PP: Hitec Servo Programming Fixture and Motor Thrust Shims

[Boulder]

Hitec Servo Programming Fixture and Motor Thrust...

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[rcflyer]

Hi crhammond, thanks for the insight. Question is if I am already using a fixture, do I need to do this calculation to correct the end points? I can check the servo angles directly from the fixture as I adjust the end points.

[crhammond]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rcflyer
	Hi crhammond, thanks for the insight. Question is if I am already using a fixture, do I need to do this calculation to correct the end points? I can check the servo angles directly from the fixture as I adjust the end points.

You can go back and forth from the programmer to the radio and do it by trial and error but the calculation way saves time.

The Aeroperfect spreadsheet is better than mine because it can also correct for geometry (3-step process.) I think the first step does exactly what mine does as the numbers come out the same...

I try to always have a symmetrical geometry so I don't often need to fine tune.

[757Driver]

Speaking of geometry, today I helped a friend set up his new H9 Extra and the instructions for the airplane were having him measure from the control surface to the attach point for the control rod.

This is imperfect as it does not allow for differences in construction and sanding.

I stressed the importance of measuring from the hinge center line which is something the H9 instructions missed completely.

They all had to be corrected to HCL. If you DONT do this your servos will bind as they leave neutral and will twist the control surface (if its an aileron).

[crhammond]

Jason - that's ture... all H9 instructions assume the surface is the same distance from the hinge line on all their airplanes. Works for Comp-arf or composie wings but not so well for wood planes

[ddlstang]

Just an update, I now have several of the Engine Thrust Shims available and can be purchased on my web site.

[Kevin B]

Do you guys think that this could be used with a Smart-Fly EQ-10 to acheive good results?

[ddlstang]

You could set up the servos with the Smart-fly or a power box set up but you cant program the speed or resolution. Those are supposed to be set at high speed and I believe 2 resolution from the factory but its nice to make sure. I have also used the plate to set up using a matchbox - you just know that the servos are exact.

[JPrc]

I just got the new programming tray from Dale and it is extremely nice (I've been using his protype for almost a year). I program all my servos before they go in the plane and use the linkage and control horn to match the throws. I can program my servos and match the linkages for a wing in less than 5 minutes using his tray. If you do it this way the servos match through the entire range of travel, not just at max throw. If any of you use a programmer or matchbox, you owe it to yourself to pic one of these up. It is fast, easy and the servos are perfectly matched.

Jonas

[Kevin B]

Yeah, I bought one from him last year at Turf Flyers when he brought them out for the first time or so. Just haven't had a need to use one until now. It is an awesome piece of equipment for sure. I noticed in the picture that you have added small legs to the unit? Do I need them?

I don't have a Hitec Programmer at the moment, but I do have the Smart-Fly Power expander EQ10. Supposedly I can set the centers and endpoints to match, I figured that if I use the servo tray it would make the centers more exact.

[ddlstang]

Kevin, you can definitely program with the smart fly - you just have make sure you keep the servo in the appropriate slot.

You dont have to have the stands but I do have them and can get you some. I havd found that I am usually holding the unit as I program to find that sweet spot but it is nice - just the legs or the stand. I had several people request something like that so I went ahead and made them.

Jonus ; get the GP extra yet? that looks like it would be a fun plane to play with. You think it will fly staighter than your Dalton - LOL.

[Kevin B]

Dale, that is a fantastic piece of equipment to use that you have created. Made setting up the plane a dream. I had used the programmer from hitec before, but I had never used the Smart-Fly. The EQ10 is just as easy to use once you understand the sequence. Using the EQ-10 will let me still get by with using a 7ch radio until I can swing the 9303 or the 12x that I really want without having to use a single y-cable. Smoke, choke, throttle, 4 aileron servos (split between 2 channels), 2 elevator servos and a single rudder.

[ddlstang]

Glad to hear it worked for you.

Thanks