Control surface deflection?
 

How much deflection in degrees do you need for the rudder, elevator and ailerons? This is a trainer but I will want to fly it to it's fullest capability and will be increasing throws as my skill level goes up. What will be the max throws I will need? I know this is tough but I'm making a compromise between hinge gap and deflection. I can seal hinge gap, I can't easily add deflection.

Thanks all!

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

Hi spokman,

Now I'm new to R.C.'ing Anyway I bought an Avistar and my throws are as follows.

Ailerons..5/16" ea. way Rudder..3/4" ea. way Elevator 3/8" ea. way.. Remember
the streeing should have VERY little movement, At least that what I've been told
my trainer said if you can do a 360 in 15-20' thats good enough!!

They seemed really small movements.. But the plane sure flys great!!

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

My instructions call for some pretty minimal throws to. I'm figuring if I double them I'll be pretty safe. : )

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

Hey spokman,

You could do that... I remember on my Avistar, I went the wrong way on the
control horn which gave me a lot more movement.. And while flying it, It reacted
alot faster!! But it was also harder landing....

I would stick with the manuel's settings first!! You could always increase later to
suit your needs!! Remember.. More is not always better!!

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

You have to understand I'm not talking about control rod settings. I'm talking about max deflection of the glued surface and how much gap to allow to get a certain amount of throw. I'm definetly setting the throws to those suggested by Sig.

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

Hi You want to keep gaps to a minimum! Air leaking through large gaps cause the controls to be less effective! If they are more than 1/16" , They should be sealed with covering or clear packing tape. Also at high speed, as in a dive, large gaps can lead to flutter!

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

It's turning out pretty good with my gaps averaging a little over 1/32. Thanks all!

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

If you set the hinges to allow for 20 degrees deflection on the ailerons, 30 on the rudder and elevator(s), you should have all the deflection your trainer will ever need. Start out with them lower though! ;)

Good luck and have fun,
Dennis-

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

AS you increase your throws, you will need to make sure that your control rods are stiff enough to handle the extra force.

RE: Control surface deflection?
 

Everything went well! I have plenty of deflection and my gaps are small. My rods are supported every 6 inches or so at every bulk head. I'm also going to run steel rod from the control horns to the first supported joint. I'm sold on Robarts and epoxy for them. Thanks all!