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Forum Index : Windmills : Alternative to slip rings

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brett

Newbie

Joined: 08/02/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 39

Posted: 02:15am 29 Jan 2007

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I was working on the idea of installing slip rings into my father in-laws mill that I built. The cable we are using was too stiff for the mill to turn into the wind effectively.

After reading the other slip ring post I thought I could build those.

Before I had a chance my father in-law had found the "Mercotac" Model "230" 30amp 2 pole conductor and decided it was the go.

Details here: http://www.mercotac.com/html/230.html

I simply built a bush that housed the unit with a grub screw to hold it in place. The bush is a neat fit down the pole and I taped a hole in the pole for a bolt to hold the unit in place 300mm down from the top of the mast.
The bottom of the bush I taped 2 screw holes and made a support cable out of stainless wire to hold the weight of the cable that falls to the ground.
Standard cable fitting to the top, and it all spins as free as a top. No cable resistance or winding up of the cables.

It all up cost about $200 for the stainless steel option, I could have done it cheaper, but not easier.

I forgot to take photos but when I have the unit down next I will take some if there is any interest.

Brett

Gill

Senior Member

Joined: 11/11/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 669

Posted: 11:26am 29 Jan 2007

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Great products you've put us on to there Brett. The price is a bit to steep for me though but it's sure on my wish list. I understand they use mercury as the contact medium. What an inovative idea. California made with Australian distributor. Sweet .

How much cheeper for the non stainless steel bearing?

was working fine... til the smoke got out.
Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ

brett

Newbie

Joined: 08/02/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 39

Posted: 08:25pm 29 Jan 2007

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Happy to share the information, I have got more than my fair share from this site.

I think the non stainless option was $40.00 cheaper.

Brett

Storm

Regular Member

Joined: 12/09/2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 43

Posted: 04:23pm 07 May 2007

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I don�t have any generators spinning atm but I'm an avid reader of the information you guys give, I only wish I had some of the equipment and the skills for cutting, casting, glassing etc.

A brilliant site Glenn, thankyou for all your work, maybe somehow we can repay you for your dedication.

Back to the topic

The other day I pulled apart a retired vacuum cleaner and noticed the power cord is set up on a retractable twin ring slip ring wheel, at the time I couldn�t use it for anything so I ditched it in the bin but now I realise we might be able use them on the mast, there are heaps of old vacs around so they should be easy to come across. Has anyone tried them?

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