Guys,

Has anyone used a UP 6 proportional brake valve? Does this valve "leak" air to produce the proportional response like the electronic ones, or does it work more like a Smooth Stop? Anyone tried both and have any comments?

Bob

Hi Bob:

The UP-6 is a great little valve. It does not use air like my electronic Graupner's do in the propo mode. It is more like the Smooth Stop. I have used them on my Roo and HotSpots before I switched to electronics, but also use the Smooth Stop on my Bandit.

The only downside is that it is spring loaded. It puts quite a load on a microservo like the 341, so I end up going to an intermediate size servo. This just takes up more room---not a big deal.
On my electronics, I don't use the air-guzzling propo mode, but have my on-off brake switch on my snap roll button on the 10X, and then use the right slider for extended brakes-on if I need them. By tapping the snap roll button on/off about 2x/second, you get a proportional effect with no brake locking using either Glennis or BVM brakes.

Tom

Tom,

Thanks for the great reply. A couple more questions, if you don't mind. First, how is the reliability of the UP 6 vs. the Smooth Stop? Any leaking problems with the UP 6? Which would you go with for a new scale jet (if you don't mind answering that question)?

I ask because I have a Smooth Stop and it works OK, but it also leaks. Unfortunately, I have not been able to stop the leak no matter what I've tried. However, it only leaks when going from brakes full-on to a mid-break position. I can go from full-on to full-off and from full-off to mid-brake or full-on without leaking air. I can use it that way as long as I make sure I turn the brakes all the way off after setting them for the takeoff run-up.

I'm considering the UP 6 as a more leak-proof, easier to setup solution to proportional brakes...

Thanks,
Bob

Bob, my UP-6's have never failed or leaked using up to 100 PSI on them. They always release quickly and completely due to the spring loading. I have never had to grease the O-rings. UP suggest lubricating every 3 years with Dow Corning #55 grease which he sells.

Although I have not had any problems with my SS in my Bandit, as long as I keep it clean and greased, I really like the UP-6 and Graupner Electronics better---they are set and forget.

Tom

Thanks Tom, that's what I wanted to know!

Bob

I have used two SS units. They both leaked. One was destroyed in a crash, and I was glad to see it go!

On the other hand, I have a UP 6 in another plane, and it just sits there and works perfectly. Guess what all my future jets will have.

Klenker,

The UP valve is bullet proof. Install it, provide a mid size servo like Tom said and forget its there. I have been running them for years now and have never seen one leak or malfunction, I cannot say the same for the SS.

Vin...

Not only do we sell them, but I use the UP6 too.

No problems in over three seasons of flying (and braking) with it.

Now with online ordering!

I have had both valves and I prefer the UP-6. It feels more like a real brake on a car or airplane in that it really is porportional. I like being able to just touch the brakes a little or really get on them. My S.T. leaked but worked well for how it was designed, even though I don't care for it. Get the UP-6, set it up, and forget about it.

Hi Guys,
I found a quick fix for the leaky and stickey SS. Knock the pins out to remove the main cylinder and spring. On mine the bore looked like it was polished with a file. I used a dremel felt wheel polisher with metal polish compound and polished it to a mirror. Also the actuating rod needs to be longer so the movement is as linear as possible, otherwise shhhhhhh......
Cheers
Andre

I have had good luck with my UP6 brake valve. By the way, it isn't truly proportional. If you hook up your pressure gauge to it, you can see the pressure levels plateau at certain pressures, example, 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 psi... I don't know exactly what pressures it stops at... I've got mine put on a 3 posn switch, for off, partial, and full.

The U,P, 6 valve works is small steps because of o-rings.
O-rings and air do not work smoothly.
Darryl Usher

UP 6 valve works awesome.