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Thread Number: 13554
An idea for the Super Unimatic machine |
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Post# 234040 , Reply# 1 8/30/2007 at 13:36 (6,076 days old) by unimatic1140  (Minneapolis) |
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Hi Bill, the Super Unimatic can fit in any of the three forums as it has vintage and modern parts and can be off topic all at the same time. I'm not sure about the touch screen idea, actually I have had many people ask me about doing just that. I prefer a mouse and keyboard interface because it allows make to make instantaneous changes at any time. Sometimes I get an idea in my head about what I want the washer to do next in the middle of the cycle. All I have to do is click on Pause, toggle over to the program code, make some quick programming adjustments and save. Then I press continue and I can immediately see what I was thinking happen before my eyes. I don't think I could make a touch screen quite so versatile. One of the best things about the Super Unimatic is the fact that I can experiment to my hearts content. One day I’m going to get my hands on one of those modern front load washers such as a Duet and completely “Super Unimaticize” it. Watch out you moder front loader afficinados (you know who you are) 'cause here I come LOL. Let’s see my dream modern front loader: One-way tumbling Recirculation with Spray 1200rpm spin between the wash and each rinse, and if the load is balanced from the start going from 0 to 1200 in 20 seconds without any schlepping around, Suds half way up the window, or the washer shuts down and buzzes, etc, etc, etc. Now I think this thread is ready for the Modern Forum. :) | ||
| Post# 234049 , Reply# 2 8/30/2007 at 14:45 (6,076 days old) by tlee618 () | ||
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Robert that is one machine I can't wait to see!! When you have that done it just might be time to start production because it sounds perfect!!! | ||
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Post# 234058 , Reply# 4 8/30/2007 at 16:01 (6,076 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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I'll be first in line to buy that control design from you. You'll be the first to get it then Bob. With a modern machine like that most of the sensors I need are already built into the machine, unlike the Unimatic where I needed to figure out ways of adding sensors that talk back to the computer. So it could just be a matter of making the interface in a Rubbermaid container, writing the software and gathering some dirty clothes. | ||
| Post# 234097 , Reply# 6 8/30/2007 at 19:28 (6,076 days old) by decodriveboy (FL, US) | ||
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Oh Robert! when you finally crack the code to a modern FL the way that kid cracked the iPhone, you'' be even bigger a hero to me! *swoons* ;) | ||
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Post# 234121 , Reply# 7 8/30/2007 at 20:37 (6,076 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Robert - do you do requests? Hi David, I think I really want to try to "monster-ize" a modern front loader as my next major custom undertaking. Maybe next year. Patrick I don't think "cracking" a modern front loader will be that difficult. It should be easy to control a DC motor via a computer, but I do need to study up on the basics of how to program and build interfaces for the USB port of a computer. That will probably be the biggest challenge. | ||
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Post# 234201 , Reply# 8 8/31/2007 at 07:25 (6,075 days old) by nurdlinger (Tucson AZ) |
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One-way tumbling | ||
| Post# 234228 , Reply# 9 8/31/2007 at 09:44 (6,075 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm) | ||
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One way tumbling Tom , I think most of us would concurr ; two way front loaders are as undesirable as a WCI Frigidaire Top Loader. Detangling builds strong character!!!! | ||
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Post# 234304 , Reply# 10 8/31/2007 at 17:16 (6,075 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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One-way tumbling Why is this a design goal? Hi Tom, because it's more fun that way. I have never ever have taken out anything that has even been tangled out of a Bendix and they only tumble one way. So unless there is a big difference in the cylinder design of a modern front loader that makes things tangle this should work fine. But only by experimenting will we find out, but I'm skeptical that this is necessary at all. I'm going to move this thread to the modern forum so we can continue to discuss a dream modern front loader. I would be interested in hearing what you guys would think would be fun to do in a monsterized modern fl. | ||
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Post# 234334 , Reply# 12 8/31/2007 at 19:44 (6,075 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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I like your ideas patrick, of all of them these are the ones that would be "relatively" easy to do with a custom built computer interface: -water level control (economy, low, medium, high--as in at least 1/2way up the window) -adjustable spin and tumble speeds -internal water heater -a high speed spin between EVERY drain, with no balance adjustments -a xylophone signal when the cycle is done like the old Bendix dryers So what else? | ||
| Post# 234336 , Reply# 13 8/31/2007 at 19:56 (6,075 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm) | ||
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If this hasn't been listed Some serious basket illumination ; I suppose this would require major "hardware" adaptation. Also, when it goes into limited production for AW.Oites it must have a beautiful white porcelain enamel basket!!! | ||
| Post# 234340 , Reply# 14 8/31/2007 at 20:17 (6,075 days old) by washerfanatic () | ||
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How about No Auto Temp Control except for Cold Washes? You can't wash and rinse anything in any hotter temp than tepid or BARELY warm water. | ||
| Post# 234344 , Reply# 16 8/31/2007 at 20:58 (6,075 days old) by decodriveboy (FL, US) | ||
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More. Definitely an illuminated basket....that was a very good suggestion. Adjustable wash, rinse, and spin speed times. Lifetime quality--instead of lousy components designed to have minimal life expectancy like today's washers. | ||
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Post# 234540 , Reply# 17 9/2/2007 at 08:55 (6,073 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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After speaking to Jeff Lefever last night I now know that these modern front loaders are not using DC motors anymore, they are using 3-Phase AC Washing Machine motors. They control the torque and speed by varying both the voltage and frequency to the motor. Very Interesting! This will be very fascinating to learn how they control these motors. I haven't the foggiest idea, but Jeff did know that the washing machine's central computer communicates with its motor control board via only two wires. Hmmmmmm.
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Post# 236462 , Reply# 19 9/13/2007 at 13:55 (6,062 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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“Super Unimaticized” Front Loader....
I would have to agree with "gizmo" on what I would love to see in a front load washer. Though I don't know how the "stop and re-tumble halfway through final spin..." would benifit anything. However having a 40 - 50 rpm tumble for 30 sec, after the final spin to loosten and fluff the cloths from the drum would be great! ROBERT: (You may already know this...) Quickly ramping up to a 1200 RPM spin speed would be great to see and hear, but with heavy, water logged items (like towels) you will need to have a 5 - 10 second "pulse spin" to remove a good portion of the water prior to your high RPM spin. REASON: the distance or air gap between the outer tub and inner drum is minimal and water will become "trapped" between the two, not draining quickly enough and will cause undue strain on the motor as it tries to get the drum up to max RPM. I have a 10 year old Frigidaire FL with a mechanical timer and if it did not have the "pulse spin" it would have serious difficulty obtaining it's 650 RPM (max) spin speed, except for maybe the last minute (or so) of the final spin. | ||
| Post# 236479 , Reply# 20 9/13/2007 at 15:49 (6,062 days old) by funguy10 () | ||
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Also with a load like that it is important to have some form of self-balancing. Do you want a smooth-spinning washer, or an earthquake factory? | ||
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Post# 236489 , Reply# 21 9/13/2007 at 17:02 (6,062 days old) by pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI) |
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Honestly, I think washers are a lot more fun when they are off balance! Of course, not so much that they are banging around, but just enough to really shake! I QUITE often load mom's Fisher Paykel with a load from one of my slower spinning machines completely on one side! The machines seems to be able to handle it and it makes for a lot of fun! Our old DD Kenmore washer used to jiggle and shake all over the place! YAY!!!
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Post# 236967 , Reply# 22 9/17/2007 at 12:36 (6,058 days old) by volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH) |
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A few thoughts...
Most of mt FL experience is with a GE Adora (POS model). 1. A detergent dispenser drawr with enough compartments. One for detergent, one for real chlorine bleach, one for fabric softener, one for bluing. Also, compartments for grated Fels Naptha, washing soda, borax, and STPP. 2. Tanks or hoppers for the aforementioned products, like that nice Norge machine someone in the club has. 3. A Fels Naptha grinder, just drop in the bar, and it grinds a dose, wash another load, grind another dose until the bar's gone. 4. Interior light, able to be switched on at any time whether the machine's running or off. 5. Fan-forced drying. I hate leaving the door and dispenser drawr open after I finish, have a fan to blow air through the machine to prevent mold and mildew. 6. Is a F/L suds saver possible? 7. A recirculating lint filter that I have to clean, none of this "self cleaning" nonsense. 8. A clock on the front. 9. A backlit emblem that lights up when the machine is on. Hopefully in a cool green or red, none of this electric blue that has become so popular. 10. Make it a bolt-down just to be sure it won't move when off balence. 11. Weigh-to-Save door. 12. Handles to make moving the machine easier. 13. A metal cabinet, not plastic. 14. A screen and internet connection so we can read the forums without having to leave the laundry room. Now if only someone could invent an automatic folder, Dave | ||
| Post# 237088 , Reply# 23 9/18/2007 at 03:52 (6,058 days old) by spankomatic (Ukiah,CA) | ||
adding to the list... This is fun!
A. Heated glass window that defogs for better visiblity. B. Hydrolic lift kit so you don't have to bend over to get the clothes in and out. The entire machine would rise to a variable level for ease. C. I like user friendly,good funtionality machines. Doors that are easy to open.Soap dispensers that are easy to open and fill. Knobs that are easy to turn and have a good smooth feel to them. Easy cleaning lids,doors,buttons,filters,soap dispensors. D. Very smooth running,very quiet machine E. Energy monitor that monitors,electricity,water usage,with a water temp gauge,actual wash and spin speeds,actual weight F. Really cool lighted control panel. Perhaps fiber optics type lighting. G. Really good inside basket lighting that can be used when the machine is running. H. Good sound effects. Wide selection of tones to choose from. I. It should be a handsom machine. Great sleek lines. Ya just can't stop looking at it looks. | ||
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Post# 237092 , Reply# 25 9/18/2007 at 05:15 (6,057 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Now if only someone could invent an automatic folder, 
They have been around for ages,though mainly in commercial laundries and OPL (on premise laundry. There are machines that fold flatwork (sheets, towels, etc), and others that will fold shirts. You did't think large commercial laundries folded thousands of towels processed daily by hand, did you? *LOL* Machine folding is one reason many commercial laundries do not like fitted sheets, as they are a pain to get through the automatic ironing and folding equipment. L. | ||
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Post# 237303 , Reply# 26 9/19/2007 at 11:01 (6,056 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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Hydrolic lift... the entire machine would rise... so you don
This feature, like the automatic folders, are also available for large commercial/industrial laundries. The very large (read: really HUGE) capacity machines have tilt back / tilt forward to aid the loading / unloading. Check out the specs in the link below, this thing could wash a years worth(?) of laundry in one load (OK, maybe only 6 months worth...) Hey, does anyone have any connections to get a tour of a commercial / industrial laundry facility?? CLICK HERE TO GO TO revvinkevin's LINK | ||
| Post# 237336 , Reply# 27 9/19/2007 at 15:10 (6,056 days old) by funguy10 () | ||
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May I ask: What is bluing and what is suds saver? | ||
| Post# 237337 , Reply# 28 9/19/2007 at 15:11 (6,056 days old) by funguy10 () | ||
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May I ask: What is bluing and what is suds saver? | ||
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Post# 237355 , Reply# 29 9/19/2007 at 16:36 (6,056 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.) |
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This is bluing. It's a blue dye used to whiten whites by ever-so-faintly tinting them blue to counteract yellowing. Proper dosing is crucial, too much bluing turns whites BLUE instead of optically making them appear whiter. Bluing typically is used either in the rinse or at least as a separate water change from the wash phase. Ross, however, has a special recipe that involves bluing in the wash.  Suds saver is a method to retain the soapy/sudsy wash water in a storage tub via a separate drain hose and diversion valve. Rinse water goes down the drain normally. Then a special setting on the machine sucks the saved wash water back in for use with another load of clothes. Of course, one has to plan ahead, as bleach wash water from a load of whites could not be reused for a load of colors. | ||
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Post# 237433 , Reply# 30 9/19/2007 at 23:43 (6,056 days old) by volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH) |
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To clarify...
Bluing is great. It is fast, cheap, easy, and effective. Pick up a bottle of Mrs. Stewart's Bluing and give it a try. A suds saver is as described above (thanks DADoES!). In old fashioned basements equipped with double wash tubs, the regular drain hose would dump the water into one sink, and the suds saver hose would dump into the other. To use the suds saver, plug the drain of the storage sink, and the machine will drain the wash water into the plugged sink (the suds saver hose is longer than the drain hose and comes down to the bottom of the sink). The machine will then function and drain normally for the rest of the cycle. To use the saved suds (wash water from the first load, now in the sink) the machine must be set to return suds. The pump runs backward and sucks the wash water from the sink back into the machine. While the water is in the sink, the gross stuff either floats to the top or sinks to the bottom. The suds return function leaves some water behind in the sink so as to avoid sucking the nasty stuff back into the machine. After returning the suds, the machine must be topped off with a little additional water and detergent. A suds saver saves water, detergent, and fuel for heating the water, when compared to conventional draining. The GE AW6 dates from a time when soap was used instead of detergent. Soap is harder to rinse out than detergent, and usually requires 2 hot or warm rinses. The AW6 saved the water from the second rinse to be used for the first rinse in the next load. Kind of like a suds saver for the rinse water. Combine a suds saver and a rinse saver and see how much more water we can use in our machines to get our clothes clean, and yet still use little water from the tap. Seriously, how much water can we save? Can we even approach modern front-loader water thrift with the benefits of traditional top-loading reliability and performance? I want to see some numbers here, people! Dave | ||
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