Nosewheel set-up
 

Hello, another newbie here:

Building a PT-40, and wondering how much the nose gear should rotate under max rudder?Ihave a clearance issue if more than15 deg is needed....

Thanks

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

You need a lot less nose wheel movement than you'd think. If there is too much it'll just cause the plane to be difficult to handle and tip over when turning too sharp. Less is usually better.

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Five degrees each way may be enough. The system is stronger the less degrees it moves. I do not know if this applies if movement is reduced electronically. If possible, I change the mechanical advantage mechanically.

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Keep in mind that the rudder also plays a part in turning so very little nose wheel throw is required. Mechanical connection will provide what you will need. Thereby not limiting your rudder throw.

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Hey Neighbor,

Like the rest have said, Not much at all. Taxi test, as long as you can turn around
on the runway that is say, 50 feet wide. You flying off grass ?

Electrics don't usally get taxied at my club, they have to walk out on the runway.
That's a pita for people flying IC engines. My trainer was a trycycle electric and
I always taxied it to and from the runway. I don't fly it anymore, so i'm
looking for a young person to give it to at our club.

Have yall thawed out yet over there?

Bob

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Well I guess 5 deg it is, pending a taxi test. Thanks for the advice.

Bob - NO! we have not thawed out.I was over at the hobby shop and met a couple of people lamenting the freezing cold weather. Everybody is in building mode!!! Stay warm!

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

What type of runway you flying off of ?



It's supose to get in the 40's tomorrow over here,
I may go to the field. Depending on the wind,


Bob

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

timo-
Sorry but I gotta put my 2 cents into this one- Less is not always a good thing on nosewheel steering. If your rudder is moving way more than your steering you might have to make small correction at a high speed just before take off...If your rudder is at a high deflection andgle even though you are only making a slight turn, you could end up doing a cartwheel after you takeoff.
In my opinion try to get as much as you can or try to mach the rudder..which aint possible on a 3d plane. That way the feel of your rudder transitions smoothly from the ground to the air. Works for me... BW

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

You will be perfectly safe with a 5 degree swing on the nose wheel. More just get you in trouble.

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Eccessive nosewheel throws is a constant problem with folks bringing out there first ARF's. It invaribly causes problems in training if not corrected. So like most here has said do cut it down.

Typically with the genaric trainer if you use the hole furthest out on the steering arm and at the servo the hole closet in then your steering will come close although some brands lately have been showing up lately with steering arms too short which makes takeoff steering difficult.

Always do this mechaical setup first before resorting to electronic reductions which may reduce your air rudder to much and excessive electronic reduction will cause a loss of resolution around neutral center.

John

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Hi!
Over the years I have seen many many newcomers which have used lot's of nose wheel throw ...they have been all over the place at take off!
5-10 degrees is plenty!

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Learned sumpin' here...I know Shocking isn't it. 5% degrees sounds reasonable to me.
TIP: file a slight flat spot where the grub(set) scews in the wheel collars hit the gear. Keeps slipping to a minimum. Lock tight 'em too.

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Your final test is the turning radius. About 20 feet is as tight as it needs to be.

RE: Nosewheel set-up
 

Another tip, if I may - twist your 2 main wheels slightly inwards. It tends to "stabilize" the aircraft during take-off making for a straight run. It works, believe me. Got the tip from the spadtothebone website.