70x7

Is there a technique to changing the pushrods where they connect to the control surface arm? It looks like I would need to "bend" the plastic horn to remove the pushrod to the point that it might loosen the attachment to the rudder/elevator/etc. Is there a trick I need to know before I try this?

levram1

My Feedback: (1)

All I know is that it doesn't help to close your eyes. LOL!

SeamusG

The horn is that white chunk on the control surface. The arm is servo connection point.

What kind of adapter do you have to connect to the horn? Wire with a z-bend? Clevis? Other?

70x7

Well, I'm going to assume it would be called z bend, although to me it seems more like a lazy s. the pushrod makes a 90 degree curve, then a second 90 degree curve back. Between those two bends in the rod is the connection to the horn. If either the horn or the rod were not attached and free floating, it would be easy. But since both are attached, I'm thinking I need to "bend" one or the other in order to "snake" the rod out and back in. I'm not sure this is right, and if it is, which one should I bend, the rod or the horn?

SeamusG

Yup - z-bend. That leaves a clevis at the servo arm for adjustment. Was there an option between connecting the control rod z-bend to the servo arm leaving the clevis to connect to the horn? This would allow you to easily remove the control rod from the horn by separating the "tines" of the clevis and making adjustments by releasing the clevis and making 1/2 turns in or out. With the z-bend at the servo arm it's simple enough to remove the servo arm from the servo (screw) and simply twist the servo arm around and off the z-bend.

70x7

That makes sense. I've seen clevises before, and it would make this much easier. To be honest, I'm not sure if there was an option for the pushrods to be reversed, as the plane came RTF. It's a styrofoam plane, and I'm not sure how difficult it may be to get to the servo arms to switch them around. I would imagine that they are put in the way they are for a reason?????
Would you try to bend the pushrod out of the horn as it is, or would you try to get to the servo to switch it around?

SeamusG

Got a picture or a plane name and manufacturer so that I can take a look?

For a reason? Probably, like all manufacturing, it gets built in a way that is easiest / fastest for the manufacturer to get it out the door. Best for the customer? Probably not.

70x7

Hobbyzone Champ
stock picture

jaka

hi!
All you have to do is bend the controll horn to get out the Z-bend pushrod.

levram1

My Feedback: (1)

Just don't close your eyes! Hurry up CG!

70x7

Will that not loosen the "connection" between the horn and the styrofoam elevator/rudder? Just want to make sure before I damage something.

SeamusG

Now that I've seen it - Jaka +1 (with your eyes open of course)

This is the first time that I've seen this type of control rod approach before. I've learned something - I can open my eyes ...

pkoury

My Feedback: (7)

Why do you need to remove the connection? If you are trying to make small adjustments that is what the u shaped bend in the control rod is for.

70x7

The horns have about 5 holes in them. The plane came with the rods inserted into the outermost hole (giving the least amount of control). I am wanting to move them into holes closer to the control surface (giving more reaction). The bends in the rods are for adjustments in trim.

levram1

My Feedback: (1)

You need to fly this thing first.

70x7

I have...quite a lot

BIGMIG

If the control rod is allready on the outermost hole on the servo control horn,it is allready giving the maximum throw from the servo.............

To increase throw you need to move it in on the horn on the other end.

BIGMIG

jester_s1

Bend the metal rod, not the plastic horn. Metal can be straightened back out while the horn can get loose in the foam and fail.

levram1

My Feedback: (1)

+ 100 on what Jester said.

70x7

More or less what I did. I guess I ended up kind of bending both. I moved it from the outermost of 5 holes to the center hole, and it's quite a lot more responsive.

levram1

My Feedback: (1)

Missed me on a couple of them CG.