Want Help Concerning R/C Flaps

[Iroquois]

I'd post this in my own forum but Proboards seems to have has a complete meltdown, either that or my computer is playing games again.

Anyway I just bought a VMar Piper Tomahawk R/C ARF. Now the plane is equiped with flaps but the instructions say I don't have to use them(4-5 channel, 5-7 servo according to the box). I only have a four channel system so I can't use flaps. The thing is, what an I supposed to do with them? Just leave them hanging loose? The instructions didn't say what to do if you're not using them. I should also remark that I may want to hook them up in the future. What should I do?

[Hagar]

Hmmm. Without seeing the design it's difficult to suggest something. I'll do a search for it later so I can at least see what it looks like. Which type of linkage would be used for the flaps if you were using them? Maybe you could attach the control arms to fixed points instead of servos. This should be easy enough to convert at a later stage if you decide to do so.

It's been a while since I had to think about this stuff. Rifleman might be your best bet.

PS. I just realised my Extra 300L is one of the VMAR range. It doesn't have flaps though.

[Iroquois]

I found it here. There are some high res images. Unfortunately I don't have my digital camera on hand. Otherwise I could give you some better shots of the problem.

The linkage consists of all metal push rods and nylon control horns.

[chomp_rock]

You could link them to your ailerons and have more effective roll control. Where did you get the Tomy? (Website?)

[chomp_rock]

Belive me this works! I've done it to other people's aircraft who have had the same problems.

[Iroquois]

You could link them to your ailerons and have more effective roll control. Where did you get the Tomy? (Website?)

I bought it at the Canadian International Hobby show from a local dealer in Mississauga Ontario.

[Rifleman]

I have a strange feeling you got this from Hobby Hobby....if thats so, then Tom Bakonyi will be happy to help you address this prob....for me it would be a matter of setting up a servo hatch for each flap and allowing for a future linkage hookup as a newer radio may be capable of giving this control ......for my flaps or ailerons, I make a hatch which has blocks mounted on it to accept the servo sitting on its side, with the control arm extending through a slot..........NOTE : in this series of shots, the slot for the arm hasn't been cut yet....






All you would need to do, is add one ply plate across where the servo mounts and make a solid mount for the linkage in the interim......once you upgrade to a better radio, you can remove the "fixed" mount and install a servo in its place and you will have flaps.........

[chomp_rock]

What did he get from hobby lobby?

[Rifleman]

What did he get from hobby lobby?

He said he got his new plane from the hobby show from a local Mississauga hobby shop......I know of the one in Streetsville ....its called Hobby Hobby, not Hobby Lobby

[Hagar]

As I recall, my VMAR Extra had everything built in - including linkages & a universal servo tray. Everything you need (except radio gear & engine) is included which is unusual. I found the whole thing exellent quality & good value for money. The construction & covering is finished which is the whole point of getting an ARTF kit in the first place. I changed the supplied elevator & rudder push rods, also replaced all the hinges & the fuel tank for better quality examples but that's about all as I wanted to get it in the air ASAP. I'm sure there must be an easy way to connect the flap linkages to a fixed point rather than a servo. That's how I would do it.

[C]

I'm sure there must be an easy way to connect the flap linkages to a fixed point rather than a servo. That's how I would do it.

That's how I think I'd do it. Just make sure it was a decent fixing...

Charlie