Our K 12 adapted for application in a Seehund midget-submarine type 127

Contribution 3c + 3ca

Status: 3-4-5 June 2015

I have approached the system again.

My first action was checking the crucial wiring again. I have also implemented an additional automatic fuse as an extra safety.

My second action was, cleaning the the silvered List-Stecker contacts. Normally not necessary as these clean themselves by means of contact rubbing. This latter was initiated because I measured the 3 x 36 ac 500 Hz lines, which proved to be not all reliable. After cleaning and stepping up the supply voltage from 22 V to 27.9 V it started operating much better.

My third move, actually born out of a desperate mood, was changing the genuine KM adapted K 12 gyro module for a brand new GAF version.

This was the right move, the system starts responding instantly.

I first instance, I was a bit confused in the succession of handlings. Switching on the 27 V, followed after some delay with switching on the Rudermachine. Here I became a bit confused, as during the starting-up period the gyro should be kept running free from the system; as to allow it to reach its regular rotation speed. Thereafter, I have to un-lock it by means of pulling-out a knob.

The system responded instantly!

I have selected two YouTube films

Film 192:    First the system being switched on; successively 24 V then the rudder-machine. Then I am being a bit confused forgetting that I first have to release the gyro, before the system can be operated. The rudder movement being controlled by the genuine hand-held steering control.

Film 193:    Shown is switching on the 24 V dc line, followed by the rudder-machine. Waiting first for the gyro. Then the system being released and we follow the response on the rotation of the platform and the instant response of the rudder-arm. What we see now was about the system response when it had been operated in our previous venue, between, say, 1979 and early 1988.

3ca

The day after I took an additional photo

Viewing the K 12 platform more from above

We sadly encountered a nuisance, as the American manufacturer of the heavy power supply had constructed this apparatus quite clumsy. At the back on the contact strip was a free screw, why not using it? It moved a bit sticky and suddenly quite easy. Both, the + and _ did respond similarly. After having prepared the connections I have switched on the power supply. No voltage at all. At the front panel meter it indicated maximum voltage. What did happen?

The apparent screw was part of a long heavy thread. Both were broken off. Who by hell is so stupid constructing it this way? A mad construction. However, since even after having implemented new long contact screws, the output voltage at the contact strip being 58 volts. Albeit, that both sense connections are correctly laid. We have no schematic and I guess it has to be scrapped. 

To be continued in due course

By Arthur O. Bauer

For those being interested how we have started building it up again: K 12 Anlage