Split elevator setup
03-07-2004 | 08:22 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
My Feedback: (2)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Eglin AFB, FL
Split elevator setup
Hi guys,
I just bought a GP Giles 202 1.20 size that has split elevators utilizing two servos. I have a Futaba 6EXA transmitter that doesn't have the advanced mixing features that I think people use to operate this setup. Whats my best option? Y cable with one reversed? This is my first "large" plane. I've read the thread on the fuselage reinforcement. Thanks
I just bought a GP Giles 202 1.20 size that has split elevators utilizing two servos. I have a Futaba 6EXA transmitter that doesn't have the advanced mixing features that I think people use to operate this setup. Whats my best option? Y cable with one reversed? This is my first "large" plane. I've read the thread on the fuselage reinforcement. Thanks
03-07-2004 | 08:46 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: San Antonio, TX
RE: Split elevator setup
I would use the two servos on a Y cable and set the servo arms in opposite directions. Make sure that the angle of the servo arms to the pushrods are the same, the fact that one points up and the other points down is far less important than the pushrod servo arm angle.
Good luck, keep it flying!!
MR G
Good luck, keep it flying!!
MR G
03-07-2004 | 09:29 AM
#3
My Feedback: (309)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Loveland,
CO
RE: Split elevator setup
There are several ways to do this without a better TX, but none of them are satisfactory IMHO.
If you are getting into planes that require this type of set-up now, why don't you just "bite the bullet" and upgrade your TX? Keep your current one as a back-up or trainer TX, or sell it.
I just think you will be much better off with a TX that is up to the task, rather than trying unsatisfactory fixes.
While you are at it, buy a TX that will last you a long time so you won't ever need to upgrade again in the future. If you plan on getting into 35% or 40% planes eventually, buy the top of the line TX and it will serve you well for a long time.
Jim
If you are getting into planes that require this type of set-up now, why don't you just "bite the bullet" and upgrade your TX? Keep your current one as a back-up or trainer TX, or sell it.
I just think you will be much better off with a TX that is up to the task, rather than trying unsatisfactory fixes.
While you are at it, buy a TX that will last you a long time so you won't ever need to upgrade again in the future. If you plan on getting into 35% or 40% planes eventually, buy the top of the line TX and it will serve you well for a long time.
Jim
03-07-2004 | 10:55 AM
#5
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Split elevator setup
HorizonHobby.com carries a servo-reversing Y-harness. I don't recall the part number, so you'll have to search for it on the site. It works fine for what your needing, and cost is actually no more then standard Y's(I'm thinking about $10-$12). It even has a finite adjustment pot for fine tuning. I've used a few of these with excellent results. I do think though as Hammbone said, a new transmitter might well be in your future. There's alot of brands of transmitters that will offer that mix within programming. I have the Futaba9C and it does offer that feature, although I have used it both ways for the set-up your talking about. Really either way works just as well. Good luck, you'll do fine. 
03-07-2004 | 11:10 AM
#6
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
RE: Split elevator setup
There are 3 excellent ways of setting up your split elevator without buying a new transmiter. Both JR and Futaba make a product for plugging up to 4 servos on one channel. JRs' is called the Matchbox. I don't know the name of the Futaba product. JRs' sells for around $70.00 each or 115 per pair. Both will let you reverse one or more servos from the matching unit. Both will let you PRECISELY match the center and end point positions of the servo. A very desirable condition. Both are small and light.
If you are using Hitec digital servos, you can purchase one of Hitecs' digital servo programmers and set both servos to the condition you wish them to be. You can also match the servo speed, center, and end points for perfect control harmony.
Those suggesting using a "Y" harness with a reversing function are setting you up for a lot of problems. It's also very old school thinking. Some of them are changes of control position as the reversing switch gets warmer. Inaccurate servo adjustment through the reversing pot, poor servo centering, and differences in servo speeds. All cause problems. Using the newer products using current technology will save you a lot of time and grief. It may cost you a little, but it may also save you more than you want to lose.
If you are using Hitec digital servos, you can purchase one of Hitecs' digital servo programmers and set both servos to the condition you wish them to be. You can also match the servo speed, center, and end points for perfect control harmony.
Those suggesting using a "Y" harness with a reversing function are setting you up for a lot of problems. It's also very old school thinking. Some of them are changes of control position as the reversing switch gets warmer. Inaccurate servo adjustment through the reversing pot, poor servo centering, and differences in servo speeds. All cause problems. Using the newer products using current technology will save you a lot of time and grief. It may cost you a little, but it may also save you more than you want to lose.
03-07-2004 | 11:13 AM
#7
Senior Member
My Feedback: (16)
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12,942
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Locust Grove,
GA
RE: Split elevator setup
The most economical method is to use a reversing Y harness.
I have seen many who have used this successfully.
I also heard of two crashes where the failure was due to electonics failure in the servo extension. One was a reversing Y and the other is an amplifier.
I have seen many who have used this successfully.
I also heard of two crashes where the failure was due to electonics failure in the servo extension. One was a reversing Y and the other is an amplifier.
03-07-2004 | 11:52 AM
#8
My Feedback: (309)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Loveland,
CO
RE: Split elevator setup
ORIGINAL: Silversurfer
There are 3 excellent ways of setting up your split elevator without buying a new transmiter. Both JR and Futaba make a product for plugging up to 4 servos on one channel. JRs' is called the Matchbox. I don't know the name of the Futaba product. JRs' sells for around $70.00 each or 115 per pair. Both will let you reverse one or more servos from the matching unit. Both will let you PRECISELY match the center and end point positions of the servo. A very desirable condition. Both are small and light.
If you are using Hitec digital servos, you can purchase one of Hitecs' digital servo programmers and set both servos to the condition you wish them to be. You can also match the servo speed, center, and end points for perfect control harmony.
Those suggesting using a "Y" harness with a reversing function are setting you up for a lot of problems. It's also very old school thinking. Some of them are changes of control position as the reversing switch gets warmer. Inaccurate servo adjustment through the reversing pot, poor servo centering, and differences in servo speeds. All cause problems. Using the newer products using current technology will save you a lot of time and grief. It may cost you a little, but it may also save you more than you want to lose.
There are 3 excellent ways of setting up your split elevator without buying a new transmiter. Both JR and Futaba make a product for plugging up to 4 servos on one channel. JRs' is called the Matchbox. I don't know the name of the Futaba product. JRs' sells for around $70.00 each or 115 per pair. Both will let you reverse one or more servos from the matching unit. Both will let you PRECISELY match the center and end point positions of the servo. A very desirable condition. Both are small and light.
If you are using Hitec digital servos, you can purchase one of Hitecs' digital servo programmers and set both servos to the condition you wish them to be. You can also match the servo speed, center, and end points for perfect control harmony.
Those suggesting using a "Y" harness with a reversing function are setting you up for a lot of problems. It's also very old school thinking. Some of them are changes of control position as the reversing switch gets warmer. Inaccurate servo adjustment through the reversing pot, poor servo centering, and differences in servo speeds. All cause problems. Using the newer products using current technology will save you a lot of time and grief. It may cost you a little, but it may also save you more than you want to lose.
When using the reversing "Y"s or reversed servos (non-programmable), etc. There always seems to be some problems. Either you can't get the elevator throws to match up or the speed of each elevator is different or something.
Jim
03-07-2004 | 11:55 AM
#9
Senior Member
My Feedback: (99)
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: frisco,
TX
RE: Split elevator setup
I have used the y-harness with the adjustment pot in it. it worked good. you just have to keep a eye on it. cause with tempeature changes it throw the adjustment off
03-07-2004 | 07:26 PM
#10
RE: Split elevator setup
I have used various reversing "Y's" over the years and have not been totaly satisfied with any of them. Some are temperature sensitive , some are voltage sensitve and some just do not maintain centering . On some planes small variances are almost unoticed in flight, on larger aerobats
(27% and up) those small variances are extremely noticible .
The best solutuion i've found is the JR matchbox , no floating contols , centerpoint and endpoint adjustible (needed - if your not a very precise on your linkage geometry)
So if your happy with your current TX and arent up to purchasing the newest in Techno-Wonder Transmitters go with a Matchbox or the Futaba
Equivelent .
I'm not trying to push JR products , in fact I'm a die hard Futaba man . I've been using the matchbox since they came out , and Futaba didnt have an equivelent at the time , they work so good I haven't tried the Futaba version .
(27% and up) those small variances are extremely noticible .
The best solutuion i've found is the JR matchbox , no floating contols , centerpoint and endpoint adjustible (needed - if your not a very precise on your linkage geometry)
So if your happy with your current TX and arent up to purchasing the newest in Techno-Wonder Transmitters go with a Matchbox or the Futaba
Equivelent .
I'm not trying to push JR products , in fact I'm a die hard Futaba man . I've been using the matchbox since they came out , and Futaba didnt have an equivelent at the time , they work so good I haven't tried the Futaba version .
03-07-2004 | 07:41 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Senior Member
My Feedback: (2)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Eglin AFB, FL
RE: Split elevator setup
Thanks for all the great info. Yes I do want to get a new transmitter, I have been looking at a Futaba 9CAP, but it will be a while. I just got done buying plane and engine! I would rather put the money into the new receiver than to spend a quarter of that on a matchbox setup. I think I will try the Y cable with trim pot for the time being. Can anyone tell me where to order that? or a part number? Thanks for your help.
Steve
Steve
03-07-2004 | 08:25 PM
#12
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Split elevator setup
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=EXRA325
This is it..........a whole $8.95 It's the heavy duty...same as I have in my Edge540 w/Moki 1.80. Go for it!
This is it..........a whole $8.95 It's the heavy duty...same as I have in my Edge540 w/Moki 1.80. Go for it!
03-08-2004 | 10:56 AM
#14
My Feedback: (55)
RE: Split elevator setup
Another option that seems to be overlooked here is to use only one servo
which should be more than adequate on a 1.20 size airplane. The new digitals
with over 250 in. ozs. of torque will handle any control surface on this size airplane.
tommy s
which should be more than adequate on a 1.20 size airplane. The new digitals
with over 250 in. ozs. of torque will handle any control surface on this size airplane.
tommy s
03-30-2004 | 04:03 PM
#16
My Feedback: (2)
RE: Split elevator setup
I tried mixing split elevators (one servo per elevator) with my Eclipse and
mixing with one elevator half on channel 2 and the other elevator
half plugged into channel 6. It works fine with one exception, if you want to trim
your elevators, only the elevator plugged into channel 2 will trim. The
channel 6 (slave) elevator remains stationary. I opted to use the
y cable with servo reversor.
mixing with one elevator half on channel 2 and the other elevator
half plugged into channel 6. It works fine with one exception, if you want to trim
your elevators, only the elevator plugged into channel 2 will trim. The
channel 6 (slave) elevator remains stationary. I opted to use the
y cable with servo reversor.
03-30-2004 | 04:47 PM
#17
RE: Split elevator setup
Another option that I recently did was to use a torque rod setup. I used 5/32" music wire (why do they call it that) with flats filed and 3 nose gear arms. The servo goes to one of the arms and the other 2 arms go to the elevator halves. I found this easier to setup than duel servos.
Edwin
Edwin
03-30-2004 | 04:56 PM
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Winnipeg, MB,
RE: Split elevator setup
So far I haven't read the option of buying a JR servo of the same power and speed as your Futaba. It rotates in the opposite direction making the tail mounted elevator servos act in unison with a simple "Y" cord. Tex.
03-30-2004 | 07:45 PM
#19
Senior Member
My Feedback: (16)
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12,942
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Locust Grove,
GA
RE: Split elevator setup
YOu can do this with a Hitec and Futaba as well
ORIGINAL: Saberjock
So far I haven't read the option of buying a JR servo of the same power and speed as your Futaba. It rotates in the opposite direction making the tail mounted elevator servos act in unison with a simple "Y" cord. Tex.
So far I haven't read the option of buying a JR servo of the same power and speed as your Futaba. It rotates in the opposite direction making the tail mounted elevator servos act in unison with a simple "Y" cord. Tex.
03-31-2004 | 12:15 AM
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,353
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Up north,
ND
RE: Split elevator setup
So far I haven't read the option of buying a JR servo of the same power and speed as your Futaba. It rotates in the opposite direction making the tail mounted elevator servos act in unison with a simple "Y" cord. Tex.
03-31-2004 | 06:33 AM
#21
Senior Member
My Feedback: (16)
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12,942
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Locust Grove,
GA
RE: Split elevator setup
You can find servos with speeds that are close enough. YOu can use you adjust your endpoints to make them travel the same. I have only done it once before then purchased an 8U and the problem went away.
ORIGINAL: rkramer
won't they probably have different travel ranges? (yeah, probably different speeds also, but that isn't usually much of a problem...)
So far I haven't read the option of buying a JR servo of the same power and speed as your Futaba. It rotates in the opposite direction making the tail mounted elevator servos act in unison with a simple "Y" cord. Tex.
03-31-2004 | 07:31 AM
#22
RE: Split elevator setup
Ask around in your area if there is someone that has the technical ability to electrically reverse the servo inside it's case.
It's a relatively simple matter of reversing the wires on the motor and the ones on the outer edge of the pot, but it can be done.
Even the new ones with the motor soldered directly to the PC board can be reversed.
I do it all the time.
Just make sure you mark the case with a big "R"...
It's a relatively simple matter of reversing the wires on the motor and the ones on the outer edge of the pot, but it can be done.
Even the new ones with the motor soldered directly to the PC board can be reversed.
I do it all the time.
Just make sure you mark the case with a big "R"...
04-02-2004 | 02:58 PM
#23
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Split elevator setup
Wow.....I've used the reversing Y in 3 planes already. No trouble at all. If Xrod doesn't have the $$ to buy a new Tx...why would Xrod want to spend the $$ on a Matchbox, reversed servo, or another high dollar 250oz. servo/linkage??
Yes the reversing Y will work with the Hitec connectors, no sweat. Common sense tells me, there's as much of a chance of problem with ANY electronic component. The Y has just as much chance of a prob as the Matchbox set-up. I've seen alot of culprit components, and you really can't say what will go wrong. Go for the Y....it's simple, reasonable price, and it will get you in the air. Now go fly!!!
Yes the reversing Y will work with the Hitec connectors, no sweat. Common sense tells me, there's as much of a chance of problem with ANY electronic component. The Y has just as much chance of a prob as the Matchbox set-up. I've seen alot of culprit components, and you really can't say what will go wrong. Go for the Y....it's simple, reasonable price, and it will get you in the air. Now go fly!!!
04-02-2004 | 08:25 PM
#24
My Feedback: (5)
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: janesville, WI
RE: Split elevator setup
i just use a "y" cable with no reverse with two of the same servos i havent had a problem yet i just have the arms the same on both i put the rudder servo in between them facing the opposite direction to give me space for the arm
04-14-2004 | 11:44 AM
#25
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Breinigsville Pa.
RE: Split elevator setup
I have a question simular to the tread topic,Im building my first plane and I joined the elevators to function together.Will this plane be able to come out of a angle and fly streight.I was thinking of making the wing flaps functional for this porpose. would I be better off seperating the elevators and leave the wing flaps non functioning.All I want is the plane to fly normally no acrobatics ,
