm following along but not much useful to contribute. Great idea.

[Thorpydo]

Thanks jgbrown! Ill keep posting then.

Here I am machining nylon blocks that will clamp around the rail and provide a mount for the solar slide assembly. Two blocks clamped together around the rail and thru bolted to the assembly.

[Sumner]

Nice work. I like those...



...trays on the bed of the mill. I'm going to have to make some. Thanks for the idea,

Sum