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  #1  
Old 12-30-2011, 07:21 PM
Future RV 9 Flyer Future RV 9 Flyer is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Marathon,WI
Posts: 51
Question Elevator trim

Working on elevators and had a question about electric trim. is it worth the extra cost? Ditto the aileron trim.
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  #2  
Old 12-30-2011, 08:17 PM
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aarvig aarvig is offline
 
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The question is...what do you want? If you really feel its necessary then it is worth it. I for one prefer manual trim as I am used to using that type, plus its one less electrical thing to fail. Do a forum search on manual vs. electric trim. You'll see both sides of the argument.
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  #3  
Old 12-30-2011, 08:55 PM
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Vlad Vlad is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Future RV 9 Flyer View Post

a question about electric trim.
is it worth the extra cost? .
No it's not. I have electric but if I do it again I would go manual. Just personal preference.
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Last edited by Vlad : 12-30-2011 at 08:58 PM.
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  #4  
Old 12-30-2011, 09:14 PM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
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My electric elevator & aileron trim is on the joystick hat switch. I wouldn't have it any other way. My 6's aileron trim is of the hinge tab system that mounts to the aileron with a servo mounted inside the aileron. Not as simple as the bias spring method, but I prefer it. Van's still sells them, though.
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  #5  
Old 12-31-2011, 02:16 PM
Steve Steve is offline
 
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Location: Roy, Utah
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Neither electric trim system is worth the money nor the extra time it takes to install it.
IMHO
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  #6  
Old 12-31-2011, 02:20 PM
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Av8torTom Av8torTom is offline
 
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Default Upside down

Vlad - turn your trim switch the other way around - you'll probably like it better
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  #7  
Old 12-31-2011, 04:36 PM
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schristo@mac.com schristo@mac.com is offline
 
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Location: WA
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Default Two axis trim on the stick...

Electric trim on the stick... don't leave home without it!
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  #8  
Old 12-31-2011, 05:51 PM
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Buggsy2 Buggsy2 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Future RV 9 Flyer View Post
is it worth the extra cost?
Wrong question I think. Compared to the total cost of a build, it's a fraction of 1%. So instead, think which method you want to fly with. As you can see you'll get die-hard adherents to either method.

Me, I went with electric 'cause I've never flown a certificated airplane that had a good manual trim system. In other words, they always had a bit of slack and hysteresis which was annoying. And I like the idea of a hat switch on top of the stick to activate the trims. I intend to use a trim speed controller (reduces trim motor speed above a certain airspeed) for better control.
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  #9  
Old 12-31-2011, 09:39 PM
RV7ator RV7ator is offline
 
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Location: Boise, ID
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Two points in favor of electric roll trim: it won't creep with vibration, and you don't have to cram your hand between the seats to grope for the handle. Electric pitch eliminates the big knob and cable loop that eat up leg wiggle room. Otherwise electric has no improved functionality for $550 more.

John Siebold
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  #10  
Old 01-01-2012, 06:07 AM
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Rick6a Rick6a is offline
 
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Location: Lake St. Louis, MO.
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Post POUNDS vs. ounces

Quote:
Originally Posted by RV7ator View Post
.....Electric pitch eliminates the big knob and cable loop that eat up leg wiggle room.....
For the weight conscious aircraft builder seeking accurate data, this perennial topic is a very good place to make a direct comparison devoid of personal bias. Die-hard fans of the manual system may be unquestioningly fond of their preferred choice of trim system but such ardor cannot lessen manual trim's one truly significant drawback....weight. The heavy steel cable assembly that is the very heart of the manual trim system tips the scales at a hefty 2.5 pounds. That substantial amount of weight does not include the required turning knob, mounting bracket and associated installation hardware. Are the sum of those parts effectively reducing leg wiggle room some builders report?

By way of direct comparison, the total installed weight of an electric trim system is approximately 7-8 ounces. Do the math and then decide if you comfortable with a manual trim system that is at least 5X heavier than electric. VAF members have reported that Van's chooses to install electric trim in its own factory built airplanes. Why is this so? If actions speak louder than words, Van's clear preference for electric does not exactly shout a ringing endorsement for the virtues of its manual trim system.
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