Thanks, Josh...
We will be continuing with propane in addition to the HX systems. The propane will be like the ones in the pictures above.
Super...
As above, we'll continue with L.P. No intention of doing kero, or doing Diesel motors yet. As far as a hybrid.... no plans for that either. The HX systems will be super simple. Adding L.P., although simple, would complicate them again and add to the price as well. For that price increase, the Nemesis becomes a better deal.
Yes, I have designed a "low end" system, by the way. It will generate heat more along the lines of a Little Giant #3.
When you see the Nemesis, you'll be very, very impressed. I am, and the very few people I've actually explained it to agree. (They understand it in principle and see the potential of it. Having designed it, I've seen it several ways and know that it can only be fully appreciated when seen in the flesh, so to speak.)
Richard:
The frame in the pictures above has one large advantage over previous ones: Access to the pump- out pump. Access on this frame is direct and simple.
That frame has been designed to accept a 33, 36, 45 and 47 blower, BTW... So, the following systems can be built on it:
Xcel
Nemesis
Predator
Accelerator
Dominator
The "Nemesis" series systems and the "Xcel" (entry level) series systems will both be built on a frame that is almost identical to what you see above.
The Nemesis systems will feature the "Accelerator" tank (the design that came from the Hammer and SledgeHammer systems I used to build in the 1990's). That tank installs across the van, behind the seats.
The Xcel systems will look very similar to the standard, "Predator" systems, and there will be a "CP" version of them as well, so the design is an extension of the Predator designs.
I am pushing to get this together in time for Connections, Florida, this May. And if I do, we'll be there with a Nemesis, a Predator Unleashed and a Nemesis installed in a van for outside demo's.
If I run overtime and miss a deadline, then we'll have an open house very soon after Connections and unveil it there.
But Connections is my goal, and it's looking more and more like we'll make it.
In response to an enquiry there, I posted the following on Nicks board. It's relevant, so I'm pasting it here...
At this point, I'm still not ready to go into specifics of design, publicly.
But I will go into specific model configurations a bit, and follow with a bit about what's different, company- wise, from before.
There are 3 basic designs:
1.) The "entry- level", tentatively named, "Xcel". It's a parallel version of the "Predator" series of propane systems I've been making. The basic one is an 18/33 configuration. The upgraded is an 18/36. It will be offered with "CP" continuous pumpout (i.e., no recovery tank) and with a recovery tank as well. It will have one exhaust exchanger and a manual diverter (An automatic one will be offered as an option.), and produce heat similar to a Little Giant #3: 160 to 180 degrees, ATM @ 1.5 GPM (i.e., "at the machine") Price will be in the $9,000 range
2.) The "meat and potatoes", "Nemesis". It will feature 2 exchangers, one of which is in process for patent (i.e., "patent pending"- application was filed last July). It will deliver 210 to 230 ATM (at 1.5 GPM), and will automatically divert exhaust gas to regulate temperature. The 20/36 configuration will list for $14,000. The Nemesis "2", will be a 25/45 and the Nemesis "3" will be a 47 blower- based model, with motor yet to be determined.
3.) The largest system will not come on-line until Year 2 of our operation, according to the plan set forth. It will feature a water cooled 4 cylinder motor and (2) #45 blowers. It will deliver enough heat for 2 wands... 220 or more at 1.5 G.P.M. per wand. Projected price is $22,000.
Production of the propane systems will continue, unless and until, the market for them ceases. The thing is that they will always cost less and generate more heat in their price range. That's just the nature of propane...
If you look in my profile, you should be able to see what the new systems look like, since I linked to a picture of two of them (Predator Unleashed! systems) there. The Xcel and Nemesis systems will be built on frames very similar to what you see there. The Nemesis will feature a "Hammer"- style tank (like the Accelerator tank), which is positioned across a van, instead of down one side, and angled so that it contours the seats of a van.
The new company name has been chosen. I'll announce it in the next few weeks, after everything is set up.
In the past, I was "handicapped", in terms of what I could do, because I did everything... I wore too many hats. Part of what's different is that we will open with a full staff. Office personnel, sales, and production people have been selected and have agreed to come as soon as the financial agreement is signed. Virtually everyone involved in this new venture is a long- time friend of mine, some going back to the 1970's. (This has taken an inordinate amount of my time lately, with late nights lasting way into the early morning hours, but has been worth the effort.)
Our primary focus will be distributors. From past experience, I know how crucial good distribution and localized support is. This new company addresses that head- on. We will also have the financial backing to fund a distributorship network, present at both Connections events, attend 2 "informal gatherings" (i.e., SummerFest, etc.) a year and more.
This is seriously going to be a new way of doing things.
That's all for now.