Technical Solutions

GintoLab is then naturally improving the technical solutions onboard its two racers, with a clear focus onto the following topics:
 Electrical architecture and power management,
 Robustness and performance of the autopilot system,
 Well performing sails set with high tolerance ratio,
 Easy to work and simple to maintain equipments,

All these solutions are developed in association with our technical partners :

	Sparcraft, and Sparcraft Rigging are involved in all the rig and ropes
	Elvstrom is involved into the design and the manufacturing of the sails
	NKE is involved into the electronic, and the autopilot
	Delphi is involved into the batteries and energy management systems
	Kolorian is involved into the paint and the antifouling

New NKE electrical linear actuator - December 2004

Choosing an Autopilot for a Mini Racer is a not an easy decision. Main parameters are the power of the unit, its operating speed, and the power consumption, and the electronic device.

For the electronic the choice is rather limited. NKE Company has been developing a unit (Gyropilot2) which has strong arguments compare to the competition: a real gyro component instead of an acceleration sensor, a proprietary high speed communication bus, and robust captors. Choice for the linear actuator is more complex. Two potential solutions were available on the market; either a regular electrical pilot from which you disconnect the electronic and plug it to the NKE central unit, or a hydraulic pump. Disadvantage of the first is that the speed and the mechanical power of the device is not sufficient when utilised downwind, but electrical consumption is very low ( up to 2Amps ). The hydraulic pump has sufficient speed and power to cope with a Mini racer under spinnaker but consumes a lot (up to 8Amps…). It is then required to get Gen Set on board.

GintoLab built the concept of an electrical linear actuator with fast response time and high power together with NKE. The result consists in a light and compact unit pushing up to 300kg with a consumption up to 4 A. It is then possible to get the attachment of the pilot on the rudder closer to the axis for the best response time of the market. The unit has been successfully tested on the Ginto 422 and presented to the market at Paris Boat Show 2004.