ORIGINAL: wsmalley
Hi Dan! Definitely would like to see the video. If that's an active link at the bottom, I couldn't get it to come up. I agree the flaperons/elevons do appear, on the 1:1, to be coupled, albeit, doesn't appear to be much movement on the flaperons. Honestly, I like your hinging solution better. The wiper is problematic, but I will probably try some 1/64th ply before abandoning the bottom hinges-the lithoplate is too stiff. In terms of the pressure exerted, I don't know which method is stronger. I haven't made much progress on mine lately, frankly, trying to finish up some other planes on the bench. As cold weather moves in here, I need every inch of space to work on the Su. Since my wings are built up, my servos will have to be placed in the fuselage area. In watching the Ram-K DVD of the full size, it appears the LE flaps are down throughout all the acrobatic maneuvers shown. I'm assuming, therefore, the LEF's come up only at flat out, level flight. I'm not sure what size servos are needed, however, when they're 'extended'-or deflected- they should be at the servo's max position and not really 'holding' anything. Bill
Here's a link to the video. (See: [link=http://SavageLight.com/video/WingControls.mpg]WingControls.mpg[/link])
Before I explain what you're seeing in the video, I'll respond to a couple of ponts you made.
Yes, that's my take on the LE flaps, too. As near as I can tell from the videos I have, the LE flaps are all or nothing, which I have duplicated in my mixing set up. I can actually mix the LE & TE flaps to the elevator, ala CL stunter, but will probably end up with scale controls.
Yes, I'm setting up my servos so that the linkage will be in line with the servo shaft when retracted so that any loads will be transferred to the shaft/case and not to the arm itself.
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TE Flaps
Background: My TX (Futaba 7UAFS) incorporates flaperon and elevon mixing. Flaps are usually assigned to channel 6, which is controlled by a knob. The TE flaps are controlled using the internal flaperon mixing. Someone who has a non-computer radio may incorporate flaperon mixing by using an external mixer, such as the VeeTail Omni.
Video: TE flaps are lowered, aileron stick is wiggled to show flaperon mixing.
LE Flaps
Background: As the schematic shows, I hooked the LE flaps to channel 7. On the 7UAFS, channel seven is controlled by a knob. Early on, I decided that I did not want to be messing with knobs for the LE flaps. Since I knew that I wanted to couple LE flaps to the TE flaps, I set up a pre-mix (PM1) to couple the LE flaps to the TE flaps so that when I lowered the TE flaps, then the LE flaps would be lowered at the same time. A side benefit is that my Tx has a switch to enable to disable the pre-mix, so by turning the channel 7 knob to full (down LE flaps), and leaving the TE flaps up, I can flip the mix switch and lower and raise the LE flaps instantaneously.
Video: LE flaps are lowered by the knob, then the switch is flipped several times to raise and lower LE flaps.
LE & TE Flaps
Background: Using the internal mixing, I coupled the LE flaps to the TE flaps so that when I twist the knob, both LE flaps and TE flaps are lowered together when I twist the TE flap knob. Mixing of the two channels is controlled by the pre-mix switch. When the switch is flipped and the LE and TE flaps are decoupled, the result is that the LE flaps 'flip' between full-down and whatever position the TE flaps happen to be at the time. If I have the LE flaps already at full down (pre-mix off), then twisting the knob simply lowers the TE flaps.
Video: LE and TE flaps are raised and lowered together using one flap knob. Ailerons are always available.
LE Flaps & Elevator
Background: The full-scale Flanker appears to have a 'maximum manueverability' mode in which the LE flaps are lowered to about 15 degrees. In practice, this transforms the LE flaps into vortex flaps, which helps recover lost energy (momemtum) in high angles of attack situations. But, when the LE flap is lowered, it does impart a little bit of drag. I set this mode up to allow me to test a variable flap system that is coupled to the elevator ala CL stunters. When the elevator is pulled up, the LE flap is lowered, increasing efficiency in the turn. When the elevator is released, the excess drag si removed and the airplane speed is preserved. The programming is set so that only up elevator actuates the LE flaps. Down elevator stick has no effect, although it could be programmed to reflex the LE flaps for inverted manueverability. Unfortunately, this mixing is controlled internally and by itself, may not be disengaged in flight.
Video: LE flaps are coupled to elevator channel and are actuated by pulling on the elevator stick.
LE & TE Flaps & Elevator
Background: Most TE flaps serve two functions; lift and drag. When flaps are deployed to less than 10-15 degrees, they provide additional lift. Beyond that, the drag increases. TE flaps can also induce a nose-down pitching moment. I set up this mode to give the maximum lift and efficiency without causing excessive negative pitching. In my installation, this mixing is controlled by the internal Flap -> Elevator mixer, which can be engaged and disengaged in flight. In addition, manipulation of the pre-mix switch (described in LE Flap section above) allows the LE flaps and TE flaps to be coupled and decoupled. There are several mixing modes possible here.
Video: LE flaps and TE flaps are coupled together, then slaved to the elevator and both are acuated by the elevator stick.