Fixing ailerons
 

I just put in the ailerons on my Tower Trainer ARF. After letting the CA hinges dry, I put the servo in the wing and set up the conrol rods. The problem is, I'm not getting enough throw on the ailerons when I test them out. The manual says high rate throw should be 16mm, and low rate should be 13mm. I put my accuthrow on the wing and I'm only getting about 11mm one way and only 7 or 8mm the other way. I'm thinking I may have pushed the ailerons a little too close to the trailing edge of the wing, and didn't give them enough room to move up and down. They feel stiff when I try to move them by hand. How hard is it to take them off and dig out the CA hanges to replace them?

-Patrick

RE: Fixing ailerons
 

Patrick, don't feel bad, you made the mistake many people make when installing CA hinges. To avoid this in the future, Flex the aileron MORE that it will move in flight, and hold it there as you apply the CA.

Read this little CA Hinge "How To":

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=55

As to how to correct the problem, forget about digging them out. You can just cut them off with a razor blade or hobby knife, then add new hinges next to the old ones - Or drill holes and use Robart Hinge Points.

RE: Fixing ailerons
 

I'm thinking I may have pushed the ailerons a little too close to the trailing edge of the wing, and didn't give them enough room to move up and down. They feel stiff when I try to move them by hand. How hard is it to take them off and dig out the CA hanges to replace them?

You probably pushed the aileron to tightly against the wing when you installed the hinges. I'll also bet you used too much CA. It only takes 2-3 drops of thin CA per side. How to fix it? The only real way is to cut the hinges apart at the hinge line. After that, you can try to dig them out, or simply install new hinges beside the old ones.

Dr.1

RE: Fixing ailerons
 

Good deal. Thanks for the reply guys. I'll cut them off and install new ones.

-Patrick

RE: Fixing ailerons
 

I would second the suggestion of trying the Robart Hinge Point hinges. They are great, and not hard to install at all. I ditched the CA hinges on my LT40 and installed the Robarts. To me, it's just one less thing to worry about in the air. There's a great video clip and tutorial here on RCU about installing the Robart hinges also.