Hi all.
I have LOADS of the JJC old Smokey's in my workshop (RCMW) for repair.
How did they work?
Well I think most of you have worked it out.
They use vapourisers li ke the ones at Maplins. they were imported from Taiwan.
they were installed into an ABS box with a funnel and an inlet. the vapouriser vaporised the water, the little computer fan blew the vaporised water out and up the funnel.
The units are 24V, JJC made a PCB that converted 12V into 24V (DCtoDC inverter). This is NOT a cheep thing to do hence they were not cheep units. The PCB also controlled the fan to produce a reasonable controll over the water vapors (Smoke).
To be honest I cant see how he made much of a profit, the components are expensive and rather complex. I have been asked to produse a replacement and I will soon.
Where did it all go wrong?
The units work as an ultrasonic transducer. They vibrate a very thin diaphragm. If the diaphragm is not under 12mm of water they burn out.
Was there not a water sensor I hear you say?
Yes there was BUT. It was covered in heat-shrink..mmmm.. when the water runs out the sensor is still wet. Water trapped in the heat-shrink fooled the sensor and kept the unit running....
The diaphragm then burns out.
Isn't the diaphragm replaceable?
Yes..well should be...
Are they available?
mmm well em ah. I am in communication with the manufacturers in Taiwan JJC used a now obsolete product. They don't make parts for that model any more. :'(
I am still trying to sort something out and when I do I will post to that effect.
There is also a problem with the PCBs, I have many that have burnt out.
That aside what next?
I will produce a range of units:-
I am looking at initially doing two flavors.
1) 24V version (cheaper as a DC to DC inverter is not required) just a basic controll circuit.
2) a 12V version not so cheap as a (DC to DC inverter) is required..
Both units will have several sensors installed to prevent burnout.
simple hu.
When?
Well once I can secure a RELIABLE suppliers for the ultrasonic units.
If you can provide 24V in your model then it's not hard to make one using the Maplin units in a box and a fan. Give it a go. Food dye dose work with these I have tested it loads. only problem, it can get a little messy. remember water vapor is water and will fall onto your model. Food dye sprayed onto your model over time will not be nice.
Regards
Anthony
RC Model Workshop.