Fenderbean
Well Known Member
I have seen a build that someone added the Ray Allen electric servo to the rudder. Trying to find this for reference, it's been a few years since I saw the videos on it.
Thanks
Thanks
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Need help tracking down an electric rudder trim install
- Thread starter Fenderbean
- Start date
Not the info you were looking for but I designed an electric actuator for the aerosport rudder trim.
It works pretty well but if I was building another -10, I would not bother with it. Turns out that once you find the best center point, you really won’t change the trim.
Mine is set for cruise; in climb only takes a big toe to center the ball. It was a fun project but the airplane really doesn’t need it.
That said, the yaw damper is a really nice addition. Do you need it, no…but it is really nice to have if you are carrying passengers.
Mike S
Senior Curmudgeon
Rudder Trim
I noticed that Geoff Combs has photos of him installing a rudder trim servo and tab on his aircraft. Has anyone else done this, or does anyone know of the manufacturer of a such a system? Bill
vansairforce.net
Fenderbean
Well Known Member
That's actually a cool idea, I have used linear actuators with large RC jets and could you show or describe your setup? I the simple design of that system but having to take my hands off the controls to turn a nob was not what I wanted but a simple servo or something that I can run a rocker switch to my throttle location would be SUPER!!!
Fenderbean
Well Known Member
Thanks, I saw this one but im needing to see how they did the areas inside to make the trim part thats cut more rigid and same for the rudder side.
You can find my entire build log at
Mykitlog.com/rocketman
Make sure the address is http and NOT https
Mike S
Senior Curmudgeon
The servo cutout uses a support ring and cover from Vans. Probably the same one linked in N1109J's post.
The cutout for the tab is reinforced top and bottom with bonded in phenolic wedges (you can see one in the last couple photos I posted) and an aluminum "C" channel bent to fit the front of the opening. The actual tab itself is also using phenolic wedges and the right skin is replaced with one that is longer, and bent to form a leading edge for the tab----that is then rivited to the hinge as is the "C" channel in the rudder.
Mike S
Senior Curmudgeon
Pretty much every long climb such as getting up to cruising altitude for cross country, and again for long descents.
Kinda nice for cross wind stuff too.
I was surprised no one mentioned this earlier, I assumed there was some balancing step later that addressed this? I would not do it either but this is my first (civilian) airplane project so maybe I was missing something. I would do this on roll trim too if I thought it was flutter safe
As a community we have unfortunate experience with one model demonstrating less margin than others. It's fine when built to plans and VNE is observed, but stuff happens. Except for anecdotal evidence, none of us know how much margin we have with the other models. So, a conservative view...don't reduce it just to add a feature of limited value.
Fenderbean
Well Known Member
Thanks, which section has your rudder mod? not seeing it
Start here. I was working on several things at the time...
I normally cruise climb and descend at around 500 fpm due to my wife's sensitive ears so I rarely use the rudder trim at all. Probably need to clarify, though. When I set up my system, I tuned it for what generally was necessary; just like a fixed tab. Consequently, there is always a bit of rudder bias in the system. What little else the -10 needs, the yaw damper makes up for.
