electric vs manual elevator trim

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 6:24 pm

Harold,

I don't see that being the case.

The way I see it, the interruption is only on the "down" side of the flap switch.

Anyone else?

CJ

LooseNut · Post by **LooseNut** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 6:32 pm

Oops, my mistake. I looked at the diagram too quickly. Yer right! It does only interrupt the DOWN flaps.

dang, those Aircraft Extra's guys are smart!

Good thing I didn't have a rivet gun in my hand ...

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 6:50 pm

Ya gonna buy one with us now?

CJ

LooseNut · Post by **LooseNut** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:45 pm

CJ,

I think this is a fine idea, but I have some concerns with the implimentation.

The basic problem in my mind is too many relays, too many parts.

With the trim switch in the stick and with this speed controler, there are 4 relays for elevator trim. With aileron trim in the stick, that adds two more relays. With the flap speed controller, two more relays ... if I put the flap switch in the control stick, maybe two more?? A total of 8 or 10 relays that are effecting primary flight controls. Then there are the wires and connectors. If you look at the Aircraft Extras board, it looks like it uses the screw type wire connectors (which I know Bob Nuckols is not too fond of). Seems like a lot of possible points of failure.

There may be a better way involving some solid-state devices all mounted on a single pc board.

Hey, I'm just thinking out-loud here, I haven't really come to any conclusions myself yet. I'd love to hear your comments. I still need to noodle on this a bit.

Harold

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:12 pm

Parts count IS HIGH!!!

No doubt about it. But, it by no means is a primary flight control surface.

I consider flaps to be optional at best.

Many guys don't even use them when the flap motor goes TU (too common an occurance)!

Worst case scenario, if something breaks... fix it with a better unit!

Odds are, if it broke... it wasn't any good in the first place!

CJ

LooseNut · Post by **LooseNut** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:44 pm

Ok, I knew when I wrote it that someone should challenge me on calling flaps and trim "primary" flight controls. You are right ... they are not, and the plane is most likely still flyable with a failure in these systems.

But anyway, primary or not, it makes me think twice about making these things too funky.

I'm thinking a broke or stuck relay might simply make your trim/flaps inoperative ... or it might drive to it's limits. No personal experience, but, I think it would be a handful to fly with the elevator trim pegged full up or full down.

Call me Worry Willy

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:47 pm

Hmmm...manual trim and manual flaps...

<snicker>

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:49 pm

High tech!

High performance!

New airplane and new gizmos!

No manual labor!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:04 pm

captain_john wrote:High tech!

High performance!

New airplane and new gizmos!

$$$$...and they break...

captain_john wrote:No manual labor!

CJ

Manual labor??? How hard is it turn a trim knob or pull a lever???

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:12 pm

Too hard for me!

CJ

LooseNut · Post by **LooseNut** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:15 pm

Gotta have all 27 switches on the stick ... that panel's way too far away ...

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:17 pm

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:25 pm

Actually, I have 10!

...and I have plans for ALL of them!

I am using the Infinity Grips and they look really nice!

It keeps the panel clear.

CJ

LooseNut · Post by **LooseNut** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:42 pm

OK, i gotta ask ... what are you plannig with your 10 switches???

I'm thinking ...
coolie hat for the two trims (i guess that's 4 switches)
ptt (1 more)

I'm still 5 short!

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 6:14 pm

beverage dispenser?
flight attendant call button?
canopy release?
moving map scroll and zoom?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 6:42 pm

Keith, I like the way you think!

Actually, I would like more!

I WOULD like to control radios too, but I suppose it would be too much.

I have Trims, PTT, Start, AP Disconnect, Flaps and Smoke.

CJ

RV7Factory · Post by **RV7Factory** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:13 pm

captain_john wrote:Keith, I like the way you think!

Actually, I would like more!

I WOULD like to control radios too, but I suppose it would be too much.

I have Trims, PTT, Start, AP Disconnect, Flaps and Smoke.

CJ

CJ, if you put "start" on you stick, please tell me you are going to put an activation switch on your panel so that the starter can't be turned by an accidental bump of the stick switch.

You really doin' smoke? If so, where are you gonna mount the smoke tank?

You guys forgot about the passenger eject button (on the stick).

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:21 pm

Bradley... OF COURSE!!!

I plan on hiding a key switch someplace that is in series with the start button. Perhaps in the center console? This gives me a place to stick my keys and keep them secure all the while securing the aircraft while it is alone on strange ramps.

...and the smoke, I was thinking of prosealing up a tank designed to fit behind the seats. Either underneath a false floor or tucked behind the seat backs. Hmmmmmm, mebbe between the seat ribs!!!

CJ

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:55 pm

I saw a cool little wheel that's going to control my elevator trim. It's going WAAAAAAAAY over there on the instrument panel. Looks kind of like a scooter wheel. That is, if they are still being made when I need one.

Ah here it is:

Read all about it here: Perihelion Designs

Only one switch on my stick (that sounds horrible) and it's going to be PTT. Two wires, no waiting!

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:40 pm

The "Start" button is so he can run windows on his built in computer monitor that'll be on the panel, while upside down at 220mph!!

Thasalotabuttn's!!