14MZ: Need to disable a switch at certain throttle position
09-23-2009 | 08:42 PM
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From: East Brewton,
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14MZ: Need to disable a switch at certain throttle position
I have a Texan set up on my 14MZ. I want to disable the retract switch until I reach about 1/4-1/3 throttle. That way I can't accidently retract the landing gear while the plane is still sitting on the ground. How can I do this?
09-25-2009 | 02:02 PM
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RE: 14MZ: Need to disable a switch at certain throttle position
We'd suggest that you use a condition where the retracts are disable except when you're in takeoff and landing mode. The condition would turn on when the stick is lowered below a certain point. In all other conditions, you set the retract channel's AFR to a flat, horizontal line in all other conditions. That line will be offset to the retracted point. You must be sure to set the retract AFR to "SINGLE" in all conditions.
We'd debate the wisdom of this feature because the gear will go up and down as you apply or reduce throttle on a bad approach or when you go around. It's better to just have a condition where the gear is always down when the switches are in a particular position. Any setup can be defeated with a small misstep...you could have a switch mis-set, and be running the engine on the ground. Operate the throttle and the gear goes up. Better to just have the gear on its regular switch and make sure you have it properly-positioned before you turn on. We like the idea that all switches go forward...away from you...when the model is on the ground. That makes it very easy to insure the proper configuration of the model. Then, you don't touch any switch while on the ground.
We'd debate the wisdom of this feature because the gear will go up and down as you apply or reduce throttle on a bad approach or when you go around. It's better to just have a condition where the gear is always down when the switches are in a particular position. Any setup can be defeated with a small misstep...you could have a switch mis-set, and be running the engine on the ground. Operate the throttle and the gear goes up. Better to just have the gear on its regular switch and make sure you have it properly-positioned before you turn on. We like the idea that all switches go forward...away from you...when the model is on the ground. That makes it very easy to insure the proper configuration of the model. Then, you don't touch any switch while on the ground.
09-28-2009 | 07:13 AM
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RE: 14MZ: Need to disable a switch at certain throttle position
Thanks for the post. I had failed to mention that I am using a retract servo on mechanical retracts. When I follow the steps you outline the servo still activates when I reach 30% throttle. Am I going to be able to make this work using a retract servo or should I swap it out for a servo with standard travel?
Thanks
Thanks
09-29-2009 | 03:01 PM
#4
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RE: 14MZ: Need to disable a switch at certain throttle position
A retract servo moves from one end to the other when the signal is at a certain value. That allows it to be used with a variety of transmitters, where the values can vary. If the servo moves at 30% throttle, then you'll have to disable the gear at that point or higher.
If a regular servo has enough movement and power, you can certainly use one of those.
If a regular servo has enough movement and power, you can certainly use one of those.
