Second boat test of K-Lab's new "Dolphin Drive" concept is near! A counter rotation prototype is assembled and being installed.
August 5, 2020.
In spite of COVID-19, drive development continues. Good that "shelter-in-place" includes my shop. Initial, standard rotation drive testing provided good learning and highlighted some improvement opportunities. After some changes, I completed assembly of the second prototype during the shut down.
Good news: The blades are strong. The gears are quiet. Nothing leaked. Nothing broke. The core design elements all function.
A minor challenge: Instrumentation gremlins left an information void. Since gauges and sensors work, it appears to be in the wiring or power supply. I could not read trim and pitch positions, but that is relatively easy to remedy. I've calibrated the pitch gage on the bench. It's now in Florida, too.
A bigger challenge: Florida and Colorado COVID-19. K-Lab's Super Vee test boat is almost ready for more action. The engine, exhaust, DTS controls, steering, and tabs are all dialed in. Prototype #2 was received for installation. It requires in-water testing to validate the design. Now, Florida will let me in, but their COVID-19 resurgence says, "Don't go!" However, I was able to ship my prototype. When the drive is swapped and pandemic risks are lower, I will be heading back to Florida to conduct more rigorous on-water testing!
August 5, 2020.
In spite of COVID-19, drive development continues. Good that "shelter-in-place" includes my shop. Initial, standard rotation drive testing provided good learning and highlighted some improvement opportunities. After some changes, I completed assembly of the second prototype during the shut down.
Good news: The blades are strong. The gears are quiet. Nothing leaked. Nothing broke. The core design elements all function.
A minor challenge: Instrumentation gremlins left an information void. Since gauges and sensors work, it appears to be in the wiring or power supply. I could not read trim and pitch positions, but that is relatively easy to remedy. I've calibrated the pitch gage on the bench. It's now in Florida, too.
A bigger challenge: Florida and Colorado COVID-19. K-Lab's Super Vee test boat is almost ready for more action. The engine, exhaust, DTS controls, steering, and tabs are all dialed in. Prototype #2 was received for installation. It requires in-water testing to validate the design. Now, Florida will let me in, but their COVID-19 resurgence says, "Don't go!" However, I was able to ship my prototype. When the drive is swapped and pandemic risks are lower, I will be heading back to Florida to conduct more rigorous on-water testing!
