Lower Grill block that can open and close

[Weather Spotter]

Update:

I did some rearranging work so that I can reverse the grates back to my original set up. I left the 2x2 on the bottom (ran it the whole way across both grates), and used the same mounting setup for the actuators as in the test run. I just duplicated it for the second one.

From this set up:


All I modified is adding nylon washers on each side of the "L" bracket, a 1x1 on the bottom side of the 2x2 (radiator side) to allow the actuators room to move.

I mounted it up:






I tested it out (last time I had the main epoxy connection break) nothing broke this time!

Then I took it for a test spin to test these things:
1 will the grates stay open at speed. Passed
2. stay closed at speed. Passed
3 will close at speed. Passed
4. will open at speed. Passed

I tested it up to 55MPH and over paved and gravel roads. Total test run 5 miles.

It will get a much better test the next time I go into town.

[NachtRitter]

Awesome!! Very cool!

[gone-ot]

...with careful attention, you should be able to A-B-A test "realtime mpg" changes using your ScanGauge on a quiet, straight roadway.

[Weather Spotter]

that is a great idea, today will not work, winds 30+. Tomorrow is similar.

[cfg83]

Weather Spotter -

Originally Posted by Weather Spotter

I will not wreck my legos by epoxying them!

besides the pivot arm length needed is longer than I have room for (twice as long).

Ha ha, I thought epoxy might be sacrilege, but sometimes you have worn-out Legos that you are willing to sacrifice.

How about Mega-Blocks, ?

CarloSW2

[Weather Spotter]

Originally Posted by cfg83

Weather Spotter -



Ha ha, I thought epoxy might be sacrilege, but sometimes you have worn-out Legos that you are willing to sacrifice.

How about Mega-Blocks, ?

CarloSW2

Mega- Blocks? What are those? http://forum.ecomodder.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I only have Lego's and I kept mine in great shape, so not broken ones. What I did seems to be working though.

[Daox]

Very cool Weather Spotter! Do you have any plans to automate it?

[Weather Spotter]

Originally Posted by Daox

Very cool Weather Spotter! Do you have any plans to automate it?

Not in the near future. I like manual controls

In all realitly, I am not into programing, so it would be more work than it is worth. I would also need to add a temp sensor for engine bay temps. I want to help with start ups and aero but it is mostly for start up.

I might add a second switch so that I can turn one grate on/off. This would allow me to say keep one closed most of the time but on the rare warm day + freeway trip I can open both as I feel needed.

[gone-ot]

...the two important temperatures are (1) coolant and (2) intake air, not the underhood air itself, and since both of these can be monitored via ScanGauge, you should be able to monitor them to know when to open one- or both-vents.

[Weather Spotter]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...the two important temperatures are (1) coolant and (2) intake air, not the underhood air itself, and since both of these can be monitored via ScanGauge, you should be able to monitor them to know when to open one- or both-vents.

Yes but, I am still wanting to keep an eye on the under hood temps because of concern about cooking the electronics. My dad works with these things day in and out and thinks I still need some cooling.