Retract question - Does it make sense?
 

OK, so mechanical retracts are simple, cheap and less strong than pneumatics. Pneumatics are tougher, more expensive and require recharging, etc. So why doesn't a manufacturer like Robart offer a mechanical set as rugged as the pneumatics? It's not mechanically impossible and today's servo technology could give a super strong retract servo if needed. Heck, a retract unit can be made with a servo built into each one and still be lighter as a set. Electric retracts are way expensive, but a standard unit and servo combo doesn't have to be. One answer could be that the pneumatic retract manufacturers have a good business model as is and don't see a market gain. Still, why not have a real heavy duty mechanical retract built like the pneumatics. Why do they all have to be flimsy units with thin wire struts?

One of the popular 'fixes' for the marginal Hangar-9 mechanicals is to drill them out and install 3/16 struts with some success. Still, the mechanism can be improved... I would love some thoughts on this from you all.


quint :D

RE: Retract question - Does it make sense?
 

I've never heard of pnumatics being "Tougher" than mechanicals.

To me, the only advantage of air retracts is that the hoses are flexible so you can route them anywhere as opposed to a (relatively) straight-line pushrod.

I have used both. Neither is "Easy" because both require various maintainance, but given a choice, I'll use mechanical.