[ausev] xantrex

[Brian Lasseter]

On Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 9:31 AM,  <jefoy at mindspring.com> wrote:
> Just a thought but I would expect the transition from power assist to no
> power assist could be disconcerting at best, dangerous at worst, if it
> happens unexpectedly or in a less than predicatable manner. I would opt for
> a simple on dash toggle over any type of momentary switch. Give yourself an
> indicator light to tell if it is on or off (as a reminder to turn it off
> while cruising). Save the power assist for low speed manuvering like parking
> or downtown driving.

Speaking from experience... it's merely disconcerting.  But that is
part of why I tend to leave mine on all the time.  My muscle memory
gets confused if I'm continually switching the power steering on and
off from my dash toggle.  I suppose I do not have an indicator light,
but realistically, I'm always looking at the road... not at any
indicators.  (I have enough trouble noticing the "Low Battery Voltage
Indicator" light.)



> On a different note, since hydraulic assist works by pressure differential
> and at rest (or in a straight line) excess pressure is simply bypassed
> through the pump, would an accumulator tank and pressure switch achieve the
> same goal? I am picturing an air over oil tank to store power steering fluid
> under pressure. When you have used the system pressure down to a fixed level
> by steering input, a pressure switch activates to run the pump long enough
> to pump the accumulator back up.

What an excellent idea... Something like this pressure sensor would
work fine to switch it on and off... 12V pressure sensor, up to
5800psi, with NO and NC outputs:
http://web4.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Pressure_Sensors

I shall have to look into that.


-- 
TTFN,
Brian "Lasso" Lasseter

"No Sane man will dance."   -Cicero (106-43 B.C.)