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#4403402 - 02/04/18 06:44 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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I hope the link works! I hope it's helpful, too! https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=693813

Last edited by ARUP; 02/04/18 06:45 PM.
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#4403450 - 02/04/18 11:28 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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Thanks.

Yep, I have the EMPI springs, and as one can see from that thread, not only are they longer, but are thicker with more coils.

I think I'm going to table the oil pressure stuff for awhile, as it's close to being where I want it and everything is operating safely. I can tolerate a very small amount of oil on the cowl.

Next up is the radio.

I've worked out the squeal-on-transmit with some ballast magnets on the headset wires (pretty common), but now it's on to come up with something better for powering the portable radio itself.

One of the neat features of a handheld radio is that the transmit strength and the battery power are directly related, and it's a straight line descent. Twice now I've been caught with the battery being too low to either transmit properly or even at all - though it will receive fine. A really super cool feature of ICOM radios is there is no battery charge indicator, because why would an operator of the radio ever want to know how much charge is on it? nope

So the plan is that when the battery eliminator comes (it clips on in place of the battery and runs off of a cigarette lighter 12v connector) in the mail I'll do some minor surgery:

Have the alternator go straight to the battery and not through the switch on the right. It works and I'm satisfied I don't need it.

Move the master to the right side switch position. This solves the wires running under my compass (all the wires come in from the right and under it), and it will actually point in the right direction when the engine is running. There will still be a pair of wires running to the start button, but I don't think that's going to be an issue.

Make the switch on the left the "radio" one, and run it to a combo 12v connection with 2 USB power outputs that will be mounted just on the outside of the left part of the seat.

Plug the radio power into that and done.

Both the battery eliminator for the radio and the power output connectors have voltage regulators in them, so I don't think I'll cook the radio or (hopefully) have a lot of noise from it. And if I need to charge my tablet, I'll have a connector for it.

I'm waiting on weather and whatever the docs tell me about my right shoulder tomorrow. Old injuries have flared up and I need the body mechanics to do a diagnosis. I imagine they'll tell me it's arthritis and bursitis and to just suck it up. wink


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

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#4404951 - 02/13/18 05:00 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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New prop came in!

[Linked Image]

She put stickers on the new one, which I was very apathetic towards either way. One can't see them when the engine is turning it and I'm at 1,000 feet AGL.


Naturally I idiot proofed the torque order:

[Linked Image]

Why all the fuss? Culver cut the replacement prop at 60" instead of 62".

[Linked Image]

I'm building up the gumption to do the wiring stuff, but the weather is just crap.


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

From Laser:
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#4405519 - 02/16/18 07:20 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer
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Lifer

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You have to send the old prop back to them?
Didn't know if they could sell it now that it is used?


Wheels


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#4405537 - 02/16/18 10:26 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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Yep. They'll inspect it and put in the "reconditioned" bin (that's a bit too frugal for my likes, as a new prop is surprisingly inexpensive) or sell it as a decoration.

On the latter, it's cheaper to have a new prop cut than buy a replica in a lot of cases.


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

From Laser:
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#4405596 - 02/17/18 04:48 AM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Yeah, the idea of buying a used wooden prop for flying would not appeal to me either.
I hadn't thought about them selling it for a decoration though.


Wheels


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#4405759 - 02/18/18 04:57 AM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Naturally I idiot proofed the torque order:

[Linked Image]



I'm guessing there are nylon locking nuts on the back side of the prop bolts?

Is the new prop shorter? Must be the angle of the picture.

#4405766 - 02/18/18 05:55 AM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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Yep, locking nuts.

And yep, it's the camera angle and placement of the props, but the new one is two inches longer. Doesn't sound like much, just an inch on each blade, but it does make a difference.


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

From Laser:
"The forum is the place where combat (real time) flight simulator fans come to play turn based strategy combat."
#4405767 - 02/18/18 05:59 AM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer
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Lifer

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Originally Posted by Dart
Yep, locking nuts.

And yep, it's the camera angle and placement of the props, but the new one is two inches longer. Doesn't sound like much, just an inch on each blade, but it does make a difference.

Lol, most women would disagree. bananadance


Wheels


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Wheelsup_cavu

Mission4Today (Campaigns, Missions, and Skins for IL-2)
Planes of Fame Air Museum | March Field Air Museum | Palm Springs Air Museum
#4405779 - 02/18/18 07:35 AM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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On the question of why anyone would put a "used" prop on their plane, it's actually pretty simple.

First off, Culver will take my prop, inspect it, checking the balance, bolt holes, etc., and if it's okay put it on the market (at a reduced price). Unless one knows from the invoice, it will be indiscernible from a new one.

Second, there are guys who tinker with props. Me, I'm no scientist when it comes to stuff like that and asked for "whatever is the best balance for climb and cruise, leaning towards climb, for the engine you're building for me." Their experience with props, engines, and even the type of aircraft I built came up with the size and pitch, and I deferred to their judgement. Apparently it's enough of a difference to where they immediately said they'd cut me the new prop.

I know a lot of guys who experiment with different prop lengths and pitch, looking for just the right combination of pitch and length to get the "best" performance. Culver will re-pitch or shorten a prop for a nominal fee, and guys do that, too.

In my case, the new prop - which is the same size and pitch as the original prop - should climb better but be a tad bit slower at cruise...and slow me down on final better...than the shorter one. I haven't dove into the data to really suss out the true numbers, as an estimated three or five miles an hour means nothing to the kind of flying I do, and it didn't seem that much different.

So if one is going to go through three or four props in an effort to find the "right" one, getting a used prop from Culver is the way to go from a financial standpoint.


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

From Laser:
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#4405812 - 02/18/18 11:54 AM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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I always feel that a wooden prop is an art form in itself. If it was me, I'd put a period clock face in the centre and hang it on my man-cave wall.



#4406562 - 02/21/18 04:20 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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So here's my mighty fine radio power connector!

First, the wiring job:

[Linked Image]

All the connectors were taped up, and one can see the in-line fuse on the far left. Yesterday's learning curve experience showed me just how important it is.

The plugger in thingie also has two USB outlets, so that if I need to I can charge my phone or tablet.

I had thought about running it through the master power bus, but ruled that out on the basis that I usually listen to the weather and stuff before cranking the engine, and it might be better to have this on a unique circuit.

I like the fact that it has a light on it showing power is being applied. It's a warning that I need to turn it off if I've been using it during maintenance or something.

Second, the installation itself:

[Linked Image]

I feel all fancy having a switch labelled RADIO (Mike says it should have been labelled AVIONICS to reach full hubris), that's for sure.

Yes, that is indeed yet another appearance of industrial Velcro holding it in place. The stuff is incredibly solid. I hooked the radio's power connector to it and pulled mightily. The plug came out of the thingie rather than give loose of the Velcro.

So now, with the battery replacer on the radio, I don't have to worry about not having enough juice to transmit on it. I'll still carry a battery pack (one with the AA batteries in it to be sure it's fully charged) with me in the aircraft, though.

I also moved the antenna from the windscreen back as far as I could into the fuselage and still reach it. I need to find a spare rubber duck antenna, as in order to use the radio as a handheld I have to remove it from the extension cable on the aircraft...a real pain in the tail end.

From inside the hangar I could send and receive to the FBO. What I haven't done is pulled the airplane out, cranked it, and see if there is any electrical interference. I may try that today.


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

From Laser:
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#4408984 - 03/05/18 04:48 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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We had a rare and unique break in the weather that was perfect for flying, and I wasn't the only one out at the airport to take advantage of it!

My radio configuration worked a treat! Everyone said my radio was loud and clear* and there was zero squealing all day.

Moving the radio into the fuselage as far back as I could get it (Yet again, industrial velcro to the rescue!) also improved my reception to the point I had to adjust the squelch to get rid of some very distant folks hissing at me. But that one guy waayyy up in Fort Payne was sounding smooth as he did touch and goes.

The mental additions to the checklist were pretty much automatic. Starting up - Radio switch on, radio on, check weather and adjust altimeter, radio off, radio switch off, Master on, pump the throttle a couple times, press starter, when RPMs settled, radio switch on, radio on. Shutting down - Radio off, radio switch off, master off.

No weird noises from the charging system, either.

I did clip a battery pack (the one that uses AA batteries) to the outside of the seat out of the way as a backup, though.

The new prop performed wonderfully. While an extra two inches in total length isn't much and I wasn't looking for huge differences, in fact it just felt better. It could be that I trained myself to it, as the original was a 62x27 and the replacement was a 60x27 - and when Culver heard they shorted me (literally), they replaced it gratis - or the fact that it was such a great day and I was in an outrageously good mood, but I pretty much greased every landing - and using different profiles on landing.

With the shorter prop it seemed like I was always too fast by a tad, but the extra drag of the larger prop put me right where I need to be.

The nice thing about piloting an aircraft who's design is dedicated to putting as much drag as possible by throwing wires all over it is that one need never slip to drop altitude. Just reduce the throttle to idle and ride the down elevator. The fast one. smile

* A friend's KR2 has an odd antenna arrangement and can't receive over anything but mid range distance and handhelds not at all, and one fellow said it sounded like I had my head stuck out of the window. wink


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

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#4409105 - 03/06/18 02:16 AM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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thumbsup

Sounds like you are getting her wired Dart...

Time to be extra careful...

and still have fun too.

Last edited by Nixer; 03/06/18 02:19 AM. Reason: For a college guy my speeling still sucks

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#4409212 - 03/06/18 06:20 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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...and just like that the weather has gone to sh*t, and is forecasted to be that way for the next couple of weeks.

Next up is to improve the combing around the cockpit. I did a real "throw it on there" job with that, just whipping some fake leather over sections of garden hose and pipe insulation and wrapped around it with an extra long black boot lace.

I liberated this box sort of thing covered in fake leather from my neighbor (who was going to throw it out) as well as the back of a leather recliner set out for the trash man a few weeks back.

So now I'm going to go back and cut new sections, put eyelets on the holes, and lace it along the cockpit.

The seat also needs to be re-covered, as well. The cheapo fabric I used is fraying, and since one has to step on the seat to get in and out, the fabric cushion bottom is dirty. So I'm thinking I might have enough faux leather to cover both.


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

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#4409220 - 03/06/18 06:55 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Originally Posted by Dart


The seat also needs to be re-covered, as well. The cheapo fabric I used is fraying, and since one has to step on the seat to get in and out, the fabric cushion bottom is dirty.



Ah, something I can offer advise on! I have to step on the seat of my flight sim cockpit getting in/out as well, so I bought one of those el cheapo foam cushions they sell for deer hunters to sit on in their tree stands. It stays in the seat, I step on it and I can sit on it as it adds a bit of extra cushioning. If/when it wears out I'll just get another for $5.


"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4410027 - 03/11/18 10:18 AM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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Weather was impossible for flying, so I decided to start tackling the combing. Things were going pretty good until a parade of "helpers" started showing up to ask questions, make random observations, and generally slowing things down - with the exception of one of my EAA brothers who was up there and dove in to actually help.

The material is big enough to double over and reach around, so no sewing! I just ironed a seam in it, threw in the eyelets every two inches on one side, spray painted the inside black (the inner cloth backing was silver), put some 90 spray adhesive on it, and folded it back.

I didn't put eyelets all the way through because the only decent size I could find were still fairly large, and I wanted to disguise the holes where the leather boot lace went in and out of the sheet metal.

The weather was turning to total crap and I was beginning to flag, so here's where I left off with the initial fitting of one side:

[Linked Image]

The top around the cockpit isn't smooth, as one can see, and I have some ideas on how to make it so....but then again, I kind of like the folds, too.

The join is now at the front, and the piece is big enough to go all the way around. The center piece at the back is held in place with - what else - industrial velcro.


The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

From Laser:
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#4410428 - 03/13/18 11:37 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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A little video from a flight a week or so ago...


Last edited by Dart; 03/14/18 12:48 AM.

The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

From Laser:
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#4410432 - 03/13/18 11:55 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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"This video contains content from Warner Chappell, who has blocked it on copyright grounds."

frown


"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4410433 - 03/13/18 11:59 PM Re: 7/8 scale Nieuport 11. [Re: Dart]  
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Lifer

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And so it is! Hahahaha, I had no idea Bill Monroe was so fiercely defended!

Lemme go back and strip it out.

Last edited by Dart; 03/14/18 12:01 AM.

The opinions of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

More dumb stuff at http://www.darts-page.com

From Laser:
"The forum is the place where combat (real time) flight simulator fans come to play turn based strategy combat."
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