Need advice? Electric Aileron Trim

[GAHco]

I am re-posting this in General Discussion as It got some response in RV6/RVA/ Now I need help? Anybody? Ail Trim cable.


I just did not get what I was looking for.
__________________________________________________ ______________

This is probably common to most models so chime in.

I am wiring the left wing of my 6, I have electric aileron trim and I am running the 5 wire Ray Allen cable through the wing and then out.

The question is where do you put the hole in the rear spar?

It seams to me that it needs to be just outboard, of the inboard aileron bracket, but high, or low, I didn't know.

It will need some kind of slack to allow comfortable full travel of the left aileron without causing interference.

If you have done this or seen it done and work well over a period of time, let me know.

I saw nothing in Vans supplement that came with the kit.

I would appreciate your kindly assistance, measurements, photos, etc.

Thanks, Tom

[Rick6a]

Tom,

Using a 5 pin Radio Shack connector supported by a simple bracket, I routed the trim cable to the outboard wing rib then through the wiring conduit. If need be, removing the aileron will be greatly simplified. The electric elevator trim was done in a similiar manner.

[GAHco]

Originally Posted by Rick6a

Tom,

Using a 5 pin Radio Shack connector supported by a simple bracket, I routed the trim cable to the outboard wing rib then through the wiring conduit. If need be, removing the aileron will be greatly simplified. The electric elevator trim was done in a similiar manner.

That looks pretty good, what kind of quick disconnect did you use?
I'm still thinking of putting it closer to the servo so I don't have to run the wire though the whole aileron, but I have not yet made up my mind. The ease of maintenance your picture shows is tempting.

[mannanj]

Tom:

On the 8 the aileron trim servo is connected to bias springs connected to the stick torque tube, all in the cockpit underneath the seat. Probably not relevant to your situation. The 8, being narrower than the side by side models doesn't suffer as much from out of balance fuel conditions, therefore doesn't need as much lateral trim input. In fact, I set my ail. trim on the second flight and haven't touched it since. I switch tanks every half hour.

On the elevator trim, I used DB-9 computer 9 pin connectors underneath the fairing. Easy to disconnect should you ever have to remove the left elevator.

[Rick6a]

Originally Posted by GAHco

...........what kind of quick disconnect did you use?......

Originally Posted by mannanj

...On the 8 the aileron trim servo is connected to bias springs connected to the stick torque tube, all in the cockpit underneath the seat. Probably not relevant to your situation.....

Tom,

Mannan is referring to this spring bias system. He's right. It is a completely different animal than the trim arrangement in our 6A's. My only thoughts about it at the moment...as I continue construction...is that it imparts a bit of resistance to sideloads on the joystick by virtue of the springs so you don't get that virtually friction free feel I love with the older design.

The "quick disconnects" you asked about are what I already mentioned. They are the 5-pin connectors purchased from Radio Shack. They simply mate together like any typical male and female receptacle and friction keeps them joined. Mounted through the bracket, I tied Dacon (wire bundle) cord around the 5-conductor wire to the bracket in an effort to prevent the unlikely possibility of vibration ever working the components loose.

[osxuser]

I believe all the 'new' RV kits (-7, -8, -9, -10) use the spring bias system for aileron trim. If I was building a '6, I'd consider looking at the -7 setup and maybe just copying that.

[AntiGravity]

Originally Posted by Rick6a

Hey, Rick, you don't have a slightly larger version of this picture do you? I'll be doing this to my -8 at which ever point it is required and your picture speaks volumes.

Cheers,

[GAHco]

I do appreciate all your efforts

I have installed the RC Allen / Mac type servo in the aileron itself several years ago and made my custom (not ugly Vans) trim tab, so I have a bit invested time and money wise.

I have been thinking about it and will try something tomorrow.
I will let you know what I come up with.

Doesn't look like too many have installed the electric aileron trim, so unless more have experience with the same setup, I am going to give it a go with what I know.

I did make my aileron gap seals removable and I think that will help my installation, inspection, and maintenance easier.







Thanks again.

[grantcarruthers]

Maybe stupid question???: if you have/plan an auto pilot is there any reason for aileron trim??

[GAHco]

Originally Posted by grantcarruthers

Maybe stupid question???: if you have/plan an auto pilot is there any reason for aileron trim??

It's a good question Grant.

I bought the wing and trim kit 7 years ago, and now with the forum I am exposed to more & more mostly useful information.

An autopilot would take care of the wings level thing very well.

I will most likely put one in, and most likely, infrequently use the aileron trim, but it will be there if/when I need it.

I do plan on a lot of non autopilot engaged flight and I would like to be able to adjust the trim to hands off regardless of passenger of fuel load, while tooling around.