4-40 control rod question
 

I have always used 2-56 control rods and screwed the clevis on one end, did a Z bend on the other. Now I am swithching to 4-40 control rods and noticed that it is not standard practice to do a Z bend with this thick wire. What do you guys do? Do you screw a clevis on one end, measure the wire to size, then solder a connector or something the the other end?

RE: 4-40 control rod question
 

Soldering a clevis on the unthreaded end is one way, you can also thread it, bend a ninety degree in it, etc.

Personally I will solder mine and use ball links if the application will allow them. (Control surfaces and some engine installations). Ball links help maintain mechanical advantage and all but eliminate binding. If the part you are soldering too is threaded then you can adjust the link without removing either end but you will need lock nuts on both ends up against the connector to hold the rod tight so it doesn't loosen during vibration and flight.

Threading is also the other way I do it. Same benefits and requirements as above but without the chance of the solder joint breaking, unless you can really "sweat" a good solder joint. I prefer threading on high stress surfaces and solder on low stress as in the throttle.

Some others may have a better way but this is how I do it and it has worked well for me. :D

Where do you fly in Lancaster. I live in between Hershey and Elizabethtown so I am not far from you?

RE: 4-40 control rod question
 

Probably the easiest/cheapest/least precise is just use a Dubro E/Z link. You just bend a 90 degree angle in one end and stick it on the servo arm and then you can screw a clevis on the other end. Pretty simple and very dependable.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXEMG3&P=7

RE: 4-40 control rod question
 

Thanks for the advice, I fly in Manheim with the Flying Tigers.

RE: 4-40 control rod question
 

Hey both of you guys are kinda in my neck of the woods. I live in Shamokin. I have used a Z bend at the servo and threaded clevises at the other most of the time. The one I am building now will get clevises and bolted on ball links. I want to try some new stuff on this plane. I am using Robart horns and hinge points. And Dubro ball links elsewhere. Just trying new things to see how it works.

Anyway, always have some way of mechanicly zeroing out a control surface. Clevises are a very good way to do it. Strong and easy to adjust.

Mark Shuman

RE: 4-40 control rod question
 

Dang,

We should all get together and do our thing,

You guys are more than welcome to vome to our fileds and fly as my guest

See http://www.krcs748.com/ for directions The Geyer field is the prefereed field

RE: 4-40 control rod question
 

Just so long as you laugh at me too much. I sure can build'em. But I sure can't fly'em for diddly. I have been off for many years. Just getting back into it. I hope to fly some this summer. I would love to come down some day.

Mark Shuman

RE: 4-40 control rod question
 

I may smile big :D ;)

RE: 4-40 control rod question
 

If you're going to use 4-40 rods because of the size, weight or speed of the plane, DO NOT rely on EZ links!

They're meant for smaller, lighter and slower planes, and mainly for non-flight controls.

Use solder clevises (my first choice) or ball links if you think they are better.