.....Have taken another step in finalizing the redo of the K-350 / Alvin Jr. After much deliberation about reducing rotating vs fixed penetrations, and much welcomed help from experienced members, I've compromised with a bit of both.
This arrangement eliminates the protruding entanglement danger, and two of the rotating penetrations.
The thrust vectors of the fixed verticals will allow for lateral maneuverability by varying opposition of thrust, thus canceling the vertical component. Maybe...just maybe..low power thrust on one and the aft pair turned, will allow for a direct sideways shift under the right conditions. Both in concert should produce a snappy vertical response, with perhaps, a bit of a pitching moment due to longitudinal location.
The aft thrusters will remain on their original foot controlled pivot mount, with the addition of an externally "field adjustable" up /down angle to hopefully, compensate for the well below centerline thrust vector.
I very much like Alec's oil compensated scheme, and plan to follow suit.
Now I have a question for the electrically / electronically gifted out there regarding motor control.
If I were to employ two joysticks with 3 switches in each direction, slow-medium-fast speeds respectively...what type of controller / unit would translate these switch positions into the appropriate currents to the individual motors, and how many will do the job???
I am finding a bunch of info out there that is frankly a bit confusing. Any help in this regard, is truly appreciated.
Joe