I'm setting up the elevator pull cable system on my Excelleron 90. For those of you not familiar with this plane it uses a single servo to move both elevator halves via four cables. On the elevator halves I used a longer standoff and drilled the holes for the links as close to the hinge line as possible, or so I thought. Three out of four are near perfect, but one is getting a bit more slack than the others. My question is, what do I need to do to correct this? This is my first time setting up a pull cable system so I'm at a bit of a loss.

Thanks,

Dave

http://members.cox.net/bdfelice/Ackerman/ackerman.htm

Personally I would not use pull - pull setups on elevator unless you are very meticulous with your installation and ongoing maintenance. It really does not offer any benefits except for some weight saving. DEPS is a better option if you dont want to use a single pushrod. Elevator tracking and alignment probably has the greatest impact to trimming a model to fly true. Pull -Pull on evators just has to many variables to make it viable ant it is almost impossible to setup properly unless it is planned for during construction of a new model - and by that I dont mean assembling an ARF.

[link=http://www.mindspring.com/%7Erellis2/rcpattrn/ppull.htm]http://www.mindspring.com/%7Erellis2/rcpattrn/ppull.htm[/link]

Thanks a lot guys. Those links really helped. Bruce, I especially liked your more "candid" explanation at the field today.


Peter, this is another ARF and I'm trying to use the stock setup. Installing a DEPS would require cutting out most of the bottom of the fuselage and this plane just ain't worth it. If this bird comes out nose heavy I'll rip out the cable setup and install dual JR 3421s. If it's already tail heavy, well, I'll just have to deal with it. This time anyway. By the time I get everything set up and redone to my liking I could just about have built a kit to start with. My next bird will definitely be one of Mike's Black Magics.

Again, thanks.

Dave

E-Dave, I'm bettin' you know about this thread, but just in case, http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_23...tm.htm#2341036

It's 25 pages of really good stuff on the Exceleron 90. I just bought one my self this weekend. I've been flying a 50 size Exceleron and having a good time with it, so when the price is really cheap, and lots of folks talk about how good they are, I went for it.

Many said that the included pull pull setup was a good one and worked well for them, I thought about the DEPS system, but was concerned about pulling all the installed guide tubes and such. I'm not assembling mine yet, but I will be soon. Sure would like to keep up on your progress.

What engine did you choose? I went out on a lim and went for the Super Tigre 1.4 2s, 0r G2300.

Regarding the loose cable, I'm guessing you mean a non tensioned cable, ie if your pulling up then a lower cable has the slack?
IF so and the travel of each half is consistant through out the range both up and down, then there should be no worry.

There would only be a problem if the halves are not moving consistantly with each other.

Yup, saw that thread a while back. Lots of good info there.

You're right about the non tensioned cable going slack. The elevators seem to be tracking pretty well, but I haven't had time to make sure they're perfect yet. It will be a couple of days before I get time to work out the bugs on this system. I'm gonna give it one heck of a shot though. Also, I'd be very interested on your DEPS install, as well as any other progress you make. I'll keep you posted as well, but be advised I'm sloooow when it comes to building ( OK, assembling. )We just might have to revive that old thread. One thing I'll make note of here, my particular example is one of the straightest built ARFs I've ever seen. The wing and stab alignment is near perfect.

I went with a YS 110 for power. This is my first YS and I'd be a bit nervous about that if it weren't for the fact that there are a couple of knowledgable YS guys at my club. I saw the G2300 info in that thread you mentioned. That plane's gonna be a rocket with that engine!


What are you planning on using the Excelleron for, sport or competition? Mine is intended to get me started in Sportsman next year.

Dave

I just did not want to shell out the $ for the YS. No doubt as others have said it will hall that baby around.
I am looking for that KS header & Pipe, Although I really don't like the way it sticks out of the side of the cowl. I'm thinking on that.,
Actually I am not using the DEPS system, I'm going to go with the pp system. I just checked it out and decided I did not want to pull out all the preinstalled tubing for the PP.

I'm going to be behind you in the build but never the less, lets stay in touch on this. I'm planning on selling off a couple eletrics and the Exceleron 50 prior to building this, so I'm about a week out.

Oh and did you stay with the metal hinges or did you use a CA type?

Mike R

Definitely go with CA hinges. The metal ones are heavy as heck, and no doubt will loosen up over time, not to mention the metal to metal contact possibly causing radio interference.

Yea, the YS is pricey, but, well, I really can't come up with a good reason why I forked over the extra $$$ other than I wanted the tank on the CG and um, I just wanted to try a YS.

Good timing on this post too. I just had to satisfy my curiosity so using the info from the links above ( thanks again guys!) I redid the offending control horn standoff and tried it again. Seems much better tension wise.

Just doing a few quick measurements everything seems to be tracking almost perfect. I say almost because I've only checked it with a machinist's rule so far. The system is a little sticky around center right now, so I'm guessing I have the cables a touch too tight.

What servos are you using BTW?

Dave

Good question on the Servo's. I haven't decided yet, I do believe I will use a standard size this time for Rudder and Elevator. I have have been using mini's in the Exceleron 50 (Hitech 425BB's), I had to modify the mounts for the shorter cases. In the past, pre Digital, High speed corless servo's were the choice of champions and I see no reason not to go with them now. That would be for Rud, Ail, and Elev. For the Throtle I haven't decided. I am going to look seriously into using a Hitech 65BB mini mounted in the cowl. CG measurements may influence that choice as well.
I could consider a perry pump and CG mount the Tank, but I think I'll stay with a forward tank since I won't be competeing with this, although I'll be flying it as if I were.
Lifesytle changes, family issues are preventing me from being active in pattern contests, that will have to wait awhile.

Well I'm beat, just finished up a 16 hour day.

Till next time.

Mike R

Forgot to mention the hinges, I'm using CA , just curious if you did the same.

Did you have to recut any to get them in a straight line across the TE's?

Mike R

I used the Radio South 1/4 scale CA hinges, and yea, I had to recut some of the slots. Several of them as a matter of fact. So far that, and an aileron that I had to iron a warp out of are the only gripes I've had with the construction itself.

I apparently was thinking the same as you about the throttle servo. I just picked up a HiTec HS 65 for that purpose and will put it where the CG requires. As small as it is, it will fit just about anywhere. I'm using JR 8411SA servos on the elevator and rudder, 9411SAs on the ailerons. Also, I'm using a 4.8V 2100mah NiMh RX pack. I HOPE I can place it where it will be easily changed out so that I can fly a bit more without having to recharge. That juggling act will hopefully take place next weekend.

Man, those 16 hr days royally suck. I'm looking at 14 or so tomorrow so I can sympathize with you on that one.

Thanks for the updates.

Later,

Dave