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May I ask what mechanism/method you guys are using to measure your control surface deflection? I have some ideas for makeshift protractors but I’m curious what others are doing?
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Almost flying! -
Digital levelComment
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Back before I had a digital level, I used a school kids protractor to make a cardboard template. But it's a little complicated on surfaces that aren't flat, like the Model B tail or the wing. But the digital level is handy for lots of things, even ignition timing, and I think the one I got was around $30.Originally posted by AKKen07 View PostComment
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I did what Jared did using weighted piece of safety wire (instead of a plumb bob) as my "pointer". I just placed the protractor in alignment with the upper surface of my favorite elevator rib. With the elevator clamped in a streamlined position to the horizontal stabilizer and the wire hanging over the protractor I called that my Zero reference point.Last edited by Bcone1381; 01-08-2021, 07:18 PM.Brooks Cone
Southeast Michigan
Patrol #303, Kit buildComment
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Do you have a smartphone? They make these crazy things call apps and they even have some that are digital levels! Amazing! ðŸ˜
But in all seriousness, I bought a digital level from Home-depot and it was really handy. I compared it with an app on my iPhone and they were the same. The digital level gives me a warm fuzzy over my phone but I honestly don’t think the result it any different. Either way...protractors are so 1900.😄Scratch Built 4-place Bearhawk. Continental IO-360, 88" C203 McCauley prop.Comment
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How I tell which horizontal stab is which is look for the trim drive guide bushings. Oil hole is up. YMMV as my stuff is scratch built.Comment
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I bought a digital level, in part so I could also use it to set the prop pitch. I could have used the phone, but my phone is in a "rubbery" case, and it has some bumps on it that might affect the actual "level" and make repeatability challenging. Also, the digital level is just long enough that I can loop a rubber band over one end of the level, then over the front of the prop blade, and around the other end of the level, thus holding it in place so I can use both hands to set the blade pitch... I couldn't do that with the phone.Jim Parker
Farmersville, TX (NE of Dallas)
RANS S-6ES (E-LSA) with Rotax 912ULS (100 HP)Comment
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I used an app on my phone. Even with the case in its within 1/2 degree. Brilliant piece of kit.Nev Bailey
Christchurch, NZ
BearhawkBlog.com - Safety & Maintenance Notes
YouTube - Build and flying channel
Builders Log - We build planesComment
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I think the compass on your phone would work for measuring rudder travel.Whee - how do you apply that to the rudder to measure it's travel?Nev Bailey
Christchurch, NZ
BearhawkBlog.com - Safety & Maintenance Notes
YouTube - Build and flying channel
Builders Log - We build planesComment
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