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Author Topic: smoke genorators  (Read 7257 times)

dan

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #25 on: March 04, 2008, 05:51:07 pm »

thanks for all the help and comments guys O0

dan
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dan

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #26 on: March 10, 2008, 04:51:01 pm »

hi,
Big Ada did you try adding the food colouring and did it work?

thanks,
Dan
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Big Ada

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #27 on: March 12, 2008, 05:15:24 pm »

Hi Dan,
Yes I did add some food dye,just a little incase it didn't mix. It did so set it going but couldn't see much difference.
I see in the latest Model Boat, Mag Glynn Guest has been experimenting with smoke from his steam boiler by adding car antifreeze to get smokier smoke in the summer.

Len.    ::)
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dan

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #28 on: March 12, 2008, 07:05:44 pm »

thanks len O0
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pakirk

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #29 on: April 15, 2008, 10:48:03 pm »

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.
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Barry

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #30 on: April 16, 2008, 01:34:32 am »

I've got a JJC Mk2 unit that I've yet to run in a model, would it pay to remove the heat shrink from the sensor before using it? I presume the sensor is in the plastic case.
Barry.
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pakirk

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #31 on: April 16, 2008, 04:29:47 pm »

Hi Barry, Yes but be carfule not to damage the coil. Use a scalple sharp sire out. to cut the shrink.
Anthony
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Tug-Kenny RIP

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #32 on: April 16, 2008, 08:02:32 pm »


Thank you for that informative write up, Anthony.  Very interesting indeed. I have the very same unit and was impressed with the smoke (vapour) output.

I assume the vapouriser is similar (if not the same) as the Maplins one and wondered if it was practical to get one as a stand by unit.?  I shall also attempt the cutting operation (oh er!) in an effort to preserve mine.

Thank you once again

Ken
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pakirk

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #33 on: April 16, 2008, 09:48:48 pm »

Hi Yes the maplin ones are nearly the same and will work as a replacement. You can get spare diaphragms too. ;D
Also the Maplin ones have much better water sensors installed..

Anthony
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Martin (Admin)

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Re: smoke genorators
« Reply #34 on: June 06, 2008, 09:08:35 pm »

Anyone got a circuit on how to get one of these things working from say a 12 volt supply?
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