The "Hitchhiker's Guide" to the Maxi-Stream mod
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ejmeier
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Now I know what you guys were talking about with the aquaclears not popping the propellers out on reverse start. These things have some STRONG (and big) magnets.
I have been unable to find an attachment solution for the AC401 and 801 for propellers, but I'm working on it. I want it to be bulletproof.
FWIW, I think these pumps are solid, well built pumps. I can see why reefers would rather use a maxi-jet for regular powerhead circulation though, as these are a bit bigger (they have a rubix cube for an intake section) and appear to be more geared toward FW tanks. But for this application, ditching the provided housing, they are great pumps, and really energy efficient.
I have been unable to find an attachment solution for the AC401 and 801 for propellers, but I'm working on it. I want it to be bulletproof.
FWIW, I think these pumps are solid, well built pumps. I can see why reefers would rather use a maxi-jet for regular powerhead circulation though, as these are a bit bigger (they have a rubix cube for an intake section) and appear to be more geared toward FW tanks. But for this application, ditching the provided housing, they are great pumps, and really energy efficient.
I think that's the only drawback I see thus far about using AC pumps for the mod - finding the right material and making a shroud that would fit properly.
Hmmm.. Sounds like a challenge
I'm going to have to pick up an AC pump soon to see.Can anyone take some close up pics of the AquaClear pump intake section? What's the diameter of the intake?
D.
ejmeier
Active member
D - its not the shroud I'm having a problem with, its attaching the prop to the shaft of the impeller. Its bigger than a MJ, so I'm planning on using a bigger tubing with a OD of 3/8" and ID of 1/4" and see if I can't adapt something to work.
The ring on the AC401 will almost fit a 1 1/2" pipe, and the 802 almost fits a 2". I think I'll be able to work something out in this regard.
Meanwhile, check this out:
Called the "scimitar," even available up to 2", too bad its all brass. =(
The ring on the AC401 will almost fit a 1 1/2" pipe, and the 802 almost fits a 2". I think I'll be able to work something out in this regard.
Meanwhile, check this out:
Called the "scimitar," even available up to 2", too bad its all brass. =(
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7164426#post7164426 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ejmeier
D - its not the shroud I'm having a problem with, its attaching the prop to the shaft of the impeller. Its bigger than a MJ, so I'm planning on using a bigger tubing with a OD of 3/8" and ID of 1/4" and see if I can't adapt something to work.
The ring on the AC401 will almost fit a 1 1/2" pipe, and the 802 almost fits a 2". I think I'll be able to work something out in this regard.
Meanwhile, check this out:
Called the "scimitar," even available up to 2", too bad its all brass. =(
Ah I see. You might want to check out some of those styrene tubes in your local hobby shops. They make them in a lot of different OD and ID sizes
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=styrene+tube&FVPROFIL=++
Since the AC impeller shaft is stationary, you would only have to find a way to glue the prop onto the tube and not really worry about whether the propeller shaft hole will fit the impeller shaft no?
D.
I havn't done the 802 mod yet. But when I was looking at the impeller I was thinking the best way to go would be to attach a SS shaft with a 4mm thread. That way you just have to spin on the propeller. But I could only find nickel plated shafts at the R/C websites. Anyone else thinking this way ?
ejmeier
Active member
I think some of the inserts are aluminum too - not something you want in a reef tank.
D - Yes, I'm not too concerned about the adapters fitting the shaft, only the magnet. I think the impeller top part is 6mm, and 1/4" ID is slightly too big, but will have to do for now.
BTW - The shaft itself looks to be about 1/8", though I can't see how that would really play a part in anything, given you don't need a brace on the other side.
Also, the housing doesn't even need to be straight at all. And it could be permanently attached to the body of the pump too, doing away with all the machining and lock-tabs. The prop can just slip out the end since there is no brace there to hold it in place.
D - Yes, I'm not too concerned about the adapters fitting the shaft, only the magnet. I think the impeller top part is 6mm, and 1/4" ID is slightly too big, but will have to do for now.
BTW - The shaft itself looks to be about 1/8", though I can't see how that would really play a part in anything, given you don't need a brace on the other side.
Also, the housing doesn't even need to be straight at all. And it could be permanently attached to the body of the pump too, doing away with all the machining and lock-tabs. The prop can just slip out the end since there is no brace there to hold it in place.
Is anybody interested in a DIY DC powerhead?
Could use just about any DC motor + prop you want.
I think we all understand the benefits of a DC version.. electronics are no problem, very easy to design. Mechanically, all that I lack is a good way to seal the motor cheaply, easily, and reliably. Anybody got any ideas?
Could use just about any DC motor + prop you want.
I think we all understand the benefits of a DC version.. electronics are no problem, very easy to design. Mechanically, all that I lack is a good way to seal the motor cheaply, easily, and reliably. Anybody got any ideas?
Speaking of DC powerhead. Has anyone seen this?
http://www.alita.com/dcpump/index.php
Looks interesting and promising no doubt.
http://www.alita.com/dcpump/index.php
Looks interesting and promising no doubt.
hyperfocal
New member
$50 a pop.
Frunkster
New member
Yep, you could seal it with [Milliput] it's a epoxy putty, I can send you some if it's not available there
(it's almost the same thing as the D&D reef putty at a fraction of the cost)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Quote) - rivan -
Frunkster
When you addapted the Graupner props did you have to drill them out? If so how did you get a good alignment?
Yes they have the brass inserts, but what I do is (as described earlier in the thread) find a bolt with the same size thread, put it quarter way on & heat the end of the bolt gently till the heat transfers to the plastic & remove with grips, leaves a clean hole as long as your v.careful
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ejmeier -
Re prop attachment & housings, have you see the pic's in my gallery?, they show how most of it go's together & you could either make the housing in or out side diameter of the original strainer cup/in-out let nozzle!.
If you want any more detailed pic's just nod
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I have at last got a working Maxi jet fully modded working with a 3 blade prop & have sorted out the issues with the other 2 I made also both with 3 bladed props, all are working as they should at last, may get some sleep now :lol:
I think the power of the motor & the pitch of the props are the 2 major issues to look at when implementing the stoppers.
& D
No problem stopping/reversing the AQ's, just a question of fine tuning the position of the stopper till it's right, sure you know that one :lol: it's seems that it's just a case that the stoppers need to be close on the fixed shaft type (mm's) & further away on the floating shaft type of pumps IE the Maxie's say at least a quarter inch or more Dependant on propeller type
ejmeier
Active member
The housing I should be able to figure out, but its the prop mounting that I am curious about. I thought it your case, you just chopped off the fins of the impeller and mounted it right on the existing impeller. I don't want to do it that way.<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7165808#post7165808 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Frunkster
ejmeier -
Re prop attachment & housings, have you see the pic's in my gallery?, they show how most of it go's together & you could either make the housing in or out side diameter of the original strainer cup/in-out let nozzle!.
If you want any more detailed pic's just nod
I want to pull the white impeller part off, and mount it to the actual inside rod that is connected to the magnet. I believe it is 6mm, which is where things get tricky, cuz we use imperial not metric.
1/4" is close, but there is still some room for error when using it.FWIW, I tried the mod on the AC, and the same thing happens with that one as does with my MJ 900. It ALWAYS wants to spin backwards. I am too lazy to make a housing just yet, and if I can't ever get it to spin in the right direction, that makes me even more nervous. Its weird, I'm not talking like 9 times out of 10 it starts backwards. More like 200 times out of 200. Even with a MJ900.
I ordered some right-handed props though, so that should hopefully get to the bottom of things and determine if that's the cause, or something else.
Frunkster
New member
Sorry EJ
I will update those pics, as I have now done it totally different (Doh, forgot to update the gallery), I have now made the connection between the prop & mag with rigid abs rod (6mm) & a pen outer with a slot to fit the impeller mag perfectly, as long as the pen fit's both tightly your sorted.
I think you may well have to large a prop on your pumps regarding the start up direction, as I have found that they wont spin forward if to big but will happily spin in reverse, anyone thought of a strainer for the exit so you don't need a stopper, just a thought?
I will take a few pic's & update the gallery
I will update those pics, as I have now done it totally different (Doh, forgot to update the gallery), I have now made the connection between the prop & mag with rigid abs rod (6mm) & a pen outer with a slot to fit the impeller mag perfectly, as long as the pen fit's both tightly your sorted.
I think you may well have to large a prop on your pumps regarding the start up direction, as I have found that they wont spin forward if to big but will happily spin in reverse, anyone thought of a strainer for the exit so you don't need a stopper, just a thought?
I will take a few pic's & update the gallery
ejmeier
Active member
How snugly does the pen fit into the 6mm rod? I just tried a pen, and it seems to be about 1/4"ID. I bet you guys have metric pens too! :lol:
That is disappointing if it is a case of an oversized propeller. I am using the Great Planes 1 1/2" prop. Its decent sized, but I would think that both a MJ900 and an AC401 could handle it. Could it be something else?
EDIT: I swapped out the impeller/mag assembly in the AC401 to a 801, and it still only spun backwards. However, it was strong enough to fully eject the impeller from the pump body.
That is disappointing if it is a case of an oversized propeller. I am using the Great Planes 1 1/2" prop. Its decent sized, but I would think that both a MJ900 and an AC401 could handle it. Could it be something else?
EDIT: I swapped out the impeller/mag assembly in the AC401 to a 801, and it still only spun backwards. However, it was strong enough to fully eject the impeller from the pump body.
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