REFLECTOR:BMA Autopilot

[S Baker]

Let me say first, that I am not an expert on this.  I have observed (amongst
several different autopilot servo manufacturers and installations)
situations where "slack" in the control system often affected the proper
working of the autopilot operation.  The push-pull cable system has more
slack than a rigid rod arm.  This might - or might not - affect the
autopilot.  When Greg Richter was working on the Blue Mountain pitch servo
that is installed in the factory Velocity, he noticed free movement in the
servo arm that was darn near imperceptible to me.  I would have thought it
to be of little consequence, however he said it (the "slop") was too much.
Anyway, this is the basis of my concern.
Best regards,
Scott B.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Martino" <tmartino@troubleshooter.com>
To: <reflector@tvbf.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2003 2:06 PM
Subject: RE: REFLECTOR:BMA Autopilot


> Flexible rods have been used in many aircraft for control.  They are
identical to the ones used in the velocity.  The servos move it with ease.
It actuates the elevator.  Short of that ... what else do you want?
>
> Obviously it will only be as good as the auto pilot system ... but the
actual movement is the same as any flight control.  As with all control
cables, the ends must be secure.
>
> I am not sure exactly what is "unsure" about the use of flexible cables?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: S Baker [mailto:sbakr@bellsouth.net]
> Sent: Wed 5/14/2003 11:40 AM
> To: reflector@tvbf.org
> Cc:
> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR:BMA Autopilot
>
>
>
> Tim and all ...
> A push-pull cable may seem like a good idea, but I would reserve judgment
> until it has been flight tested and confirmed that everything is working
> "according to plan".   The rigid rod arm design, we know, works.
> Best regards,
> Scott B.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tom Martino" <tmartino@troubleshooter.com>
> To: <reflector@tvbf.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2003 1:19 AM
> Subject: RE: REFLECTOR:BMA Autopilot
>
>
> > The pitch servo can be mounted on the top of the canard (along side the
> > trim actuator).  Many use a push rod that activates a coupling on the
> > torque tube ... but I found a better way.
> >
> > I simply ordered a three foot push-pull control cable (similar to the
> > ones that we use on our ailerons) ... and hooked it up.  I simply looped
> > it around the canard on onto the same place that the pitch control tube
> > mounts to ... it works great.
> >
> > The roll servo can go aft of the keel on the floor on the pilot side,
> > with a push rod hooking to the aileron bellcrank.
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: -LD [mailto:jldortch@prp.org]
> > Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 1:24 PM
> > To: reflector@tvbf.org
> > Subject: REFLECTOR:BMA Autopilot
> >
> > Has anyone installed the Blue Mountain Avionics autopilot servos in a
> > standard RG? If so, where and got any pix?
> >
> > John Dortch N83AD
> >
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