Posted by rich logie (158.252.222.232) on August 02, 2003 at 14:46:22:
In Reply to: Wind generator posted by Michael Dixon on August 02, 2003 at 05:54:51:
Hi Michael,
We just installed a KISS on our 42 (#378, mk I, 2-cabin). We decided to go for the Garhauer stainless, use the Garhauer rail clamp, and the KISS/Hotwire support clamps for the extra bracing. We had a Raytheon 10X radome mounted on an aluminum pole (now changed to a Garhauer radar pole on the other side of the stern). Stainless is heavier but far better looking than aluminum after a couple of seasons. (Trade-offs, trade-offs.) We also got the motor lifts from Garhauer. Our new 8hp 4-stroke was visibly stressing the old lift system on the aluminum pole. The Garhauer doesn't break a sweat.
The KISS is quiet. We've been in 15 knot winds at the dock, and in the cockpit with a bimini, dodger, and transition between the two (no side panels), we can't hear it. We can barely hear it forward of the mast. Directly underneath (in line-of-sight) it sounds like slightly amplified wind. I tried holding a handheld anenometer near the KISS and have an amp-meter on the output wire. I couldn't get comparable readings because of the refresh delays of the two pieces, but 4 amps around 10 knots (as they claim) seems real. Output was surprisingly variable depending on actual puffs and calms. (SF Bay isn't famous for it's consistent winds, except that there's always too much in 'the slot' each afternoon in the summer.) The blades are constantly changing speed with every wind change. Once spinning, it will keep spinning down to 8 knots (trickle charge).
We're partially blanketed by a large power boat interfering with the prevailing winds. The KISS doesn't respond to eddies, or variable wind well. But a rare, steady breeze (10 knots) from our beam (not shadowed by the power boat) gives me the performance I expect.
Sorry, but I don't have direct experience with the Red Baron.
Best,
rich
s/v ceilidh