Coupled ailerons and elevator for tight loops
 

I believe ailerons and elevator can be coupled for tighter loops on a glider.

Do the surfaces move in opposite directions. Elevator up and both ailerons down and vice versa.

OR

Do they move in the same direction. Elevator up and both ailerons up.

Thanks

RE: Coupled ailerons and elevator for tight loops
 

Yes, this can be done, and not just on a glider.

It requires that the ailerons be driven by a separate servo each and that the radio has mixing which allows the ailerons to be used as flaps ("flaperon" mix, which most or all computer radios have). Flap operation is usually via a separate switch on the Tx.

So far we have the ailerons able to work as flaps, but no coupling.

So, back to the computer radio and set up a elevator/flaperon mix. Elevator up, flaps down is what you want. Since flying all the time with this mix could be "interesting" it is a good idea to be able to switch the mix on or off as required, again most computer radios let you do this.

BTW, when using either flaps or flaperons it is common to set up a flap/elevator mix to compensate for trim changes when the flaps are dropped (adds elevator compensation).

I would not advise trying this kind of mix unless you are an experienced flier, it would also be prudent to be at least 4 mistakes high when you switch the mix for the first time.


Terry

RE: Coupled ailerons and elevator for tight loops
 

Dude... depending on how experienced you are... be careful.. make sure you can turn this mix on or off as you want. I decided to try to couple alieron to elevator since I have a computer radio and was playing with mixes and it was a pretty wild flight... I probably just had too much mixed in but it was impossible to keep level in a turn and would balloon like nobody's business. However, it did have tight as heck loops... but wasn't worth the squirrelliness for me... give it a try and see how you like it.. just don't dial in too much mix for your first flight

RE: Coupled ailerons and elevator for tight loops
 

Just mix in a little at a time until you reach the limit of your nerves and ability. It would be balsa suicide to not be able to turn this on/off when needed, you might not even get off the ground w/o crashing. Safety in altitude and add a little more for good measure until you get used to it.

RE: Coupled ailerons and elevator for tight loops
 

agreed with the above....test things out...

I ahve played with flaperons on a couple planes...
and mixed in elevator depending on if I am activating flaps or spoilers....
I have used mixes such as a touch of spoiler with up elevator to tighten loops and transitions...

but test them SEVERAL mistakes high and make sure you are VERY comfortable turning the mix off QUICKLY...practice while on the ground first...

I don't recommend taking off with a new mix on until you know what it is going to do...
take off, get some altitude then turn on your mixes and play........ get familiar with what it will do...

They can be fun to play with but I agree with those above me...just be careful and be smart with them

RE: Coupled ailerons and elevator for tight loops
 

Way back when I flew controline, rule of thumb was, flap throw was 1/3 of elevator throw. In other words 30 degrees of EL to 10 degrees of flaps. This is what I use for RC. A good place to start. But as said above go easy to start Some planes will snap a wing out from under you, some won't.