Flaps....to flip or twist
#1

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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Eaton Rapids,
MI
Posts: 66

I was wondering what everybody was doing to activate their flaps. I put mine on a three possition switch on my L-4 and Mustang, but think I'll change to the rotery knob. Any thoughts?
#2
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Location: Fairfax,
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When I had a Futaba 8 I used the twist knob. Now I have a Multiplex and use a three position. I perfer the three position as I know what to expect.
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Near Pfafftown NC
Posts: 11,511

The switch is a lot more reliable in that you can feel the setting quite easily without taking your eyes off the plane.
With the rotary dial it is unfortunately quite easy to have a little flap dialed in and not know it. Setting partial flaps for takeoff is not easy, and getting full flaps smoothly wasn't easy.
The 3 position switch can be setup exactly and it's fast and accurately repeatable. It's as easy to set as any trim setting. I don't ever use the dials any more.
With the rotary dial it is unfortunately quite easy to have a little flap dialed in and not know it. Setting partial flaps for takeoff is not easy, and getting full flaps smoothly wasn't easy.
The 3 position switch can be setup exactly and it's fast and accurately repeatable. It's as easy to set as any trim setting. I don't ever use the dials any more.
#4

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Location: Parchment,
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Never liked the twist knobs, as they pretty much require the use of a complete hand, or at least 2 fingers (must forfeit control of one stick while moving the knob). So, I started using the side mounted slide switches, which I can use just 1 finger, now I prefer just the 3 pos switch. No guessing whether they are 20 deg or 25, same positions every time. I use the one above the right side stick, so my pointer finger can actuate while thumb stays on the stick.
#5
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I agree with the above posts
#6

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Location: Carrollton,
VA
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I prefer the sliders on the left side of the transmitter. That way I can adjust to different conditions quickly.
#8

Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Grovetown, GA
Posts: 760

The knob works fine for my slow flying Cessna 182 Skylane ( I have time to count the clicks) but on my 60 size corsair it's the 3 position switch.
Tom
Tom
#9
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Barrowhill, Staffordshire, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 586

I use the left slider on my throttle left transmitter. Is left throttle and rudder called mod 2 over there too?
Ian.
Ian.
#10

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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Hurst,
TX
Posts: 727

I use the slider
I like to vary the angle of the flaps to suit conditions
never was a fan of fixed positions like the flip switch
I like to vary the angle of the flaps to suit conditions
never was a fan of fixed positions like the flip switch
#11

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Location: Louisville,
KY
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I use the rotary knob because I can select the exact amount I want. Been using it for many years without a problem. Although I do look down briefly to make sure where it is set, but so far so good.
#12

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Location: Eaton Rapids,
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Thanks for the thoughts. Although I've been flying for a long time, these are my first planes with flaps.
#13

Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,873

I use the three position switch - no flap, take off flap, landing flap - simple.
What I also do is program in 'servo slow', either at the transmitter or by
programming the servos. Makes flap deployment smoother in flight &
just looks cool when you select take off flap on the taxi out! - John.
What I also do is program in 'servo slow', either at the transmitter or by
programming the servos. Makes flap deployment smoother in flight &
just looks cool when you select take off flap on the taxi out! - John.
#14

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Location: Eaton Rapids,
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John, that 'servo slow' sounds like what I need to do. I'm not sure if my futaba 7c will do that or not , and programing the servo might be a little over my head but I'm gonna check it out. Isn't there a device that I can plug in between the servo and receiver? I just don't like the flaps snapping down so fast. - Tim.
#15

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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Amarillo, TX
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hemiflyer1: I used 7C Tx for several years and never found a way with the TX to slow the flap movement down. The flap setup used two PMIXes and Switch G. The flaps were set at at the half deployed position with the servos at neutral, Switch G in the middle and set to OFF. Full down used one PMIX with an OFS driving the servo, Switch G in the down position, and ON.Full up used the other PMIX driving the servo the other way, Switch G in the up position, and ON.
I have the 8FG now. The TX does have a couple of ways to slow the flap movement.
Brian
I have the 8FG now. The TX does have a couple of ways to slow the flap movement.
Brian
#16

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Location: MONTEBELLO, CA
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I used a JR 9 ch in flight mode with mixing and program that right now I don;t remember how. If you have a comparable radio, it's a very good way to automate the landing.
Steve
Here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mGNj...layer_embedded
Steve
Here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mGNj...layer_embedded
#17

Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,873

Don't know about the 7C with servo slow, I have a 10C & it only has servo slow on throttle (to replicate the slow throttle response of a turbine I would assume).
There is a 'mix this, reassign this, modify this fix' but I just gave up & programmed the Hitec digital servos with the Hitec programing box.
Yes, I bought one years ago, a 2 channel device that I use on retracts & gear doors & it works perfectly.
Like SCALECRAFT I also have a JR 9 channel & yes, it has servo slow on all channels I think. You can
even have different speeds up & down, nice. - John.
There is a 'mix this, reassign this, modify this fix' but I just gave up & programmed the Hitec digital servos with the Hitec programing box.
Isn't there a device that I can plug in between the servo and receiver?
Like SCALECRAFT I also have a JR 9 channel & yes, it has servo slow on all channels I think. You can
even have different speeds up & down, nice. - John.