H5606

Wondering if anyone has any knowledge or experience of how to go about simulating the operation of an Adams actuator using modern equipment. Is there some known way to simulate a wagging rudder mechanically while still maintaining some semblance of control-ability with a servo? I realize this desire may bring up the obvious question as to why you would want to do such a thing but I thought this would be the best place to ask.

smallrc

I certainly understand why you would want to do it, but I doubt if a servo would be fast enough or hold up to the continuous pulsing. I have read of a pic-based interface that plug in to a modern receiver and converts to pulses to drive an Adams actuator. I think it was on a UK vintage r/c web-site - can't remember for sure. Perhaps some one else can help you out...

DaveP

Jean-Marie Piednoir posted an experimental GG program for the FrSky Taranis xmtr, driving standard servos with a standard FrSky rcvr. For those flying FrSky gear, this is no-cost Galloping Ghost with a bulletproof system on 2.4gHz!

Essentially, he creates a virtual channel 5 (CH5) triangle wave and compares the rudder & elev stick positions with that.

It works well with my 54" Quaker on the ground, but I haven't tried it in the air yet. It runs at a fixed rate of up to 3.3Hz (I have mine set about 1.5Hz), so it's not true GG (which varies rate for elevator), but does give variable duty cycle for both rudder & elevator. One nice aspect is that flipping or releasing a transmitter switch reverts back to normal proportional control if your pants start to dampen.

I worried also about servo wear, but in reality it shouldn't be any worse than the old motor-driven actuators like the Rand.

-Dave Plumpe

H5606

Thanks for the inputs; as I am not well versed in the electronic aspect of the hobby, I was just wondering if anyone came up with a [jury rigged] (thinking out loud and haven't thought this idea through) - perhaps mechanical means to oscillate the control surface and "lasso" the moving torque rod with an oblong push-pull rod to the servo "urging" the direction desired to give the illusion of pulse proportional...

grotto2

My Feedback: (2)

Instead of a simulation, why not put together an actual pulse proportional system? It will take some serious learning on your part, plus some shopping for vintage hardware, but heck, that's the fun in such a project. Jay Mendoza, Jaymen is the local expert tech and he's a big help.
-Ron

H5606

That's certainly something worth considering as I sort of miss my first radio system (Ace w/ baby twin actuator) and it's simplicity.

Chromedome58

My Feedback: (17)

You will be pleased to know that Phil Green has developed a neat pulser for the old Adams-style magnetic actuator and it works fine with a conventional modern radio set. The pulser connects inline between the rx and the mag actuator - so the receiver thinks the "pulser-plus-magnetic-actuator" combination is a standard propo servo. Check out his site when you have a chance:http://www.singlechannel.co.uk/

Also, Ace Commander pulse radios are easy to pick up off eBay and they usually work fine and are quite reliable -even after all of these years sitting on a shelf. Just add new batteries, find you an old Minnie Mambo or Lil Esquire and entertain your fellow flying buddies. A flapping rudder sure invites a lot of fun conversation, and from my experience, frequency 27 MHz is no problem to fly with these days. Give that old Adams actuator another try. Enjoy.

jaymen

For around $100.00 you can usually buy a complete Ace Pulse Commander. They will need new batteries. To be made flyable, it is wize to replace both crystals, replace the wires to the battery from the receiver, plus a new on/off switch, have the set tuned, and most need the plastic control stick bale repaired as the old plastic has usually cracked, but it's pretty easy to do. I have restored so many of these Pulse Commanders many that I have lost count, they are still quite popular, and really work quite well once serviced. It is surprising how many are still flying today.
Keep 'em flapping!! Jay