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Aerosport Symmetrical Panel w/ Push/Pull Vernier Controls

K

kirkbauer

Well Known Member
I'm installing an Aerosport Symmetrical Panel in my RV-10 with Push/Pull Vernier controls. I understand that I need slightly longer control cables and I'd like to order those now, but I don't have my engine yet to confirm any measurements.

If I'm interpreting the FF kit part numbers correctly, here are the lengths of the standard controls:
  • Black (Throttle): 47.5"
  • Blue (Prop): 72.5"
  • Red (Mixture): 51.5"
As best as I can tell, I need about 2" longer for each control. Can I safely add 2" to each of these numbers and order these ACS Controls from Aircraft Spruce? The order form has a ton of other options and I would love it if somebody with the same setup could post what they ordered. I'm sure it would help others in the future as well.

Thank you!
 
kirkbauer said:
I'm installing an Aerosport Symmetrical Panel in my RV-10 with Push/Pull Vernier controls. I understand that I need slightly longer control cables and I'd like to order those now, but I don't have my engine yet to confirm any measurements.

If I'm interpreting the FF kit part numbers correctly, here are the lengths of the standard controls:
  • Black (Throttle): 47.5"
  • Blue (Prop): 72.5"
  • Red (Mixture): 51.5"
As best as I can tell, I need about 2" longer for each control. Can I safely add 2" to each of these numbers and order these ACS Controls from Aircraft Spruce? The order form has a ton of other options and I would love it if somebody with the same setup could post what they ordered. I'm sure it would help others in the future as well.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, almost every installation, other than stock, will likely be different lengths. I'm not sure how much luck you would have returning custom cables...
 
Thank you, that's good to know. I figured if somebody else has the same engine (IO-540) and same panel (Aerosport Symmetrical) then the lengths might be the same.

That being said, given the number of options available when ordering those controls, it would still be useful to have other orders to reference even if I need to put in my own lengths for the actual order.
 
Look at what Van’s sells for other RVs. You should find the length you need. I did that on my first RV-10 build.

Carl
 
kirkbauer said:
Thank you, that's good to know. I figured if somebody else has the same engine (IO-540) and same panel (Aerosport Symmetrical) then the lengths might be the same.

That being said, given the number of options available when ordering those controls, it would still be useful to have other orders to reference even if I need to put in my own lengths for the actual order.
Click to expand...
It is also dependent on the specific routing of the cable. Even for the stock cables. Better bet is to measure what your application will required and then order.
 
I purchased custom cables for my governor and throttle from McFarlane and had to provide about five different dimensions, along with a few other options. However, for your reference, my throttle cable is 56.25" long to from the panel bolt to the tip of the threads, but I have a cold air intake with an SDS EFII throttle body. My governor cable is 54" long, but is routed over the top of the engine.

I HIGHLY recommend waiting until your engine is mounted before buying your control cables.
 
Thanks everybody, I will wait until the engine is mounted. Is ACS (through Spruce) the best way to order my vernier controls? Or another source? I'd love somebody to walk me through the order when the time comes. The Aircraft Spruce order form is a bit intimidating.
 
kirkbauer said:
Thanks everybody, I will wait until the engine is mounted. Is ACS (through Spruce) the best way to order my vernier controls? Or another source? I'd love somebody to walk me through the order when the time comes. The Aircraft Spruce order form is a bit intimidating.
Click to expand...
Depends on what type of control and features you want. If you want a push-pull with vernier, McFarlane Aviation owns that patent and makes those. I would just call their support line and they will be more than helpful to get you set up.
 
McFarlane sells a throttle cable for the RV-10 that is the same length as Vans. We bought that and it did not work with our config (FM-150 and flat panel). Sent that back and asked for the same layout but three inches longer. That worked out fine.
 
I just ordered my cables too - other factors to take into account:
  • Are you going to route the prop cable through the bottom like Vans does, or through the top with the Showplanes bracket? That significantly changes routing and length. (I used the Showplanes bracket)
  • Which throttle body are you going to use, which way does it face and in what orientation? Side vs bottom arms make a difference for the length. (in my case, I could only fit the throttle with the arm facing down)
  • End bearings / clevis - don't forget to measure the hole-to-hole distance then subtract part of the length of the ends you'll attach to the cable. (for me this was about 1.5" shorter)
  • Where and how will the cables go through the firewall? A lot of us use TTP-S or similar eyeball fittings, but their center location does not match the original 3 holes Vans leaves on the firewall.
  • Think of how you'll measure the length - the cables are beefy and somewhat rigid. Ideal would of course to have the actual cable so you know the exact bend radius. I used plastic tubing (same one that I used for my static/pitot ports) as a close proxy.
  • How are you going to secure the cable behind the panel? Are you going to use F-1083, F-1083Q, or something else?
 
rdamazio said:
I just ordered my cables too - other factors to take into account:
  • Where and how will the cables go through the firewall? A lot of us use TTP-S or similar eyeball fittings, but their center location does not match the original 3 holes Vans leaves on the firewall.
  • How are you going to secure the cable behind the panel? Are you going to use F-1083, F-1083Q, or something else?
Click to expand...
Some thoughts:
- I used these for control cable firewall penetrators:
www.aircraftspruce.com

Cable Safe II | Aircraft Spruce

Cable Safe II This Fitting is designed for use on coaxial type control cables. It has a two piece design to allow it to be placed over the cable inserted thru the firewall & tightened down, providing a positi...
www.aircraftspruce.com www.aircraftspruce.com
- The cables are near the Van’s firewall holes, off set to the left as the above penetrators are wider than the snap bushings Van’s tells you to use.
- Yes, the cables must be secured behind the panel. On top of that I add a piece of 0.063” 3/4”x3/4” angle running fore/aft between the control cable bracket (below the panel) and the firewall. Without this there is too much panel flex when using the controls.

Carl
 
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