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Denny Esterline wrote:

>Ok, I'm thinking about hand controls for the clutch on a stick shift car.
>Sure, you could just get an automatic and not need a clutch - but what fun
>is that?
>
>Obviously a motor, a couple limit stops and a toggle switch would engage and
>disengage the clutch, but I'm thinking of something a little more refined;
>at least proportional control, possibly a force feedback system.
>
>  
>
I used to drive an aircraft tow vehicle many years ago that had a manual 
transmission and electric clutch. Had a push button on the gear shift.

>At the moment I'm thinking of using two pots, one for the control and one
>for the position sense. The electronics could be all analog, just a couple
>high power op-amps driving the motor so the feedback tracks the hand control
>(I'm thinking a squeeze grip on the shifter lever). Although I'd probably
>reach for a PIC instead (A/D both pots and PID the motor).
>
>I have a couple thoughts about sensing the force applied to the clutch
>linkage. The mechanics could be designed with a strain gage to actually
>measure the force, but measuring the actuator current could be effective
>also. It might also be possible to add some software that takes the PID
>values and calculates the approximate load. That load data would be
>translated back to a feedback actuator on the hand controls. Though I'm not
>entirely sold on the usefulness of force feedback on a clutch.
>
>Opinions, ideas and criticisms sought.
>  
>
If this is for highway use you might want to check state laws.  My 
cousin was paralyzed from the waist down.  He had to have a special 
vehicle to drive that had to have inspections by a saftey inspector.  It 
had a special marking on the outside to indicate his condition.  This 
was 20 some years ago though.

>-Denny
>
>  
>


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