[Steam-engine] Indicator

[Richard Strobel]

Thanks Bruce..most interesting.  So the spring loaded string goes on the 
eccentric rod....where on the engine is the pressure tapped off of for the 
indicator?

  Peter Forbes has a nice site for some indicators.  I always like the 
workmanship on these old tools:

http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Indicator/Indicator1.htm

Regards,
Rick





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bruce & Marlene Babcock" <babcock2 at gte.net>
To: "Steam-engine mailing list" <steam-engine at lists.stationary-engine.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 3:39 PM
Subject: Re: [Steam-engine] Indicator


> Rick,
>
> I have several indicators and, over the past few years, I have been using 
> them on traction engines at several of the shows here in Ohio, and at one 
> show in Indiana.  I have also used one on the 100+ year old engines on the 
> steamboat the Belle of Louisville, and on one stationary steam engine.
>
> Yes, they are fascinating tools.  I have learned, however, that being able 
> to take cards with with an indicator and being able to understand what 
> they mean are two separate challenges.  I am still working on the second 
> part.
>
> One difficulty in using an indicator is to find one that has the 
> appropriate accessories:
>   1.. You will need to have a reducing motion to reduce the stroke of the 
> engine to  4 or 5-inches, which is the most that an indicator can handle. 
> It is possible to make your own reducing motion if necessary.  I made one 
> for the Belle of Louisville because the 6ft. 6 in. stroke was too much for 
> any reducing motion I have.
>   2.. You will also need to have the proper size spring in the indicator. 
> If the spring is too strong, you will get results that are to small to be 
> meaningful.  If the spring is too weak you can still use it, but you will 
> need to reduce the load on the engine to get meaningful cards and to avoid 
> damaging the spring.
>   3.. To use an indicator, you must have the engine under a load.  The 
> best load is a Prony brake because it is easily adjustable.  I have used a 
> Baker fan on one occasion.
> Sincerely,
>
> Bruce E. Babcock
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Richard Strobel" <Richard_Strobel7 at msn.com>
> To: "Steam-engine mailing list" <steam-engine at lists.stationary-engine.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 2:47 PM
> Subject: [Steam-engine] Indicator
>
>
> > Howdy all;
> >   Does anyone have a steam indicator and knows how to use it?  Seems 
> > like a
> > fascinating tool.
> >
> > Best Regards,
> > RickinMt.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
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