🚀 go-pugleaf

In article F7M@csn.org, eeak@teal.csn.org (Ed Krejcik) writes:
>Another from my list of questions:

>I use the EZ connectors on my Gentle Lady, and they are great.
>They make it very easy for trimming. My friend says that they
>will be too unreliable in a power plane due to the vibration.
>
>
>QUESTION:
>Can I use the EZ connectors, or will they fail due to vibration?
>They are my first choice.

I prefer to use adjustable clevises on both ends of a pushrod.  I don't trust
any connector with a set screw on anything but throttle.  Also, try not to have 
any bends in a pushrod if at all possible.  In many airplanes the kit shows
the two pushrods parallel to each other with a dog leg bend at the aft end.
Most of the time if you simply cross the rudder and elevator pushrods, you can
keep them absolutely straight.  Much stiffer.  It's probably not terribly important
on a trainer but on a high speed airplane a sloppy elevator can really get
you in trouble.

In article <C189q0.F7M@csn.org>, eeak@teal.csn.org (Ed Krejcik) writes:
> 
> 
> QUESTION:
> Can I use the EZ connectors, or will they fail due to vibration?
> They are my first choice.
> 
I would NOT recommend using EZ connectors on anything but throttle. If that
little setscrew gets even a little loose on the elevator, you'r dead meat.
Just not worth it. I don't see where soldering quick links to the pushrod
would be any better than Z-bends. Solder joints can fail, but Z-bends are
rock solid. I vote for Z-bends.

Larry

In article <C189q0.F7M@csn.org> eeak@teal.csn.org (Ed Krejcik) writes:
>Another from my list of questions:
>
><Stuff deleted.>
>I use the EZ connectors on my Gentle Lady, and they are great.
>They make it very easy for trimming. My friend says that they
>will be too unreliable in a power plane due to the vibration.
>
>
>QUESTION:
>Can I use the EZ connectors, or will they fail due to vibration?
>They are my first choice.
>
I use EZ connectors on everything from power plane to gliders. Yes,
vibration may cause a failure but I usually check all the mechanical
connections before the wing is bolted on. This gives me a chance
to inspect the plane before each flying session. For extra insurance,
I use a thread locking compound on all the screws so they don't come
loose. If the screw heads become smashed from frequent tightening, I
replaced them with a socket screw. There are better ways I guess, but
this hasn't failed me yet.


Lyman Lew, lew@caesi.scg.hac.com

In article <96800@rphroy.ph.gmr.com> pfoss@cmsa.gmr.com writes:
>
>In article F7M@csn.org, eeak@teal.csn.org (Ed Krejcik) writes:
>>Another from my list of questions:
>
>>I use the EZ connectors on my Gentle Lady, and they are great.
>>They make it very easy for trimming. My friend says that they
>>will be too unreliable in a power plane due to the vibration.
>>
>>
>>QUESTION:
>>Can I use the EZ connectors, or will they fail due to vibration?
>>They are my first choice.
>
>I prefer to use adjustable clevises on both ends of a pushrod. 
                                        ^^^^^^^^^

I assume you use a lock nut on atleast one end to prevent the pushrod
from lengthening or shortening due to vibration? Not a flame, just wanna
be sure the neophytes don't get the wrong impression.
-- 
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< EZ-connectors comments >
>>I prefer to use adjustable clevises on both ends of a pushrod. 
>                                        ^^^^^^^^^

>I assume you use a lock nut on atleast one end to prevent the pushrod
>from lengthening or shortening due to vibration? Not a flame, just wanna
>be sure the neophytes don't get the wrong impression.

Errr.. Wait a minute, think about this a second.  If one end of the
rod rotates in the clevis, then the other one does too.  The rod may
slide one way or the other by rotating, but the length remains the 
same (assuming 2-56 threads...)

Now, this is not to say I 'condone' using un-lock-nutted clevises on
both ends of a rod...!  The pushrod could rotate enough to completely
come out of one clevis.  And, it could advance far enough into one side
to cause binding, and eventually battery run-down, and so forth.

My personal choice, which I use on virtually EVERY pushrod type installation
is Z bends on the servo end, and STEEL clevises, locknutted to prevent
metal-to-metal noise, as well as a piece of fuel tubing over the closed
clevis to prevent it from popping off under load.  For smaller planes
and gliders, I will use nylon clevises, if the horn is also nylon; a 
miniscule amount of weight, and no need for a locknut.

The only place I will use EZ-connectors is for nose-wheel steering
(usually not there, either) and throttle.  These are more adjustment
prone items, and often harder to get at the end opposite the servo.

Several years ago I did use EZ's on my flight surfaces, but my rudder
on a tail-dragger popped the EZ off the servo a couple of times on landing,
and I decided it was CHEAPER, STRONGER, and MORE RELIABLE to use Z-bends.
The available z-bender pliers are really good for this - one of my most
favorite tools, in fact.  :)

  -swb- (Steve Bixby, sbixby@cup.portal.com)