I was wondering how you build an actuator to control the rudder and elevator. I don't want to buy one just yet. I'd much rather try to make one first.

I've attempted to wind some coils myself. Makes $7.50 ea. from one of the online vendors feel like a bargain. Try a purchased set if you are just getting started.

Did you say they cost $7.50 each?
What vender has them?
Thanks.

John,
We carry several actuator styles on our site. From ones that have control horns and connectors to ones that are simply coils with pigtails.

Regards,
Dan Hurd
DWE
www.smallrc.com
Toll Free:1-866-FLY-MICRO

Dang. I didnt know that actuators are that small. But even though they are small, it looks like it is possible to construct one of them. Is this true?

Yep, you sure can. If you feel it's worth your time and effort to do so. After you try it though you may find that our prices are pretty reasonable.

Dan

There are a lot of workable techniques. If you want to experiment you can start by harvesting the wire from Radio Shack's smallest relay. You can just wind on a straw putting a tiny bit of glue on the wire as you go. Done freehand with no washers on either side you will not get a nice looking result, but it will work.

I started out with coils from Dan, made some test freehand ones, then graduated to making smaller remote actuators at 0.4 g each. There were a lot of steps in between. Good luck.

How do you know how much wire to use and is there any instructions to make these? I want to know how to convert the actuator into linear movement.

do you realy want to know how to build actuators ?
well if you have the time have a look through these threads
also do a search on useing a candle

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...threadid=84771