NEW DUAL AXIS SLOPE INDICATOR

GSS · Jun 10, 2003

Oh! Thanks a lot! I appreciate it.

MJones · Jun 11, 2003

Rick,

Sorry it has taken so long for me to give feedback, but I wanted to thoroughly test before providing. I agree with the others about the visibility of the forward-aft guage, but I can see the guage to 30 degrees and I don't think I will be travelling any hills with a greater slope than 30 degrees. The only problem I have had is my horizontal meter sticks from time-to-time like Markie61's. I have relocated the meter from the original mounting and it has helped somewhat as the new mounting location seems to receive less vibration. After changing the mounting location, I used my tractor for about 4 hours this AM to test the new mounting location, and all went well for approximately 3 hours, then the side-to-side meter stuck again. However, I didn't have time to look at it closely as I had to go to work.

Thanks!

Mike

RBManufacturing · Jun 12, 2003

Markie61, MJones,
On VERY RARE occasions, static can build up in the tube
causing the ball to stick or hesitate. The reason it works
early, is that moisture in the air is higher usually in the
morning. As air dries out, and combined with heavy
vibration, and under certain conditions, static can occur.
Moving the indicator to another location,(which changes the
harmonic frequency of vibration), will cure it. I have only had
one that we could not eliminate the problem with. If you want
to test to prove it is static for peace of mind, splash a little
water on it when it sticks. This will discharge the static.
It is very rare, but does happen. I went to a stainless steel
ball, and this has helped. A glass ball was even used on the
one we could not fix, and it still did not work. If possible,
try another location. This will fix it if you try different spots
until you get it. Sorry for any inconvenience. Rick

MJones · Jun 12, 2003

Rick,

Thanks for the explanation as to why the ball sticks. I will keep moving the location until I find a place that it doesn't stick. This makes good sense since where it is now mounted, it receives some heat from the engine which would have a drying effect. I will try to find a location that prevents the unit from receiving heat from the engine compartment.

Thanks Again!,

Mike

markie61 · Jun 12, 2003

Static electricity could be it - it's almost like it is "magnetized" (like it is being attracted to the dash), rather than "flat-spotted". Since I already drilled holes, do you think running a ground wire might help?
Mark

RBManufacturing · Jun 13, 2003

Hi Markie,
I tried a ground wire once and it did not seem to help.
Worth a try. Each application is probably slightly different.
Sorry you drilled holes. At least the meter was free so you're
not out the cost. Let me know what you come up with.
I'll still try to make it right. Thanks, Rick

MikePA · Jun 13, 2003

Rick,

I had attached my original TiltMeter using the double sided tape and didn't want to remove the mounting bracket from the tractor. The bracket is the metal one with the two thumb screws and the interlocking ridges.

There was no way to attach the new, dual slope gauge to the old metal bracket. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

So, I manage to remove the new fore-aft gauge from the TiltMeter by separating the plastic that attached it to the TiltMeter then gently prying the fore-aft gauge to separate the double sided tape. Fortunately, the tape stayed on the fore-aft gauge and I didn't break anything. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Here's what the fore-aft gauge looks like when attached to my old TiltMeter gauge. The TiltMeter is tilted back as far as it can go and still be readable. The top picture is taken from the tractor seat. I'm not going to leave it like this since there's not much contact area between the 2 gauges, I just wanted to show you what it looks like.

Hmmm, I'm not sure how this gonna work. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

RBManufacturing · Jun 13, 2003

Hi Mike,
I have shifted the label a little, and shifted the scale a little
also. Also making numbers bigger. Experimenting with a
very rigid mount to put the dual axis part on top of horizontal
one. All of this combined, and I think we will be where we
want to be. (or at least a lot better). One thing I might
mention though. I see you have your meter laid way back.
This throws your accuracy off. You can lay it back about 10-15 degrees and still be pretty accurate. However, the more
it is laid back from vertical the higher it will read on a slope.
Example: If the meter says 20 degrees, you will actually be
at a lot less. It should not be tilted back more that 10-15
degrees. Yours appears to be much more than that.
I hope to have new version done Sat. Or Monday.
I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks, Rick

MikePA · Jun 13, 2003

<font color="blue"> It should not be tilted back more that 10-15 degrees. Yours appears to be much more than that. </font>
Rick, that's how far I had to tilt it back in order to be able to see the scale on the fore/aft gauge. I'll be removing the fore/aft gauge and getting the TiltMeter back to its proper angle. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Rch · Jun 13, 2003

Rick, it seems with curved dashes etc that visibility and mounting problems keep cropping up. How about a rotating/tilting mirror incorporated that could be adjusted for visibility and therefore allow optimal level/ perpendicular mounting ?