Mechanical retract question
 

On my fourstar, I plan to place some mechanichal retracts since i will have the extra channel. I was wondering, How many of the retract servos will i need for the hobbico type retracts? And also, Should i do Tail retracts?

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Normally
1 for the mains
and one the for nose or tail.

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Newbie,
Mechanical retracts can be a PITA. I would save those for your first scale job. Secondly, your mechanical retracts usually need a 180 degree servo. One servo will operate both retract units. These servos are non-proportional, and once commanded, move the full 180 degrees until they stop. Some people have used hi-torque normal servos successfully, so I know it can be done.

I think a better solution would be to add flaps with the extra channel. By the way, I enjoy your enthusiasm for this sport. You remind me of myself when I first started. Keep it up!!

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Newb,
I'm going to agree with Warhwk, retracts are something that you're probably not ready for. Retracts are very sensitive to rough landings, and this being your second plane you will more than likely have many many rough landings. They also require a lot (and I mean a lot) of preventive maintenance, which means that you will be inspecting and adjusting them almost every flying day. They also add something else to go wrong (and trust me, Murphy loves retracts) when you are flying. IMHO forget about the retracts for now.

I hope you don't think that I'm trying to shoot down your ideas, because I'm not. I understand that you are really excited about this hobby, and that you want to "do it all", but you can't do it all in one plane. I remember being your age and hating it when people told me to wait, it will happen eventually, but it's true here. Hang in there. You will have plenty of time to try lots of different things.

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

oh ok, I don't think i will do the retracts. Flaps sound good. I think they will be flaperons though. Because i will have my new 6exa SUPER :D

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Been using mech. retracts in different planes for yearswith very few problems. Flying a 15 yr. old EZ Zero and the retracts have never been out of the plane. Once in a while the gear will bend back in a less than perfect landing, but the legs are flexible enough that they will bend if they wont fit in the holes. Turn the plane upside down , bend them forward again and away you go. Retract servo runs off the rcvr, batt. Circuit in a proper retract servo shuts off at the end of its travel so there is no servo drain. You aren't going to experience the ins and outs and foibles of retract if you don't try it. Better to try them in a fourstar than a perfect scale model:D

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Flypaper 2- some of all that may be true, but still not in a second plane.

Go with the flaperons Newb, and don't use them for a few flights until you have an understanding of the plane without them. When you do extend the flaps, do it with some altitude below you as you will have a 95% likelihood of needing to retrim (You would with the gear too).

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Didn't see where it said it was the second plane. Took it for granted he had some flying under his belt.:)

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Flypaper 2,
I don't think that it was said by Newb that this was his second plane, but a lot of us have been following him as he's been planning this plane. That's how we all knew it was a second plane.

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Agree with many above about retracts. Unless you are flying off of pavement, you can have many problems with retracts. Also, if you have a rough landing, bend a gear then bind the retract servo on the next flight, the amperage draw can drain a battery really fast, causing loss of power and control. You can also consider a single landing flap for channel five on your Futaba. That leaves Channels 1 & 6 for seperate aileron controls. We have several planes like that at our club, that slow way down and can land on a dime. A 4* has allot of tendancy to float, however, so a flap for landing is relatively unnecessay.

Isn't it the neatest kit you ever built. It practically falls out of the box and puts itself together. They are really easy to kit bash and do it your way. Hope you enjoy that second airplane, you really made a wise choice with the 4. Good luck.

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Mike, havent got it yet. I think i will do flaperons, just because i don't want to modify the kit too much. And as you all said will learn to fly quit well before even hooking them up.

Looks like that plane will be ready sooner than expected, changed my mind about my birthday present.

I was going to get osme stuff for my wakeboard for my bday, but after long and hard though, what i have now will be fine. So, i will be getting the 7CA from my parents most likely, and then get the engine from my grandmother. I will still take about 2-3 motnhs on the kit I am POSITIVE, but that will be quite alright.

Thanks for the replies. RC ken, Looks like it might be 2 weeks before that kit comes. I will PM you at a later date.

Thanks for the replies
Chad

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

We already figured out who is doing your graphics. Not a secret anymore, if it ever was. Of course, we don't know what the graphics will be, yet.

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

haha bruce, I will keep it a secret what they are. Of course it is quite obvious. :)

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

Post pictures when done.

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

sure will. :D

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

another reason why no retracts is the added weight. as a beginner, you want to be the wing loading to be as light as possible. plus, no reason why you can't put the retracts in later!

RE: Mechanical retract question
 

forestroke, I was going to do that later or at least think about it. I am also thinking about lights.... My next plane will be scale. I am thinking of a cessna or taylorcraft. something BIG