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hand crank for mirage pedals
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Author:  pipesail [ Tue Jun 12, 2012 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  hand crank for mirage pedals

I just ordered a TI and I am a para/T-4( no trunk or leg control ) and I am looking for help on coming up with a clamp on hand crank system for the pedals.
I can buy hand posts that will screw into a pedal exerciser but i need to come up with a way to extend the pedal/post aft so I don't have to lean over so much. I have seen a system used in the disable vets video but I would like to make this work better if possible.
thanks for your help

mike

Author:  chrisj [ Tue Jun 12, 2012 3:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

Hi pipesail. I'm wondering if it's worth your while modifying the Mirage drive. The drive has two major advantages over a paddle:

- You use the larger, stronger leg muscles, which are more efficient than the upper body muscles.

- It frees the arms for operating the rudder and mainsheet.

Neither of these advantages would apply if you were hand cranking the drive.
Also, I gather you intend always to sail with a companion. If not, you might be better off with a smaller, lighter AI. If you are sailing with someone else, why not let your companion pedal while you augment using the paddle?

k-bay cruiser posts on this forum. He is quadraplegic and sails an AI single handed without using the drive at all.

Author:  pipesail [ Wed Jun 13, 2012 10:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

chrisj wrote:
Hi pipesail. I'm wondering if it's worth your while modifying the Mirage drive. The drive has two major advantages over a paddle:

- You use the larger, stronger leg muscles, which are more efficient than the upper body muscles.

- It frees the arms for operating the rudder and mainsheet.

Neither of these advantages would apply if you were hand cranking the drive.
Also, I gather you intend always to sail with a companion. If not, you might be better off with a smaller, lighter AI. If you are sailing with someone else, why not let your companion pedal while you augment using the paddle?

The great thing about the TI is all the options it gives to someone in a wheelchair. For me its the stability to do everything without tipping over. But I really want to get into sailing again and pass that on to my grand kids and freinds. My arms are my legs now so I am always looking for a new way to workout/ burn calories. The one thing I have learned about being in a wheelchair is you can sit and watch the world go by, or you can try and adapt, for me thats part of the fun.

k-bay cruiser posts on this forum. He is quadraplegic and sails an AI single handed without using the drive at all.

Author:  Roadrunner [ Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

pipesail wrote:
... i need to come up with a way to extend the pedal/post aft so I don't have to lean over so much.
You can use cord and "T" handles if you want to just pull. It loops around the pedal, clears quickly when not in use and stows easily.

For a rigid "push/pull" system, here's a pvc set-up. I was experimenting with handles in this pic and prefer the one on the right for comfort and simplicity. Threaded fitting with Teflon tape let you rotate the handles to suit:
Image

I used box-end wrenches with the open end wrench cut off. The PVC sleeves over them and pins on. When not in use, they just dangle from the Drive -- doesn't seem to be a problem.
Image

Here's an earlier version in use:
Image

The downside to the rigid system is that it is a bit cumbersome. In the Revo 11 (pictured) I can just flip the handles forward when not in use. This would not be practical from the back seat of the TI; from the front it could interfere with the rigging.

Hope this helps. I can provide more detail if you want it. 8)

Author:  DogsLife [ Thu Jun 14, 2012 4:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

When I do long Adventure Races I need to get off my rear end just stretch. It is a great relief to get on all four and pump with my front paws. I even do some Yoga and do "Doggie Down" while moving along. I have done a few miles like this. The trick to winning is to always keep moving forward. Also, I use this technique when coming to some obstacle for better control...

Author:  pipesail [ Thu Jun 14, 2012 9:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

DogsLife wrote:
When I do long Adventure Races I need to get off my rear end just stretch. It is a great relief to get on all four and pump with my front paws. I even do some Yoga and do "Doggie Down" while moving along. I have done a few miles like this. The trick to winning is to always keep moving forward. Also, I use this technique when coming to some obstacle for better control...


Paul,
thanks for the pics. What did you use for the steel part connecting to the pedals
and pvc.
mike

Author:  Roadrunner [ Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

pipesail wrote:
What did you use for the steel part connecting to the pedals
and pvc.
Here are a couple of pics showing some detail.Image

Image

I bought a cheap set of "combination" wrenches and cut one end off (chrome vanadium steel is tough to cut and drill; stainless would be better and more rust resistant). The 5/8" wrench sleeves over the base of the pedal shaft (note that it is removable); the 1/2" wrench replaces the cut off pedal base, fitting directly over the pedal shaft. Both work equally well. They hang off the Drive harmlessly when disconnected from the handles; with the pedals remaining in place, the Drive retains its pedaling capability.

Pins would be ideal as connectors, but I had some small stainless Nyloc nuts and screws that were hand tightened -- they worked fine.

PVC is 1/2" "schedule 40" approximately 20" long overall. Remember the pedal position is adjustable so there should be plenty of accommodation for different arm lengths. Of the two experimental handles, the simple "L" is the better -- less flexing, fewer parts. I use threaded connectors for the handles so they can rotate to the most comfortable angle (threads are wrapped with Teflon tape for smooth pivoting)
Image

This is a third generation set-up. No doubt the concept can be further refined and better executed, but at this point it adequately demonstrates the concept and is functional but inexpensive.

If you build it, post some pictures! 8)

Author:  smallfri [ Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

I'm not an AI owner...YET (Still sailing an Outback. But I'm reading all I can and love seeing everyone help make sailing accessible.

I was looking thru these pics and had a thought. How about a nice aluminum or even wooden hand cane for the extensions? That would make for a very ergonomic grip...Just a thought.

Like this?

Image

Author:  pipesail [ Tue Jul 17, 2012 2:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

that looks like it would work and you could use the same connection as you did.
did you have a problem with keeping the extention from going up or down and not going level, because i have noticed that the system is made to push only and not to pull and it would work better for me to do both, this give me more power and stability if I can also pull.

thanks

Author:  Roadrunner [ Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: hand crank for mirage pedals

pipesail wrote:
did you have a problem with keeping the extention from going up or down and not going level, because i have noticed that the system is made to push only and not to pull and it would work better for me to do both, this give me more power and stability if I can also pull.
Not a problem at all in actual use. This was designed as a push and pull system. An earlier version (easy to make with parachute cord and "T" handles) is very compact and easy to loop over the pedals BUT it only pulls.
Image

As you say, being able to do both makes a big difference. You can vary the push/pull ratio as you like.

The cane handle is a good suggestion, but buying two of those is probably a bit more costly than PVC. Additionally, being able to swivel the handles is important to hand and wrist comfort -- not sure how you'd do that easily with a cane handle. 8)

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