Juan Garcia

My Feedback: (7)

As a rule of thumb the shorter the better.
Install servo arms in order to have the desired control surface travel with the least amount of distance from the servo center to the push rod.
This wil reduce the torque needed at maximum displacement.
Better known as the famous mechanical advantage.

Pete737

Thanks Juan,

Which did you use? The elevator servos are close to the tailpipe. I saw on Jeff's they were somewhat longer than standard.

Pete

Juan Garcia

My Feedback: (7)

See photos.

Pete737

Thank you Juan, Thats exactly what I needed to see.

BTW, Did you encounter any slop in the elevator pushrod? I was told there may be a little if it is not reinforced with carbon fiber or the rod is changed to titanium.

Pete

Juan Garcia

My Feedback: (7)

Yes Pete:

Is a very good idea reiforce this area.
I did it with F. Glass and hi strength epoxy.
C. Fiber is better.

Also this area will need some reinforce.
See photo.
You will see some failure in time.
This is because F-18C is nose heavy aircraft by nature of design.

Titanium rods are always better than steel but you can live with stock ones.
Have had no problem with them.

Juan.

Pete737

Juan, Thank you for your help and pictures.

I'm going to my LHS today to buy my extensions.

I'm figuring 4 @ 48" for elev and rudder and 4 @ 36" for aileron and flaps.

Does that sound about right?

Pete

Juan Garcia

My Feedback: (7)

Yes, Pete.
Those are the X's.

Juan.

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

Pete, you still buying extensions man? go to www.cheapyharnesses.com and buy the crimping tool, some servo lead and gold plated connectors. It will make your installations so much neater man.

Pete737

Thanks Juan,

David, Yeah Im still buying them, The JR's have not let me down yet.

BTW I just picked up an 8611 for my NWS, I heard the 18 is very hard on the nose wheel.

Pete737

What are you guys using for air valves? Particularly the nose wheel? I was informed that mechanical valves such as the UP series would not have the volume needed and may cause problems with the forward retracting nose wheel?

Other than that the UP series or robarts looked good to e and I like the needle valve setup. If I have to get a EV5 I will but I want to know what you guys think first.

Thanks! Pete

Juan Garcia

My Feedback: (7)

I'm using stock valves from SM. and Robart for the retracts.
They all work good. "0" Leak.
You can use an EV5. The set up will be easier.
The only reason I did'nt employ it, other than I alrredy had all stuff for my actual set up is that my air circuit for the G. doors rams is isolated and operating at just 40 to 45 Psi.
Retracts at 100 Psi.
This is because the G. doors hinges went broken in this particular aircraft if you are not very precise with the installation. And this is not easy.
So I opted for the split.
Also I'm using Tam hinges.
They are enought flexible and don't break apart under reasonable pressure.
EV5's share the air from both retracts and G. doors; Well as far as I concern at the time of my set up.
If you can split these circuits using EV5 you are blessed.
Hope you can put your F-18 in air.

Juan.

Pete737

Juan, I am totally interested in the EV valve but keep hearing strange things about them..

Of course I am reassured that the ratio of issues to non-issues is negligible but, There are some pretty experienced guys I have spoken with that do not trust them..

Juan Garcia

My Feedback: (7)

Well my friend all I can tell you is that conventional method with a Jetronic sequencer works very good.
I do not have experience with EV's so I can't say a word.
But, yes I'd like to have one only for the convenience.
Good luck each way you decide.

Juan.

Jjet

My Feedback: (12)

Does anyone know of a main build thread for the Skymaster F-18 F? Thanks.

i3dm

My Feedback: (51)

Guys,

Can anyone tell me what size airpower wheels does this bird take ?

i3dm

My Feedback: (51)

Can you guys post some pics of the F-18 fuel tanks mounting please ?