Gear shifters

[gzus]

Does anyony have any experience with mechanical or electrical paddle shifters?

Im more interested in designing a mechanical system, although ive a few ideas for electric ones i dont think i trust them entirely.

Could anyone send me any ideas, photos, or scetches of different solutions or electro/mechanical actuators please?

cheers

[David Willard]

At the University of Arizona, we tried mechanical paddles w/ cable, and that turned out to be hugely unsuccessful, with everyone preferring the push-pull mounted to the side of the cockpit. But now we have purchased an all-electric pushbutton up/down shift solenoid from pingel. They are expensive ($700-800), and won't sponsor, but the system is pretty cool. I wouldn't recommend attempting your own actuator, because a solenoid strong enough is pretty large and draws 30-40amps during a shift. Finding them is difficult. But cool if you could pull it off.
The pingel also comes with a kill box for full throttle clutchless upshifts, but I bet I could take it apart and tell you how to make one yourself. (I probably will anyway, for our car)

Here is pingel's webpage with the info:
www.pingelonline.com (http://www.pingelonline.com)

-David Willard
Wildcat Motorsports

[gzus]

cheers for the reply.

ive been told that Saab starter motor solenoids work quite well. id appreciate info on the controll boxes if its not too much hassle.

[Brian Smith]

That looks very similar to the kliktronics shifter.
http://www.kliktronic.co.uk/technical.htm