XCaliber

My Feedback: (104)

I am in the proccess of installing the elevons on the ROO.
Which is better, installing the linkage on top or on the bottom of the wing?
I have seen both types.
But isni't better on top as the servo will pull for up?
The only disadvantage I see on top of the wing is cosmetic.
What do you guys think?

bkf

My Feedback: (5)

For looks: Bottom

lov2flyrc

My Feedback: (24)

The new composite roo has the sevo bays on top, older foam core roo you could do either as the bay's had to be cut out. No real benefit to doing it either way but as ken (bkf) said, bottom looks better!
Todd

Woketman

My Feedback: (6)

I disagree slightly with Todd (but I like him anyway). There is one BIG advantage to putting them on the top: gear up landings won't strip out the elevon servos. Another slight advantage is that the push rods are in tension, rather than compression, most of the time so there is a far smaller chance of a compressive buckling failure. That said, if ya gotta worry about that, you need to put beefier push rods anyway to make it an impossible failure mode. Of course, it looks like carp on top, but remember: beauty is in the eye of the beer holder!

bkf

My Feedback: (5)

beauty is in the eye of the beer holder!

Woketman

My Feedback: (6)

Wait just a minute... Isn't that what I just said?

XCaliber

My Feedback: (104)

I'm going to make my decision from Wakeman's reply.
I like his last statement though!
Thanks for the replies.
Mario

azblue

I like the on top idea..I inadvertantly retracted my gear while taxying my Roo. No damage, but the sevoes did take a hit on the ground. If i ever had to make a gear up landing for some reason. my elevon servos would be toast.

Andy

Woketman

My Feedback: (6)

Oh, well, they say confession is good for the bearings, so here goes... Those of you that have been on the Jets List for 3 years or more may remember when I destroyed Roo #2. I had moved my brakes from down elevator to the trainer switch (just behind the gear switch on the old 9Z). It was my first day out with this change and I was excited to try it. I had the trainer switch set for slight braking (UP6 valve) and the down elevator would give me the rest in case I needed to stop in a hurry. I took off, flew around a few minutes and landed. On roll out, I hit the switch. You guessed it, I hit the retracts by mistake and belly flopped her while still rolling about 10 mph or so. There was another dude waiting to take off, and I knew I was a burnin' Jet A, so I ran over, lifted a wing tip, let the gear back down, checked to be sure I had not stripped the speed brake servo (wish I had) and took off. Never even thougfht of the elevon servos. What a dumb ass. I was able to kind of control it a bit (the stripped side was up a bit more than normal reflex trim) with the other elevon side and rudder, but could not get her back on the runway. Plane was wrecked, engine and all equipment was OK. I learned an important (and expensive) lesson that day!

lov2flyrc

My Feedback: (24)

Woketman,

Actually, I have to agree with you as had one of the brain fart moments as well. Had a slightly hot landing and went to hit my dual rate for rudder to increase my stearing before I hit the end of the runway. Grabbed the wrong switch and up went my gear. Stripped out both 8411 servos. As for my linkages, compression is not a problem, using hanger 9 titanium rods...no flex there

Woket...comin to JOD with eddie?
Todd

bkf

My Feedback: (5)

Hey guys: What about these servo covers?

Todd: What do you know about the jetcat usa electronic brake valve? Bkf

lov2flyrc

My Feedback: (24)

Ken,
Those covers are great, used them before on a prop plane! Dont know enough about the JetCat brake valve to recommend it. Suggest you get in touch with Bob Wilcox at [email protected] , I am sure he can give you all the info you will need, Bob is a great guy and a real strait shooter!
How is the roo comming??
Todd

bkf

My Feedback: (5)

The Roo is kind of sitting here until my Nalgene tank, UAT, Brake valve?, etc. show up so I can plan yet a third layout. I have cut nothing yet as I get inspired from all the pictures I look at, Yet im not copying anyone elses. I have a good handle on what needs to be done. I have a layout that keeps the RC and Turbine stuff apart. Once I get rolling it should only take a day. Hey Epoxy: Is 5 minute as strong as say 30 minute? I don't think so. What brand do you use? Im going to see if I can find some of those servo covers or vacuum form some myself. I think they look better then flat plastic. Ill contact you later in the day. Ken

Notice Grommet

Woketman

My Feedback: (6)

Todd: I will not be going to JOD, Eddie, Phil, & Mark are leaving tonight. I will help Richard as we are trying to get that GlassCat ready for Fla Jets. I doubt it will be ready to fly there, but at least we may have it presentable for static display. I can echo what was sadi about Bob Wilcox, he's a great guy and is willing to help anyone. As for those servo covers. I too have been considering using those but have not pursued them yet. If they are rigid enough (anyone know, I've never held one), they might prevent servo strippage on a Roo on a belly landing.

lov2flyrc

My Feedback: (24)

Woket: I believe the covers would be rigid enough to stop the servos from stripping on a gear up but, they are not very thick and on pavement they would be ground down fast, thus not helping much. Grass landing they would be fine. Would love to see some pics of the Glasscat if you have any available!

Todd

azblue

I have the Jet cat valve...works great.

Andy

mec

our electronic walves are now two years old.
although sometimes they "forget" their programming resulting in no function. you have to switch off the reciever, switch on and programm the on/off points again (easy to do). 7 times we had this inconvenience till now. other customers had this problem too. we use the valves for wheelbrake, airbrake and landing gear.
usually they work great.

mec

azblue

Hey mec, how many volts are you putting into your brake valve? I guess if you put more than 5 point something volts into them they will "forget" the programing. Im not sure what the "something" is but if you put a diode in to get the volts down to the 4.8 level that fixes the problem.

Andy

bkf

My Feedback: (5)

"sometimes they "forget" their programming resulting in no function"

As in I could not get the gear down? That is no good even once.

mec

yes, in the worst case, this can happen (or no wheelbrake).

mec

bkf

My Feedback: (5)

Mec: Then do I really want one of these things! I don't want my Roo to skid from here to mars because there may be a problem in a design.

<GEE> but thanks for the warning

mec

hi andy,
we use a 5 cell battery pack.
it was our first suspicion, that this was the reason for that problem.
but we have discussed this problem in an online forum too, and there was a user, which had the same problem using 4 cells.

contacting the manufacturer, he said "never heard of that problem".

remember: this problem occurs very rarely.

mec

Jetset

My Feedback: (2)

Regarding the pushrods, on myEnforcer I went through about three servos from gear up landings in the grass which resulted in the servo getting stripped!:cry:
I am in the process of building an Enforcer for a friend of mine right now and I am putting little verticals fins poniting down on the underside this time to give that extra little clearance from the ground. So obviousy the pushrods are on the bottom!
Using 1/8 ply. Just though someone might want to know.
Myles

bkf

My Feedback: (5)

Maybe Mr. Wilcox can shed some light on this subject. It's no longer a case of "we never heard of that problem before" It's public, has happened to some users, and is being discussed here. I talked to Art's Hobby (where I ordered the valve) He said "The manufacture stands behind their products" Here is a good chance to help. Bkf

bkf

My Feedback: (5)

Just thought of an idea: Use a set of model missile's and put the pylons over the pushrods.