servo upgrade, Maybe...?
 

I asked this question in the tx, rx, servo, gyro forum. But i decided it might be more appropriate in 3-D.

Thanks


I am running a Fataba 7-C with a 127Df receiver. I am currently using the standard Futaba 3004 servos. I am thinking about upgrading to the digital servos.

I have a few questions:

1) are digital servos compatible with this receiver?

2) what benefits in performance should I expect?

3) in my application, are the benefits worth the investment in this 40 size plane?

4) I am running the control surfaces at maximum throw + (elevator and rudder 140%), what futaba digital servos should I used for:

Ailerons?

Elevator?

Rudder?

5) would there be a benefit to throttle servo being digital?



Thank you in advance for your suggestions and opinion!!!

bbellfly

RE: servo upgrade, Maybe...?
 

bbellfly.... I don't use Fataba..... So maybe I should not have post.....
But IMO...... (It's not worth much)... Anytime you can get "better" equip...
Go for it..... It may not be really needed on a certain plane... But you can
always use it later... Well that is if you stay in this great hobby.....

Digi's usually mean better centering, and over all better perfornance, with
a bit more battery usage.....

On the throttle.... If all is adjusted good, almost any servo will work great..
I think on the throttle... IMO... weight needed is of the greatest concern...
I would say besides the throttle, the Ails. would need the least speed/power
from the Elv/Rud..... Remember all the above is JMO......

RE: servo upgrade, Maybe...?
 

:)bbellfly...

I use Futaba radios and mostly Hitec servos. I like the Hitec. They are less money than Futaba, fully compatable and I've had very good luck with them.

1. Yes.
2. Your control surfaces won't "wash back" and will hold better, faster response (very important when doing hovers etc.) better centering, more torque, have another place to spend your money
3. I use them in all my airplanes including the 40 size. Some of them I upgrade to analog servos (Hitec HS645 for example) which is way better than the 3004 and yet is not digital. I use them on the ailerons only
4. As I said I would use the Hitecs. Ailerons = HS645 Elevator = HS5625 Rudder = HS5645. These servos are kinda of low end digital yet work very well. On larger planes I step up to the HS59XX servos. They are better in every respect and are more expensive.
5. No. Great place to use up the 3004

Thanks
Barry

RE: servo upgrade, Maybe...?
 

bbellfly - I think the most important thing is what are you flying? If its like a mere 40 sized sport plane and you are just enjoying the hobby on Sunday mornings then there is no point buying digital servos. The 3004s are more than you will need. I used them in my WM Super Chipmunk 90 and its enough for aerobatic flying. So what are you flying?

RE: servo upgrade, Maybe...?
 

A Hangar 9 Twist with a Saito .72 Lots of control surfaces. Big rudder, elevator and ailerons.


And thanks for all your comments!!!


bbellfly

RE: servo upgrade, Maybe...?
 

The digitals are better at centering and have more power just off center than a analog servo. If you are banging the sticks and don't care about precision. Use something like the 3305 Futaba servo. I use them in a Funtana. They are very strong at 99oz and are less than $40. I use 9252s in a 72" yak. These are 99 oz digitals. These are great servos but cost closer to $100 each. So it kind of depends on your flying style.
You are using the same RX I am. So it is compatable. You may have to upgrade your battery. The digitals will use a little more power. The throttle servo is no big deal. Use one of the 3004s on it.

David

RE: servo upgrade, Maybe...?
 

Your analog futabas are fine for this plane. Using the best digital servo in the world isnt going a make a noticeable difference in the way a Hanger 9 Twist flys. If you were flying something more like a fliton extra or even a funtana I would say digital is better but the twist is a washy fun fly plane capable of doing some 3D (yep, Ive flown one). With this style of plane precision isnt going to matter. If you want to purchase some digitals as an investment for later then sure go for it. I would buy the Hitech digitals b/c they are programable (IMO one of the biggest advantages of going digital). Which Hitech digitals??? If your not going to go far above a 1/4 scale then the 5645's will be just fine. If you plan on ever using them in something thats 33% or larger go with the 5945's. As mentioned you will need more battery b/c the digitals drink more juice. For this plane I would get some kind of 6 volt NiMH say about 1200 mAh should do you fine. Personally I fly 2200 mAh Li-ions with a regulator on all of my .40 sized planes because I HATE to charge!!!