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  #11  
Old 10-09-2016, 03:10 PM
BobRv4 BobRv4 is offline
 
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Location: Gilbert, AZ
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Default Aces

I use the aces 2020 to balance props, with very good luck.
Always use the ring gear, since I don't want to to drill holes in the back plate, and good place to start a crack. I think you are fine with the ring gear. If you wanted the weight on the backplate, you would first use the ring gear then when you get a good solution transfer the weight to the backplate. You need to adjust the weight based on the distance from the center of the crank. More distance, less weight, less distance more weight, moment arm is the reason. I would first try and get you to move the prop before I'd balance it. To me that is just a know starting point for me. I forgot you can also put weight on the prop bolts but that usually takes a bunch of weight, plus you only have 60 degrees or 6 holes to work with.
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  #12  
Old 10-09-2016, 04:25 PM
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snopercod snopercod is offline
 
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I sure appreciate your advice here because I've been floundering around for a while. So you think I should clock the prop one lug CW of #1 TDC rather than CCW like I did? I guess I'll try that if I'm not happy with the present clocking next time I fly. Sadly, the guy who was going to dynamic balance my prop with the ACES 1015 backed out. I emailed ACES and asked them if there was anyone in the Asheville, NC area with a 2020.

I was out your way about a year ago (with a different prop). I stopped for Oxygen in Tucson, then popped over to Marana to visit a friend. Marana Low Pass. I love the desert!
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  #13  
Old 10-09-2016, 06:06 PM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
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Zero friction is a lot easier to achieve (and a lot cheaper) with a 'knife edge' balancer.
http://www.featherlightppg.com/wp-co...04/MG_5268.jpg
http://www.aquacraftmodels.com/hardw...65ai04m-lg.jpg

All you have to do is get the two knife edges parallel and level in both directions; no bearings needed.

Try the google for more details.

Balance weight location, when dynamically balancing: There is no need to drill the back plate to add weights. The simple technique is to use longer spinner-attach screws, and add the weights (washers/locknuts) to the screw(s) behind the nutplate ('inside' the flange of the back plate).

FWIW,

Charlie
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  #14  
Old 10-09-2016, 08:45 PM
BobRv4 BobRv4 is offline
 
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Would I change the prop? Won't hurt, may not help, but for me it's a known starting point. I've balanced helicopters where I give up, take all weights off, zero everything start from scratch, and within a couple runs get it smooth.
to me it just elimates one variable.
You really are wasting time balancing just the prop, soon as you add the bolts, backplate, spinner, extension it all changes. Bolts can change weight by a gram or two, which will screw up the balance. Think of balancing a tire, then you mount it on the rim? Stop at FFZ next time and the balance is on me.
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  #15  
Old 10-10-2016, 09:07 AM
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snopercod snopercod is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rv7charlie View Post
Zero friction is a lot easier to achieve (and a lot cheaper) with a 'knife edge' balancer.
That's true, but you can't check tracking that way can you? Total cost for my balancer was about $50, more or less.
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  #16  
Old 10-10-2016, 09:20 AM
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snopercod snopercod is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BobRv4 View Post
You really are wasting time balancing just the prop, soon as you add the bolts, backplate, spinner, extension it all changes.
I was surprised just how sensitive this whole process is. With my balancer I could have installed all the bolts/nuts/washers, crush plate, and spinner back plate...and even the prop extension if I had a longer center rod. If I end up doing this all over again, I'll do it that way.

Yesterday I emailed ACES and one of their techs called me this morning. He is going to send me the name of someone in Concord, NC (90 NM away) who owns a 2020 and (hopefully) be willing to do the balance. (Thanks for the offer. You've been very helpful!)
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  #17  
Old 10-10-2016, 10:06 AM
BobRv4 BobRv4 is offline
 
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You are very welcome.
If it's Mike L. at aces tell him Bob from Falcon has been talking with you.
He's very good at It!
The only way I know to check track is with it on the engine.
I think you could build something to balance the whole works, but it's easier to balance on the aircraft. Good luck, send me the ips and clocking when you balance, would be interesting.
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  #18  
Old 10-10-2016, 10:32 AM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snopercod View Post
That's true, but you can't check tracking that way can you? Total cost for my balancer was about $50, more or less.
As Bob said, you can't check tracking in the balancer; only when it's actually mounted on the engine. (And don't forget that the mount has built-in offset; measure to a single reference point.)
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  #19  
Old 10-10-2016, 11:10 AM
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snopercod snopercod is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BobRv4 View Post
If it's Mike L. at aces...
It was Michael F.

Let me ask you something. If I get the prop balanced at 2450 RPM, but it is off at...say...2000 RPM, what would that tell me?
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  #20  
Old 10-10-2016, 11:12 AM
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snopercod snopercod is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rv7charlie View Post
As Bob said, you can't check tracking in the balancer.
Is that because the prop bolts aren't torqued down?
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