would like to find out what everybody likes and dislikes about mechanical vs electronic valves and what brands you like best

Using mechanical as I already had the valves have used electronic but have had a few fail.

Hi,

For my own planes, I've always preferred mechanical valves. If you use quality ones, they seem relatively bullet-proof. Sure, there's a servo to hook up, but it's the same thing with the servo...use good quality. I've only used Jet-Tronics electronic valves a couple of times, and had so-so luck. I swear by Ultra Precision, and have had superb luck with both their gear/door valves and their brake valve. For my customers' planes, I use whatever they want....

I second that! Mechanical are very easy to install and live forever. Ultra U.P. Valves are the best. 4 seasons and 350 flights on 3 different jets never an issue. Thier brake valve I think it is the U.P.6 is the best brake valve on the market, bar none.

OB1

well if delta mike likes them thats all i need to know!

UP valves all the way. I have a UP-2 and a UP-4 valve on my Eurosport that's been around for 6 seasons at least. I took it all apart for a repainting and renovation and when I re-plumbed the retracts and tested them, they still worked perfectly! All my jets have UP-6 on brakes - the most reliable, best brake valve on the market.

Bob

Bob,

I to have UP-6's on two of my jets. I can not get the brakes to come on in stages. They are either on or off.

I wonder what I am doing wrong?

One I have been flying for a year and a half with no problems.

Stan

The way I see it, both systems have single points of failure that can screw up your retract system, however, the mechanical system can be serviced with a single component change at the field and you're up and going again. The electronic systems usually require replacement of the entire unit. So you are either down or need a complete spare. The mechanical system gets my vote. Plus most of the higher end transmitters now have programming features to do all your sequencing thru your radio - if you have the extra channels.

PaulD

Stan,
sounds like they are binding up. Have you lubed them and made sure you had good movement without the brakes on, while spinning the wheels?

No Have not lubed them. I will check that out.

Thanks,
Stan

UP all the way

I'm still using 15 year old UP valves that have been in half a dozen airframes. Never had to maintain them, they just keep on working and working and working and ....

...jim

[quote]ORIGINAL: tucson



Don't know which planes you have but the the heavier ones...I re-lube and check about every 10-15 flights. Kingcat was good for about 30 flights before needing to be done.

I use UP-6 valves exclusively and they work proportionally very well. Mechanical all the way!!!

Best of luck,
Rex