Mini Modification

Carolina Q

One of the things I never liked about the Mini is the hinged mechanism that holds the dome open. On mine anyway, opening the dome was always a two-handed operation.

Well, as luck would have it, my "prop rod" broke the other day (one of the rivets sheared). Not to mention the fact that the hinge is cockeyed so the bands aren't parallel. Anyway, while my new design hinge/band/handle is winging it's way from Tucker, I decided to experiment. A quick trip to the hardware store for some 1/16" cable and a couple of aluminum ferrules and I'm in business!

If anyone cares to try this, be sure to adjust the cable length so that not only does the dome stay open (with and without the ceramic cap or DFMT), but also that it doesn't open TOO far causing the cap to fall off. Oh, and make sure the band bolts are tight as you can pull the bands right off the dome or base if you open too forcefully. In other words, try this at your own risk!!

h20egg

Looks quite effective, although I've never seen a mini in person to know how it's supposed to work. Regardless, it's always rewarding to come up with a new way to solve a problem. Now if I could just figure out how to assure a winter's worth of RO without filling up the garage!

Double Bogey

Nice concept Michael. By the way, you will love the new mini hinge system. It is a significant improvement all around.

Beli

Michael this is one very good idea...I agree 100% TKS

Vetereggnarian

Can you give us the measurements that are working well for you? Like bolt-to-bolt when open.

HungryMan

I might break my hinge to make the mod.

Carolina Q

HungryMan wrote:

I might break my hinge to make the mod.

Yeah, I really hated the hinge and the prop thingie!! The rear hinge is so flimsy, that the dome wobbles easily - with or without the mod.

Carolina Q

Bill, mine is about 10 3/4-10 7/8" from outside to outside. However, I would suggest you balance your own as I suspect the weight of the pieces involved vary from egg to egg. It's easy enough. Just crimp the ferrule tight at one end, but not so tight at the other. That way, it'll hold (careful though) while you test for balance, but you can still slide the cable thru the loose ferrule til you get it balanced. Then crimp harder.

I bought 2' of cable and didn't trim to size til I had both ends crimped. At 11¢ a foot, I splurged. haha

Carolina Q

By the way, if ya'll screw this up, the new design hinge is $60 plus shipping. Don't know how much the dome or the ceramic cap cost. I probably wouldn't have done it if my the pivot prop hadn't broken. And I haven't used it yet - just installed it this morning. Seems ok, but who knows.

FlaPoolman

I like it Michael, that prop rod is the only thing I don't like about the mini

Carolina Q

Well, there's always that bogus floppy handle.

FlaPoolman

I flipped mine over so it sticks straight out

Carolina Q

Well, I'll be damned. It IS better! Thanks, Pat!!!

2Fategghead

Great fix Michael. Now watch the hinge come on Monday. Tim

Carolina Q

haha. I'm figuring Tue/Wed. Doesn't matter though. I'm out 2 bucks and about 15 minutes labor time. Maybe I'll actually USE it tomorrow. Ought to at least try it once!