Pushrods or Cables?
11-25-2011, 01:33 AM
#1
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Pushrods or Cables?
Hi,
I'd like as many opinions as possible on what modellers prefer regarding internal control mechanisms.
Pushrods or closed loop cables?
On giant scale models I've noticed all sorts. Some people have their servos mounted right near the tail and use pushrods, and others mount them near the CG and use cables. Iunderstand that it does depend on the type of aircraft being modelled and other factors, but what is the general consensus?
11-25-2011, 02:11 AM
#2
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RE: Pushrods or Cables?
Cables are the way to go especially with more than one servos required unless you have a CG issue and need some extra weight near the tail. My 5 cents worth...
11-25-2011, 04:47 AM
#3
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RE: Pushrods or Cables?
Any more, when I'm figuring which to go with, it's a CG issue. I'll have the plane assembled as far as possible prior to making this call, then go with the method that will help balance the plane as much as possible. Too frequently you hear about a pound of lead on the firewall or tail to balance - and find out servo location may have made a considerable difference or eliminated the need all together!!
11-25-2011, 01:48 PM
#6
RE: Pushrods or Cables?
My current favourite is the method TopFlite use on their warbird kits.
This is to use Sullivan golden rod outer tubes with piano wire pushrods. The piano wire is
supported at about 100 mm intervals with short pieces (about 15mm long) of golden rod inner.
Next to no friction & no temp related problems.
But for me it's horses for courses & I use what's the most suitable.
My last model used arrow shaft pushrods on the elevators, cable on the rudder and direct wire pushrods to ailerons & flaps. - John.
This is to use Sullivan golden rod outer tubes with piano wire pushrods. The piano wire is
supported at about 100 mm intervals with short pieces (about 15mm long) of golden rod inner.
Next to no friction & no temp related problems.
But for me it's horses for courses & I use what's the most suitable.
My last model used arrow shaft pushrods on the elevators, cable on the rudder and direct wire pushrods to ailerons & flaps. - John.
11-26-2011, 04:29 AM
#7
RE: Pushrods or Cables?
ORIGINAL: Boomerang1
My current favourite is the method TopFlite use on their warbird kits.
This is to use Sullivan golden rod outer tubes with piano wire pushrods. The piano wire is
supported at about 100 mm intervals with short pieces (about 15mm long) of golden rod inner.
Next to no friction & no temp related problems.
But for me it's horses for courses & I use what's the most suitable.
My last model used arrow shaft pushrods on the elevators, cable on the rudder and direct wire pushrods to ailerons & flaps. - John.
My current favourite is the method TopFlite use on their warbird kits.
This is to use Sullivan golden rod outer tubes with piano wire pushrods. The piano wire is
supported at about 100 mm intervals with short pieces (about 15mm long) of golden rod inner.
Next to no friction & no temp related problems.
But for me it's horses for courses & I use what's the most suitable.
My last model used arrow shaft pushrods on the elevators, cable on the rudder and direct wire pushrods to ailerons & flaps. - John.
Boomerang1, You brought up temp related problems, I have a T/F mustang that uses the push/pull you described. I find that when it's cool I have to put up trim, when hot, down trim. I am using the stock 4-40 wire. I know what piano wire is. Are you replacing the stock stuff with piano wire?
Kelly
11-26-2011, 06:18 AM
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RE: Pushrods or Cables?
I've used both methods on my giants, and I have no preference.
Either, when done right, work well.
For smaller airplanes, pushrods are so much simpler and trouble free, not to mention that installing a cable system in a small plane can be a nightmare.
But for giants, as long as you know all of the working properties and vagaries of both systems, just install whatever you want and make allowances for how either works.
Either, when done right, work well.
For smaller airplanes, pushrods are so much simpler and trouble free, not to mention that installing a cable system in a small plane can be a nightmare.
But for giants, as long as you know all of the working properties and vagaries of both systems, just install whatever you want and make allowances for how either works.
11-26-2011, 01:38 PM
#9
RE: Pushrods or Cables?
Boomerang1, You brought up temp related problems, I have a T/F mustang that uses the push/pull you described. I find that when it's cool I have to put up trim, when hot, down trim. I am using the stock 4-40 wire. I know what piano wire is. Are you replacing the stock stuff with piano wire?
Kelly
Kelly
I have a jet with very long wire pushrods of this type (about 4 feet long) & haven't noticed any big
trim changes. I just use the wire from the K&S stand at the LHS as it comes in long lengths.
What colour is your model? If it's olive drab or something it may be getting much hotter inside in the
sun than my white jet. - John.
