servo connections
 

How do I connect the servo to this Aileron rod?

Thanks, Dave Trimmer

RE: servo connections
 

There is supposed to be a ball connector as part of the set. Here's a picture: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXD903&P=7 . You screw the ball into one of the holes on the servo arm and use the nut to lock it in place.

RE: servo connections
 

[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNN32&P=7]Great Planes Dual End Ball Link[/link]

Ken

RE: servo connections
 

Thanks guys, I have never seen these before.

RE: servo connections
 

Now you need to decide which one you have because the ball sizes are probably different. I hope that's the rudder/nose steering linkage.

Just because that's what came with the plane doesn't mean you have to use it.

Ah, re-read the post. Aileron linkage. That's OK too.:D

RE: servo connections
 

I think that is the 2-56 ball size.

RE: servo connections
 

actually I was going through my box of misc. bolts looking for a bolt and found one. I have another question though, In the front of the same servo the 2 screws cracked the balsa because I didn't use pilot holes first. The cracks ar minor and stop before they reach the outside part of the mount. I put 1 or 2 drops of thin CA on each of the cracks. Will this be ok? The plane is the Top Flite P-47, 63" wing span.

Thanks again, Dave Trimmer

Edit: If you check out the first pic I posted above you can see the cracks before the CA was aplied

RE: servo connections
 

dave the aileron pushrods have alot of torque requirements so you need to remove the servo and clamp re-glue the servo rail and then drill pilot holes for the screws after you screw the screws in then a drop of CA to harden the screw threads.
if the rail doesn't hold up then re-install a new one its a easy fix if you have to do it ,you dont want your ailerons to fail on you because of a couple of cents worth of wood and screws.
if you look at the photo, I deleted the single servo and went with duel aileron servos and made servo mounting hatches like any arf,simple ply hatch with a couple of mounting blocks attached.
pretty simple and doesn't add that much weight for the security of having seperate servos.
the hatches are mounted on a couple of 1/4X3/8 solid birch spars if you decide to replace the single servo rail I would suggest using this wood for your servo mount very tough stuff just epoxy it in place of the old one (if the other one looks suspect)

RE: servo connections
 

another thing check the plastic connector to see if its in good shape if not then unscrew it and replace it.
they do get old and tend to spread and can also pop off the ball link that attaches to your servo disk the ball link and connector costs about 1.95 so its worth replacing if needed.
from the photo it looks to be in good shape but check it out any way

RE: servo connections
 

I would NEVER attach a servo to balsa. You should have enough play on the push rod to glue at least a 1/16 ply scab on top of the balsa to screw the servo to. Be sure there are threads below the servo mount lugs or get new screws with threads all the way to the screw head. Don't fly with the setup as is.

RE: servo connections
 

I totally agree with scratchonly on this one...... you can see where the screws have split the balsa sticks.......that servo would be loose in no time......just glue some thin plywood strips over the balsa and pre drill the holes.

Just a thought

RE: servo connections
 

This being the beginner forum I MUST point out that you need to remove the screws before adding the CA otherwise the screws will NEVER come loose again. bigtim has the right idea but forgot the audience.:D

I like to drill, add thin CA, let dry thoroughly, install and remove screw, thin CA again and let dry overnight before installing screws again. NO accelerator.

RE: servo connections
 

One more thing worth mentioning...

It's hard to tell from your picture, but it LOOKS like the servo is sitting too far back from the pushrod. Remember that as the servo turns, it will pull the pushrods toward the rear. If it's pulling them toward the rear when it's at neutral, it will cause a lot of binding

RE: servo connections
 

Where does he get those nifty toys?:D

RE: servo connections
 

good point there bruce, don't glue the screws into the rail pull them out first, then your definatly going to replace it after having to rip out the screws.

for me I really don't like using the ball joint connectors for control surfaces there is alot of room to fail, like having the ball vibrate loose, or the nylon loosening up and poping off under load. I am starting to notice quite a bit of wear on some of mine rather quickly.
for a single flap servo,throttle, or a stearable tail wheel linkage there great, and guys have been flying the P-47 with the set up for years but I just don't have alot of faith in the long term durability for critical high use areas like ailerons/control surfaces.
I am sure it will be fine but I would keep a close eye on it for any wear that could cause it to fail