Motored Syren Rope Rocket (Modification)

[modeller_masa]

I learned that the Syren Rope Rocket is much simpler and more universal than the Domanoff's PL4 machine. 

 

On 8/4/2021 at 6:06 AM, Gregory said:

While I have seen that it can produce decent scale rope they can be problematic and limited when it comes to making a wide variety of rope.

A true evaluation.

 

However, I need to fix some drawbacks of the RR.

(1) Motors aren't integrated into the machine. I have to hold a heavy drill when I run it.

(2) The gears are extremely loud. It is also the worst flaw of the Domanoff's.

 

I replaced the drill with a 775 RC motor with speed control. Also, the gears are replaced with a timing belt.

 

Because I'm a lazy person, I'm printing all the parts with a 3D printer. The 3D printer is printing the last part, which will be done in 11 hours. 😴

 

Question: Can I open the blue print of the new machine in public? I copied the structure from the Syren Rope Rocket. I checked for any patents issue, and found no related descriptions. I would like to be sure that sharing my work is legitimate.

[Chuck]

I dont see why not.   It will be interesting to see how it works in actuality.   

[modeller_masa]

Thanks for your help, Chuck. Your video explained well how to run the RR.

I'll post the model file once I complete and verify the MRR.

[modeller_masa]

I completed it, but the machine has serious issues.

 

I can control the motor speed and direction, but it became louder than Rope Rocket with a hand drill. I think too many drivers cause the noise and high friction.

 

Also, the wider distance between the hooks makes rope-making difficult. I have to redesign the entire machine and buy more parts...

[RichardG]

3 minutes ago, modeller_masa said:

I have to redesign the entire machine and buy more parts...

Ah, the joys of prototyping 😀

 

I will be following your progress with interest. I like the idea very much.

[Tossedman]

Looks great1 Keep tinkering, you'll get it scienced out soon enough. Does it have a built in method of clamping it to the bench? Might be something to add to your design. Shouldn't be too hard to add. Looking forward to how this turns out.

[modeller_masa]

I replaced all the noisy mechanicals with electric motors. The test result is remarkable, and I'm printing a new housing.

 

This 1 meter long sliding rail will hold the housing. The price is about $30.

[modeller_masa]

OK. I got used to another failure.

 

I used a single NEMA17 motor controller and multiple NEMA17 stepper motors. I connected the motors in parallel.

 

It seems to have been successful when I connected two NEMA17 motors. However, when I connected three motors, they were malfunctioning, such as in reverse directions or at different rotation speeds. I conclude that the simple parallel connection caused signal corruption.

 

I may need to buy more serious circuits and do some Arduino programming. I pause plan B and go to the next plan C.

[modeller_masa]

 

This is plan C. The right is a Domanoff VR Ropewalk, which I consider the best. Domanoff don't sell the oposite side (left) , so I made it motorized.

 

Finally, I copied the structure of the Rope Rocket. Every part is motorized, which is faster and quieter than the wooden version. Is it practical and comfortable? Yes, but I found a new flaw in the work process. Before I run the machine, I need to load threads on the hooks. It is the most time consuming job in the entire process. How can I load raw thread faster?

 

 

It is time to copy another awesome machine. The Olha Batchvarov's ropewalk has a better and more optimized work process compared with my motorized Rope Rocket. Thanks to previous work, I completely understand the structure of the OB's. The Plan D will be my ultimate ropewalk machine in my life...

Edited January 24 by modeller_masa

[modeller_masa]

This picture shows why raw thread looks glossy and plastic like. While Serafil Tex 10~40 threads are really looking nice, Tex 120~420 threads are not so good for model work due to their relatively lower density.

 

There are two ways to load threads on Ropewalk. The first method needs 6 knots, so it is relatively time-consuming and boring. It produces the best quality ropes.

 

The second loading method is relatively easy and fast. Although the result is slightly blurred and soft, it still looks better than the raw thread.

 

 

It shows the difference between the two methods. 

 

The middle one, by the first method, is perfect rope and has the highest density. The higher density makes rope slightly thinner, so the Tex number is more likely Tex 180.

 

The bottom one, by the second method, doesn't have significant density, but its matte surface and slightly higher texture make it better than Tex 60 raw thread.

 

 

This is a quick summary of the benefits of the ropewalk. I prefer the 2x3 method because it is the fastest and more fun to work with. 

 

Notice the Tex 120 and 180 threads by the 1x3 method. They are so thin that it is very hard to tell the difference between the ropewalk results and raw threads. I'll use Tex 180 raw thread when I bind blocks, which are not sensitive to rope details.

[modeller_masa]

I experienced some serious issues with the Rope-Rocket-structured machine. When I tried 5 meter long (14 feet) rope, the quality of the rope wasn't equal because of uneven tension on the threads. According to the manual of the Rope-Rocket, proper work length starts from 10~13 feet = 3~4 meter. It is time to go to plan D for longer rope.

 

 

Olha Batchvarov's video shows how the plan D ropewalk works well.

 

I made and printed the manual laying track. That' s the end of plan D construction. : )

 

When I ran the first plan D ropewalk, I was surprised by the difficulty. When I run the machine, I have to move the manual laying track evenly. If not, the quality of rope fluctuates. It implied that I should build a new drive system - rail, carrier, and tractor motor - for the laying track! Now I understood why Olha Batchvarov gave up to produce and sell custom ropes.

 

Rather than constructing more advanced factory, I'll step backward and stick to Plan C :  Rope-Rocket structured - ropewalk.

 

Thank you for watching my journey on rope. I hope my post helps people who are seeking more advanced ropewalk machine.

Edited January 31 by modeller_masa

[modeller_masa]

The next project was designing thread unraveling machine. I wanted to extract thinner yarns from 2-stranded commercial thread.

 

 

The unraveling machine is essential to get the best of the best.

 

The prototype didn't work well. 😂 Invention is a tough way.

Edited February 2 by modeller_masa

[modeller_masa]

This is a second attempt to make a thread unraveling machine. 

 

I added a thread tension unit (Red) that is used in sewing machines.

The opposite side also has tension units. It will be a continuous thread unraveling machine.

 

I printed the parts. It seems promising, but...

 

The vibration exceeded my estimation. I added some counterbalance, but I found that the weight balancing should be very accurate to avoid the deadly vibration. Designing the automatic counterbalancer is beyond my ability. I understood why Domanoff didn't add the tension units to his rotating wheel.

 

 

I completed the machine and tested it. It works, and I got Tex 3.5 Thread (equivalent to MARA or Serafil Ticket No. 840). It runs very slowly. The bobbin runs at 60 rpm. 

 

I'm out of ideas, so I'll take some rest. 😢

Edited February 5 by modeller_masa

[modeller_masa]

 

Here is the 3rd prototype.

 

1st - Failed

2nd - Only manual control

3rd - Continuous unraveling (Many improvements are required.)

 

It's time to get back to the workbench and face my little ship. 

[woodartist]

amazing to see such craftsmanship. impressive!!