REFLECTOR: PITCH & ROLL TRIM

Wed Oct 20 14:47:28 CDT 2004

Dave,

I don't suppose you could take a snapshot or two of that Strong system in your
plane for us?  I'm intersted in saving some space as well, and I'll also like
to hook a trim indicator up on the elevator, and I think this may be the way to
go, but looking at the website, I'm not entirely sure how you've fitted this up

Brett

Quoting Dave Nelson <davenali at charter.net>:

> Re: REFLECTOR: PITCH & ROLL TRIMI also tried various techniques to stiffen
> the standard pitch trim spring setup before I gave up.  Part of the problem
> for me was that the standard installation took up room behind the instrument
> panel, which is why I worked hard to find an entirely different alternative.
>
> I've got almost 700 hours on my plane.  I started with a pure "standard"
> installation, went to a modified installation after a significant panel
> upgrade (which involved inverting the fiberglass spring and stiffening it),
> and finally, the Strong pitch trim system.  I've got close to 100  hours on
> the new Strong system, including dozens of instrument approaches (where you
> really learn if you've got a good pitch trim system!), and I'm extremely
> pleased with this new setup.  The factory systems never had the authority and
> fine control that my new setup does.
>
> If your setup is working for you, that's great!  Mine wasn't, and so I came
> up with this solution.  Your ideas + mine = more options for the rest of the
> community!
>
> Thanks.
>
> Dave
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Stephen Vaughen
>   To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
>   Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 12:48 AM
>   Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: PITCH & ROLL TRIM
>
>
>   Dave,
>
>
>   I broke a series of stock pitch trim springs before waking up in the middle
> of the night with the answer.  As with so many problems I've ever faced, the
> answer was relatively simple, and was staring me right in the face.
>
>
>   The answer was to create a pitch trim spring which was a series of 2 bid
> layers instead of one solid fiberglass spring.
>
>
>   In other words, imagine the stock pitch trim spring shape and size, but
> made up of 10 independent layers at 2 bid each.
>
>
>   What happens is that the layers slide against one another and no individual
> layer gets over stressed to the point of breaking.  Realize that 2 bid of
> fiberglass can flex a lot farther without breaking than can a 10 bid layer.
> A series of 2 bid layers can achieve the stiffness you want by just adding
> more 2 bid layers.
>
>
>   I recall that I found the sweet spot at about 10 layers, 2 bid each.  No
> more broken pitch trim springs and I have full override movement with
> adequate stiffness.  You want more or less stiffness, add or remove 2 bid
> layers.
>
>
>   I mentioned to Scott Swing that I had conquered this problem on my plane,
> so I hope that the word gets around.  Scott asked me how I made it, and I
> told him that I started with the stock pitch trim spring, duct taped one
> side, laid up 2 bid, covered it with plastic, another 2 bid, another sheet of
> plastic, etc., etc.
>
>
>   Come to think of it, it may have been 8 2 bid layers.  I'll count the
> layers later this week.
>
>
>   I hope this works for you.  Regards
>
>
>   Steve
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>     I agree that the factory pitch trim system leaves alot to be desired.
> Last winter I worked with Alexis Strong (of Cozy fame) to engineer a system
> for my Velocity STD-RG based on his well proven design that's flying in
> dozens and dozens of EZEs out there.  I've been (slowly... very slowly)
> putting together an article to describe my results.  In net, working with
> Alex, we modified the design for my Velocity and I'm very, very pleased with
> the results.  I'll try to post more in the next couple of days if anyone's
> interested.
>
>     Dave
>
>       ----- Original Message -----
>       From: Tom Martino
>       To: Velocity Email List (E-mail)
>       Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 9:51 AM
>       Subject: REFLECTOR: PITCH & ROLL TRIM
>
>
>       I like most everything about the Velocity design except for the pitch
> and roll trim.  So I am finally doing something about it.  I am installing
> tiny trim servos in the elevator and one aileron and outfitting them with
> piano hinged trim tabs.  The wires will be run inside the torque tubes.  I am
> happy to be eliminating that clunky linear activator and the cumbersome
> fiberglass trim spring on the canard and the string & spring roll trim.
>
>       Anyone else ever do this?
>
>       BTW - I have forgotten to post the paint designs I promised . but it's
> been difficult to get my graphic artist to send me the digitals.  All I have
> now are large print-outs.  They should be coming soon.
>
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