Electron Retracts
12-20-2011 | 01:23 AM
#1
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From: Southport, UNITED KINGDOM
Electron Retracts
We now have available these high quality electronic retract systems available in medium and large sizes. CNC machined from solid and available with or without built in nosewheel steering. They are extremely smooth and quiet in operation with a typical scale cycling time of around 3 secs.
The small programable electronic control unit also allows for the use of electromagnetic brakes for a completely air free system. I will upload some video of their operation later.
Rob.
The small programable electronic control unit also allows for the use of electromagnetic brakes for a completely air free system. I will upload some video of their operation later.
Rob.
12-20-2011 | 01:50 AM
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From: Oxford, UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
Saw these at JP back in September Rob and was very impressed with the quality. Good to see someone stepping up and importing them into the UK.
Quick question, Any idea on prices?
Best of luck with the product line.
Quick question, Any idea on prices?
Best of luck with the product line.
12-20-2011 | 03:03 AM
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From: Coventry, UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
Hi Rob,
Those look great.
"Medium and Large sizes" translates to what weight of jet ?
Got any more details of the electromag brake hubs, do these come as standard in the main gear ?
Ta very much.
Those look great.
"Medium and Large sizes" translates to what weight of jet ?
Got any more details of the electromag brake hubs, do these come as standard in the main gear ?
Ta very much.
12-20-2011 | 03:35 AM
#4
My Feedback: (44)
RE: Electron Retracts
Found a video on youtube:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAmcLnlwfXE[/youtube]
Found this info also
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAmcLnlwfXE[/youtube]
Found this info also
Electron ER40 Electrical retracts
The ER40 kit replaces your pneumatic 3 legged landing gear. The electrical retracts greatly add to the reliablility of your jet. The move in 3 seconds in a scale like appearance in or out. The ER40 kit is suitable for jets up to 20 kilo. ( 44 Lbs)
Angle 90 degrees
Pickup choice between: 6,8,10mm or 1/2"
Weight 310 gr.
Power consumption 400 Mah
full travel in 3 seconds
Comes with steering wheel option
Comes with controller
The ER40 kit replaces your pneumatic 3 legged landing gear. The electrical retracts greatly add to the reliablility of your jet. The move in 3 seconds in a scale like appearance in or out. The ER40 kit is suitable for jets up to 20 kilo. ( 44 Lbs)
Angle 90 degrees
Pickup choice between: 6,8,10mm or 1/2"
Weight 310 gr.
Power consumption 400 Mah
full travel in 3 seconds
Comes with steering wheel option
Comes with controller
12-20-2011 | 03:39 AM
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From: Southport, UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
Thanks for the words of support gents, medium size are up to 20kg and large are up to 40kg models. Prices later today but comparable with other quality retracts. Please note these are only the retract units, the struts are Behotec for my Tutor, I also have a medium set arriving for Ultra Flash.
Pin size can be made for any existing struts, these are 8mm.
Brakes are still under development but having the facility now helps to make them future proof. Also no need for a separate battery, just t off the ecu battery for convenience.
Rob.
Pin size can be made for any existing struts, these are 8mm.
Brakes are still under development but having the facility now helps to make them future proof. Also no need for a separate battery, just t off the ecu battery for convenience.
Rob.
12-20-2011 | 03:59 AM
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From: Aylesbury, , UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
I have been testing these retracts for a while now and they perform brilliantly. Very nice and strong but quite heavy duty which makes them a little heavy for smaller models but other than that great ! The units produced by LADO are great too and lighter so better for the smaller models. Its good to finally see some great electric offerings
We have both types in stock now - must put them on the website really
We have both types in stock now - must put them on the website really
12-20-2011 | 04:08 AM
#7
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RE: Electron Retracts
Rob-
So am I right in thinking that the control unit uses a separate battery, you suggest the ECU lipo, to provide power rather than all the power coming via the rx? If so, very nice. But does that mean the retract units are designed for lipo voltage, i.e. they won't work so well if plugged straight into the rx at say regulated 5V or 6V?
Gontflyer, when you say you have both types do you mean both lado and electron, or both sizes of electron?
ta
H.
So am I right in thinking that the control unit uses a separate battery, you suggest the ECU lipo, to provide power rather than all the power coming via the rx? If so, very nice. But does that mean the retract units are designed for lipo voltage, i.e. they won't work so well if plugged straight into the rx at say regulated 5V or 6V?
Gontflyer, when you say you have both types do you mean both lado and electron, or both sizes of electron?
ta
H.
12-20-2011 | 04:26 AM
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From: Aylesbury, , UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
Harry -
yes the control unit uses a separate supply which as Rob says you can "T" off the ECU battery. I have only tried them in the way the manufacturer recommends so not sure what happens if you use a regulated 5 or 6V from the rx. Im guessing at the very least they will not have as much "lifting power".
This is where the LADO units score as there is no separate box or battery supply required - just plug straight in to the RX - ideally at 6V regulated.
We have both the LADO and Electron (although we only have the ER-40's at the moment - and trunions to accept 6mm pins)
regards
Colin
yes the control unit uses a separate supply which as Rob says you can "T" off the ECU battery. I have only tried them in the way the manufacturer recommends so not sure what happens if you use a regulated 5 or 6V from the rx. Im guessing at the very least they will not have as much "lifting power".
This is where the LADO units score as there is no separate box or battery supply required - just plug straight in to the RX - ideally at 6V regulated.
We have both the LADO and Electron (although we only have the ER-40's at the moment - and trunions to accept 6mm pins)
regards
Colin
12-20-2011 | 05:49 AM
#9
RE: Electron Retracts
Seen these on the German ebay they look the same
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Elektrisches-...item4aafb7f49f
cheers
Andy
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Elektrisches-...item4aafb7f49f
cheers
Andy
12-20-2011 | 06:46 AM
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From: SevenoaksKent, UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
ORIGINAL: gontflyer
This is where the LADO units score as there is no separate box or battery supply required - just plug straight in to the RX - ideally at 6V regulated.
This is where the LADO units score as there is no separate box or battery supply required - just plug straight in to the RX - ideally at 6V regulated.
I assume there is some automated cut-off based upon current draw otherwise that sounds dodgy!!??
Cheers,
Mark
12-20-2011 | 07:26 AM
#12
RE: Electron Retracts
LADOs cut off works really well on the 999 series I use. Comes in useful when setting up gear doors. Worth mentioning I screwed around with several types of gear door sequencer and found the SM sequencer the best. Orbit and jet-tronic sequencers were rubbish with eretracts. Speed of the LADO units isn't variable. You have to swap out the actuator for either a high or low speed version. Easy to do yourself. Not seen a e-retract where that's programmable. With LADOs you can also change the frame easily for 90 or 100 degree rotation, and its reversible if you want to rotate past horizontal. No option for brakes though so Electron win on that. Thinking I'll go with a BVM smooth stop.
12-20-2011 | 07:44 AM
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From: Aylesbury, , UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
Yes as Dominic says the cut off on the LADO's is very clever and you can buy a programming card (about £45 ish) to teach them sequencing for gear doors although Im going to try and do that using servo slows as I have done on my air systems - just to see if it works.
The most exciting piece we are waiting for from LADO is the electric gear door actuators. These are 20 and 30mm stroke gear door "rams" and look to be brilliant. I should have the first units to test in January and hopefully production pieces in February
The most exciting piece we are waiting for from LADO is the electric gear door actuators. These are 20 and 30mm stroke gear door "rams" and look to be brilliant. I should have the first units to test in January and hopefully production pieces in February
12-20-2011 | 09:20 AM
#14
RE: Electron Retracts
ORIGINAL: Robrow
Thanks for the words of support gents, medium size are up to 20kg and large are up to 40kg models. Prices later today but comparable with other quality retracts. Please note these are only the retract units, the struts are Behotec for my Tutor, I also have a medium set arriving for Ultra Flash.
Pin size can be made for any existing struts, these are 8mm.
Brakes are still under development but having the facility now helps to make them future proof. Also no need for a separate battery, just t off the ecu battery for convenience.
Rob.
Thanks for the words of support gents, medium size are up to 20kg and large are up to 40kg models. Prices later today but comparable with other quality retracts. Please note these are only the retract units, the struts are Behotec for my Tutor, I also have a medium set arriving for Ultra Flash.
Pin size can be made for any existing struts, these are 8mm.
Brakes are still under development but having the facility now helps to make them future proof. Also no need for a separate battery, just t off the ecu battery for convenience.
Rob.
12-20-2011 | 09:32 AM
#15
RE: Electron Retracts
eFlite 120s will work great for 10lb-20lb models and are relatively cheap compared to LADOs etc. They are very well engineered compared to others like Lander etc.
12-20-2011 | 09:40 AM
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From: Daytona Beach
RE: Electron Retracts
ORIGINAL: rgburrill
It is really absurd that these kinds of retracts are not available for 10 lb (5kg) aircraft. It is also absurd that these retracts cost more than teh rest of the model itself.
ORIGINAL: Robrow
Thanks for the words of support gents, medium size are up to 20kg and large are up to 40kg models. Prices later today but comparable with other quality retracts. Please note these are only the retract units, the struts are Behotec for my Tutor, I also have a medium set arriving for Ultra Flash.
Pin size can be made for any existing struts, these are 8mm.
Brakes are still under development but having the facility now helps to make them future proof. Also no need for a separate battery, just t off the ecu battery for convenience.
Rob.
Thanks for the words of support gents, medium size are up to 20kg and large are up to 40kg models. Prices later today but comparable with other quality retracts. Please note these are only the retract units, the struts are Behotec for my Tutor, I also have a medium set arriving for Ultra Flash.
Pin size can be made for any existing struts, these are 8mm.
Brakes are still under development but having the facility now helps to make them future proof. Also no need for a separate battery, just t off the ecu battery for convenience.
Rob.
Nothing absurd about the cost of the Electron gear.... These retracts are 5 axis CNC machined out of a solid block of aluminum; custom motors and gearing and a full electronics module to drive them. No need for retract valves, tubing, tee fittings, fill valves, air gauges or storage tanks.... they are fairly close in price to equally sized air driven sets with all the ancillary components needed to drive them.
We have been offering these retracts for a few months now, quite popular!
12-20-2011 | 09:52 AM
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From: Southport, UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
ORIGINAL: rgburrill
It is really absurd that these kinds of retracts are not available for 10 lb (5kg) aircraft. It is also absurd that these retracts cost more than teh rest of the model itself.
ORIGINAL: Robrow
Thanks for the words of support gents, medium size are up to 20kg and large are up to 40kg models. Prices later today but comparable with other quality retracts. Please note these are only the retract units, the struts are Behotec for my Tutor, I also have a medium set arriving for Ultra Flash.
Pin size can be made for any existing struts, these are 8mm.
Brakes are still under development but having the facility now helps to make them future proof. Also no need for a separate battery, just t off the ecu battery for convenience.
Rob.
Thanks for the words of support gents, medium size are up to 20kg and large are up to 40kg models. Prices later today but comparable with other quality retracts. Please note these are only the retract units, the struts are Behotec for my Tutor, I also have a medium set arriving for Ultra Flash.
Pin size can be made for any existing struts, these are 8mm.
Brakes are still under development but having the facility now helps to make them future proof. Also no need for a separate battery, just t off the ecu battery for convenience.
Rob.
It's a fact of life that you can't please all of the people all of the time but on the other hand I would be very surprised if anyone investing in them thought what they got for their money absurd
Seasons Greetings to all
Rob.
12-20-2011 | 09:57 AM
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From: farnborough, , UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Electron Retracts
I second Todds support for the cost, I have just collected the first set of our production landing gear parts from the anodisers and know first hand just how much work goes into designing, making and assembling gear systems.
When I got into this hobby I too though it was absurd to pay the cost of a kit in gear parts, especially at the lower price bracket but I now know why good gear costs good money.
Our gear system designed for our Stinger jet but more 'normal' gear sets will follow soon are all electric INCUDING brakes too, a special module to control the gear, sequencing, up to three gear doors (servo driven), brakes in two modes with adjustable strength, voltage failsafe, remote battery or Rx driven power, built in voltage regulator etc......is supplied as part of the gear set.
The retracts alone comprise of over 42 components each set cnc'd to very high tollerances - so my quib is they are not expensive!
marcs
When I got into this hobby I too though it was absurd to pay the cost of a kit in gear parts, especially at the lower price bracket but I now know why good gear costs good money.
Our gear system designed for our Stinger jet but more 'normal' gear sets will follow soon are all electric INCUDING brakes too, a special module to control the gear, sequencing, up to three gear doors (servo driven), brakes in two modes with adjustable strength, voltage failsafe, remote battery or Rx driven power, built in voltage regulator etc......is supplied as part of the gear set.
The retracts alone comprise of over 42 components each set cnc'd to very high tollerances - so my quib is they are not expensive!
marcs
12-20-2011 | 11:31 AM
#20
RE: Electron Retracts
ORIGINAL: DominicM
eFlite 120s will work great for 10lb-20lb models and are relatively cheap compared to LADOs etc. They are very well engineered compared to others like Lander etc.
eFlite 120s will work great for 10lb-20lb models and are relatively cheap compared to LADOs etc. They are very well engineered compared to others like Lander etc.
12-20-2011 | 11:40 AM
#21
RE: Electron Retracts
BTW, I realize this were posted in the jet forum but rcuniverse does not show the forum a hot topic is in, just the title. And since I am very interested in electric retracts for a 68" wingspan A-26 this was a great article to read. I am sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes about the cost of the retracts but not everyone can affford $4000 for an engine or $250 for retracts, etc. There are plenty of very low cost jet foamies out there too - they just haven't hit the 8-10 lb size yet.
12-20-2011 | 12:47 PM
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From: Marietta,
GA
RE: Electron Retracts
Robrow,thanks for posting this topic.I been looking at a set for a Falcon 120 I have but been waiting to compare them with the new Robarts coming this December. One way or the other will have an order in after Christmas.Thanks for letting me get a closer look
12-20-2011 | 03:21 PM
#23
RE: Electron Retracts
I'm all for electric retracts. I have a Beech Baron with electric retracts, and its great. The retracts are from E-Flight, and cost me $185 for the tri-gear set.
Currently, I have several planes and BVM jets (Maverick, F-4) with mechanical retracts. The mechanical retracts cost at least $150~$200; two Futaba 136G servos cost another $100. Then the linkage takes about 4~5 hours to set up and adjust.
Do the math ,,, the electric retracts are less expensive.
All in all, they are easier to install too. With electric retracts, all that needs to be done is to drop them into place and bolt them on. Then run the wires. Done in 30 minutes or less!
The only thing extra I do for the electric retracts is use a 6v battery with 3600 or 4200mAh since there are three motors functioning when the retracts are operated.
I think the electric retracts will put an end to the possibility of hydraulic retracts coming onto the market. Hydraulics will be more of a PITA than pneumatics and require a pump that will just add to the problem, and weight of the aircraft.
I'd love to get a few sets of electric retracts and install them into my BVM F-16's. I'm tired of spending a whole day tracking down leaky valves, cylinders and t-fittings.
Currently, I have several planes and BVM jets (Maverick, F-4) with mechanical retracts. The mechanical retracts cost at least $150~$200; two Futaba 136G servos cost another $100. Then the linkage takes about 4~5 hours to set up and adjust.
Do the math ,,, the electric retracts are less expensive.
All in all, they are easier to install too. With electric retracts, all that needs to be done is to drop them into place and bolt them on. Then run the wires. Done in 30 minutes or less!
The only thing extra I do for the electric retracts is use a 6v battery with 3600 or 4200mAh since there are three motors functioning when the retracts are operated.
I think the electric retracts will put an end to the possibility of hydraulic retracts coming onto the market. Hydraulics will be more of a PITA than pneumatics and require a pump that will just add to the problem, and weight of the aircraft.
I'd love to get a few sets of electric retracts and install them into my BVM F-16's. I'm tired of spending a whole day tracking down leaky valves, cylinders and t-fittings.
12-20-2011 | 06:03 PM
#25
My Feedback: (10)
RE: Electron Retracts
ORIGINAL: Airplanes400
I'm all for electric retracts. I have a Beech Baron with electric retracts, and its great. The retracts are from E-Flight, and cost me $185 for the tri-gear set.
Currently, I have several planes and BVM jets (Maverick, F-4) with mechanical retracts. The mechanical retracts cost at least $150~$200; two Futaba 136G servos cost another $100. Then the linkage takes about 4~5 hours to set up and adjust.
Do the math ,,, the electric retracts are less expensive.
All in all, they are easier to install too. With electric retracts, all that needs to be done is to drop them into place and bolt them on. Then run the wires. Done in 30 minutes or less!
The only thing extra I do for the electric retracts is use a 6v battery with 3600 or 4200mAh since there are three motors functioning when the retracts are operated.
I think the electric retracts will put an end to the possibility of hydraulic retracts coming onto the market. Hydraulics will be more of a PITA than pneumatics and require a pump that will just add to the problem, and weight of the aircraft.
I'd love to get a few sets of electric retracts and install them into my BVM F-16's. I'm tired of spending a whole day tracking down leaky valves, cylinders and t-fittings.
I'm all for electric retracts. I have a Beech Baron with electric retracts, and its great. The retracts are from E-Flight, and cost me $185 for the tri-gear set.
Currently, I have several planes and BVM jets (Maverick, F-4) with mechanical retracts. The mechanical retracts cost at least $150~$200; two Futaba 136G servos cost another $100. Then the linkage takes about 4~5 hours to set up and adjust.
Do the math ,,, the electric retracts are less expensive.
All in all, they are easier to install too. With electric retracts, all that needs to be done is to drop them into place and bolt them on. Then run the wires. Done in 30 minutes or less!
The only thing extra I do for the electric retracts is use a 6v battery with 3600 or 4200mAh since there are three motors functioning when the retracts are operated.
I think the electric retracts will put an end to the possibility of hydraulic retracts coming onto the market. Hydraulics will be more of a PITA than pneumatics and require a pump that will just add to the problem, and weight of the aircraft.
I'd love to get a few sets of electric retracts and install them into my BVM F-16's. I'm tired of spending a whole day tracking down leaky valves, cylinders and t-fittings.
Hello.
Curious how did you get mechanicals to work with the BVM F-4? That could be a nice improvement with better ratios
thanks
