[RV8RIVETER]

Hello

Anybody out there know the "typical" stroke or travel of the flap actuator between flaps up and down?

I am looking into finding another actuator.

Thanks,

 

[David-aviator]

Hello

Anybody out there know the "typical" stroke or travel of the flap actuator between flaps up and down?

I am looking into finding another actuator.

Thanks,

It's 5" (+/- .1") as near as I can measure it.

I've been looking for a substitute since mine failed the first time a couple years ago and have come up with lots of them at 4" or 6" but none at 5".

This company
http://www.dcactuators.com/
makes a very good line of actuators. Some of the EGG guys are using the 4" unit for cowl flaps and I have not heard of one failing, yet.

At $147 plus shipping, they are a good deal. We could carry a spare and few tools for a quick fix on a cross country. The down side is, as near as I can calculate, it would leave us with about 30 degrees of flaps max rather than 40 which in the real world is no big deal.

I am sure they could make a unit with 5" of travel but it would probably cost more than the $320 from Van's.

 

[RV8RIVETER]

David

Thanks, I would assume that the -7 and -8 would have the same travel but anyone please chime in if you have a different value.


I was looking at a few like this one with built in potentiometer for reading and limit switches. I don't think the 6" travel is a problem as it is relatively easy and cheap to install a position limit flag to kill extension power. I was already going to install that circuit on my Van's motor for retraction limit.

http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_info.php?cPath=109&products_id=166

There is also another one that has an optional controller that you can set to drive to multiple preset positions that would still be cheaper than Van's. Like this one that has an adjustable stroke.

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...HFM-LAD6&N=700+400996+316777+115&autoview=sku

 

[flion]

I'm thinking you could use a 6" actuator and the flap positioning system from ShowPlanes.

 

[Mike S]

Or a longer control horn on the flap.

Should be an easy fix to extend the arm to match the 6" stroke.

Or, if clearance/interference issues, shorten the horn on the drive cross shaft??

 

[RV8RIVETER]

I'm thinking you could use a 6" actuator and the flap positioning system from ShowPlanes.

That's one of the beautiful things about an aftermarket actuator. A stepper controller to drive to multiple preset positions is only $75-100.