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  #41  
Old 09-23-2018, 05:56 AM
Timberwolf Timberwolf is offline
 
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$299 seems like a huge markup for a firgelli linear actuator with a lollipop installed in the end. They only cost $139 from firgelli.....


https://www.firgelliauto.com/product...k-rod-actuator
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RV-6 IO-360 Angle valve, G3X touch
Murphy Moose M14P flying
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  #42  
Old 09-23-2018, 06:12 AM
Timberwolf Timberwolf is offline
 
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Originally Posted by rdamazio View Post
Nice. An RV-10 version pretty please

Can you confirm whether you'll make an RV-10 version? (I've just ordered my fuselage kit, and it's the right time to delete the built-in flap motor, before they ship it )
Some guys use this version for the -10. You would need to check stroke length. 400 pounds should be sufficient. It?s the same one i use on the Murphy moose

https://www.firgelliauto.com/products/heavy-duty
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RV-6 IO-360 Angle valve, G3X touch
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  #43  
Old 09-23-2018, 09:58 AM
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Snowflake Snowflake is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Timberwolf View Post
$299 seems like a huge markup for a firgelli linear actuator with a lollipop installed in the end. They only cost $139 from firgelli.....

https://www.firgelliauto.com/product...k-rod-actuator
I don't see a 5" stroke on any of those, but earlier in the thread it was said that these ones are the same 5" stroke as the stock actuator. Is it a 6" that's been limited somehow? Let's be sure we're talking about the same part...
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  #44  
Old 09-24-2018, 08:01 AM
Shawn25854 Shawn25854 is offline
 
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Location: Clearwater, FL / KZPH
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Timberwolf View Post
$299 seems like a huge markup for a firgelli linear actuator with a lollipop installed in the end. They only cost $139 from firgelli.....


https://www.firgelliauto.com/product...k-rod-actuator
Shane, they are a lot cheaper than $139 if you look hard enough. Here's the one I used for my prototyping and it works great and it cost me less than $60 to my doorstep. There are mounting brackets galore on eBay for it. I built a digital flap controller to monitor the internal feedback pot to have 3 preset programmable positions. I dont have the VPX system to do that for me so I had to design my own. There is some modification to the shaft to drill and tap the end if you want the rod end bearing but that's very simple for anyone who's building. Or you can use it as it comes with any of the mounting brackets sold on eBay. There are dozens of options to chooses from. Even the seller of the actuator I bought has a few mounting bracket options.

This is the one I bought, a 12 volt, 5" linear actuator with feedback and 225lbs of torque/force. They are all made by the same company and different manufacturers apply their own label. Compare them all, it's the same actuator. For more details:

5" linear actuator with feedback.

Last edited by Shawn25854 : 09-24-2018 at 08:14 AM.
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  #45  
Old 09-24-2018, 08:11 AM
Shawn25854 Shawn25854 is offline
 
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Originally Posted by Snowflake View Post
I don't see a 5" stroke on any of those, but earlier in the thread it was said that these ones are the same 5" stroke as the stock actuator. Is it a 6" that's been limited somehow? Let's be sure we're talking about the same part...
I dont think this is a 6" that has been limited. You can buy 5" actuators and they have NON-adjustable internal limit switches. The only way to limit it would be with a controller or an external limit switch. Could you dissect the actuator and move the internal limit switch, sure, but why?

These actuators with built in limit switches are the best to use that way they dont run on when they reach the end of the stroke. They just stop and wait for the reverse input from your flap switch. It's a safer alternative in my opinion.

The feedback is also great to supply your EFIS with the position so it can be displayed on the screen. I know you can do this with the Dynon (legacy and Skyview), I dont know about the Garmin. My Dynon display will show me flap position once programmed.
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  #46  
Old 09-24-2018, 10:13 AM
Timberwolf Timberwolf is offline
 
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Shawn, great find. I just hate to see people throw away money for an off the shelf item that already exists with little to no modification. No sense in paying a middle man.
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  #47  
Old 09-24-2018, 11:41 AM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn25854 View Post
I dont think this is a 6" that has been limited. You can buy 5" actuators and they have NON-adjustable internal limit switches. The only way to limit it would be with a controller or an external limit switch. Could you dissect the actuator and move the internal limit switch, sure, but why?

These actuators with built in limit switches are the best to use that way they dont run on when they reach the end of the stroke. They just stop and wait for the reverse input from your flap switch. It's a safer alternative in my opinion.

The feedback is also great to supply your EFIS with the position so it can be displayed on the screen. I know you can do this with the Dynon (legacy and Skyview), I dont know about the Garmin. My Dynon display will show me flap position once programmed.
Be aware that limit switches can fail 'not-safe'. The advantage of an actuator that can't physically extend beyond expected length is that it can't damage structure. Even a 35-40 lb actuator could easily bend stuff if it extends outside normal range. Want to see the bent cross member on my steel tubing farm gate?
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  #48  
Old 09-24-2018, 01:15 PM
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AZtailwind AZtailwind is offline
 
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Originally Posted by rv7charlie View Post
Be aware that limit switches can fail 'not-safe'. The advantage of an actuator that can't physically extend beyond expected length is that it can't damage structure. Even a 35-40 lb actuator could easily bend stuff if it extends outside normal range. Want to see the bent cross member on my steel tubing farm gate?
Thanks Charlie- This is a good note if going the roll your own-
Has Pat or anyone install one of these in an RV-4 as Yet? With the original manual torque tube or electric- ether one really
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  #49  
Old 09-24-2018, 03:48 PM
Shawn25854 Shawn25854 is offline
 
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Correct, internal AND external limit switches can fail. It's very rare but it can happen if the actuator is in a harsh environment, like outside on your gate.

To your second thought, the key is to design the system so that the actuator CANNOT extend beyond the limits of the structure. You can stop it anywhere in between but never have an actuator that is too large for the design application. This can all be solved with the proper placement and linkage. If you dont size it properly you are asking for trouble, again, like outside on your gate.

They are very powerful motors and can do some serious damage if not installed properly.
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  #50  
Old 09-24-2018, 05:01 PM
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Snowflake Snowflake is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn25854 View Post
I dont think this is a 6" that has been limited. You can buy 5" actuators and they have NON-adjustable internal limit switches. The only way to limit it would be with a controller or an external limit switch. Could you dissect the actuator and move the internal limit switch, sure, but why?
You're right. On further searching, I found that the sites offering them in the $100-130 range here in North America all offer that they can be made in custom stroke lengths and with custom end-fittings.

I suspect some of the cost will be in getting a custom length, and some will be in arranging for a small run that come with a threaded hole in the end to take an eye bolt, rather than a cross-hole for a pin.

The rest will be markup, which I don't begrudge someone running a business to charge. I may go look for the source parts and do it myself, but I suspect at the end of the day I would waste more than $150 in my time while doing it.
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