Larchmont SS-1 Snowmaker
The nozzle head has six discharge nozzles, each set at a specific angle mounted on a rotating wobble head, so that each nozzle sprays in a different direction as it rotates, always putting the spray from each nozzle into different ambient air, according to the manufacturer.
Phil Tropeano, the developer of the new nozzle, claims it gives “a more even and wider distribution pattern that is especially advantageous in low or no-wind conditions.” He points out the ball socket base is easy to adjust to position and/or direction, and is locked in any position by a “T” handle locking screw.
The unit weighs 24-lbs. on a 4-leg tripod; uses a 1½” hose and is easily handled by one man.
New Stadeli Ponylift
Stadeli’s new model Pony 2000, available through O’Connor Ski Lifts, Monson, Mass., offers several features, among which are: 1) A simple adjustment of the drive and bull wheel makes it possible to adapt the rope height to the given snow depth; 2) for proper alignment of the running-in rope, the angle for inclination of drive and bull wheel can easily be adjusted; 3) the return station with tension device, is adjustable to 16.4 ft. by means of an intermediate piece (see photo); and 4) rope tension may be adjusted with hydraulic tensioning system.
Manual Snow Removal
The “Sno Shoo,” which is a contemporary version of a very old snow-removal device, is now available from Suntrak Industries, 205 E. Front St., Harvard, IL 60033.
Sno Shoo is constructed of high-density polyethylene, with handles of heavy-duty carbon steel, and the leading edge has a mold-riveted 12-gauge steel blade. It is designed to clean flush with curbs and buildings, and removes up to 4 cu. ft. of snow per scoop.
Trail Mat/Ramp Pads
A low-cost mat material is being marketed for use on high-wear spots on trails and on loading platforms and unloading ramps. The material, which is a waste bi-product of an unrelated industry, is made of finely-woven plastic wire. It allows water to pass through it, is extremely tough and allows a ski to pass over it and turn without scratching the surface.
The material is available from Reliable Racing Supply 624 Glen St., Glens Falls, N.Y. 12801, and sells for .15¢ per sq. ft. It comes in varying sizes from 50 sq. ft., up to 2,000 sq. ft.
It can be held in place on trails as covering for a ledge outcropping, for instance, with stakes, and can be nailed to a loading platform. Asked how long it would last, Tom Jacobs of Reliable answered, “Forever.” Which might be a good trade name for the as-yet unnamed stuff.
Noise-Cancelling Mike
A hand-held, noise-cancelling microphone designed to upgrade the communications performance of any radio, is being introduced by JMR Systems Corp. 5 Tinkham Ave., Derry, NH. 03038.
The JMR Model 45 Silencer is a compact microphone that utilizes a noise-cancelling electret capacitor to permit clear, crisp voice transmission in noisy environments. It is offered in rising frequency or flat response models for radios with or without voice processing.
According to the manufacturer, the Silencer adapts to any transceiver impedance. It is conveniently stored on a velcro pad, or on a standard mounting lug. It is priced at $54.95 (retail). Literature is available on request and dealer inquiries are invited.
Weather Monitoring
Weathermeasure Corp. has introduced the Skisafe 733 System as part of its overall Meteor environmental data processing system. The instrumentation and support computer available can constantly measure, display, report and store all the weather variables such as wind strength, direction, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity etc. Weathermeasure will install anything from sensors and telemetry for aerial tramways to a complete weather station.
Robert Wademan of Weathermeasure suggest a “mountain mapping” session to identify a ski area’s needs, such as critical decision-making on snowmaking conditions, or critical wind or windchill thresholds for lift operations.
Weathermeasure, the country’s largest manufacturer of meteorological measurement test and instrumentation devices, is located at P.O. Box 41257, Sacramento, CA 95841.
SAM’S Technical Editor, Nils Ericksen, reports on two interesting new products
Shock Pulse Meter
Bearings, as we all know, will only fail in the winter, when a lift is fully loaded and the wind-chill approaches minus 50 degrees. Wouldn’t it be slick to be able to predict failure and replace the ailing component before major surgery is required?
Testing Machines Inc. (TMI) of 400 Bayview Ave. Amityville, New York 11701 (516) 842-5400 claims there is. They manufacture the shock pulse meter just for this purpose. Called the SPM. it actually measures noise levels being transmitted by the moving parts of the bearing without removing the appliance from service.
Whoa!
Before you run out and spend the $1800 necessary to buy this crystal ball, be advised of a few salient points. First, you need a diagram of the internal workings of the machine to be tested. Second, only one person should take readings. Third and last, it will require a period of months to determine the “noise profile” of each bearing.
Is it worth it? “At this point it looks promising,” says Wayne Smith, chief lift mechanic at Killington. “Although we really won’t have enough data until we’ve completed a full season.”
“Super Snooper”
The “super snooper” is here! This clever application of fiber optics by American Optical literally allows you to crawl inside your motor housing or gearbox to see what’s happening. (This is best accomplished when the machinery being tested is not operating.)
For $3,500 you can now inspect gear teeth, rotors, armatures, pistons, and cylinder walls without major disassembly. Remote focus and end tip articulation make this possible. However, with a 14x magnification, things can look pretty weird upon first viewing. Therefore, a thorough understanding of what is to be evaluated prior to examination is a practical necessity.
The basic unit comes with a 3-foot flexible fiber bundle encased in woven stainless steel. Two accessories that are suggested for ski applications are an external light source and waterproof scope. An additional 3 feet of flexible length will boost the price $600. Regardless of options, viewing through 90 weight gear oil is a bit blurred. Drain the box first.
For more information, call American Optical at (617) 765-9711, extension 2445.
DMC Powered Tiller
Introduced this year by DMC (formerly Thiokol) is the rear-mounted Powered Tiller, originally developed in Europe, and tested in the U.S. this past season.
The Powered Tiller is driven by an auxiliary hydrostatic pump mounted on a 3-pad mount behind the 3700 diesel engine. The tiller uses a high-speed shaft with cutting knives which mulches the snow to a depth of approximately five inches.
The new implement is designed to perform several jobs, including mogul cutting, compaction and conditioning.
For more information, consult a DMC representative, or write DMC/Logan Div., Box 407, Logan, UT, 84321.
DMC 3300 Vehicle
New from DMC (formerly Thiokol) is the mechanically-driven 3300 vehicle. This machine has been designed to groom with the 3700, having higher low-end torque and a similar power-to-weight ratio.
The 3300 is powered by an Allis-Chalmers Model 649-I turbo-charged and intercooled diesel engine, rated at 155hp. The transmission is Allison’s AT540 4-speed automatic.
The 3300 is equipped with DMC’s all-new controlled planetary differential. According to a DMC spokesman, the differential has twice the torque capacity of the O.C. 12.
Other design characteristics include oil-cooled multiple disc metallic steering brakes mounted external to the differential unit; large interlock gears, all six meshing; tapered roller bearings on the main differential carrier and pinion shafts.
The 3300 also has foot-operated, sprocket-mounted disc brakes, and the hydraulic system offers six functions to the front and four to the rear as standard.
The machine weighs, 8,200-lbs, a fuel consumption of under 3 gph, and is priced in the mid-40’s.
For more information, write DMC/Logan Div., P.O. Box 407, Logan, UT 84321.
