Simpler is gooder! My Challenger nose gear cable pulls straight inline with the gear. The handle is locked up on a hook on the bottom of the instrument panel. When the gear is down it touches the outter cable and hang down ready to grad. Both main gear cable outers are in the double plastic holder mounted on the rear side of the cross angle where the belly starts. Both inner cables are the joined into one. That cable then goes around a pulley mounted in single shear on the inside of the longeron, does a 180° turn to the handle. The handle hooks onto the right hand upright from the longeron to the instrument panel. with the main gear up it rests beside my knee. I have attached a small bungee cord to position it correctly to grab. Each lock / unlock cables are fastened to each side of the seat. Perhaps not visually appealing, however it’s as light as possible and always operates perfectly. O yes, "watched to the end"
I agree, simpler is gooder. I haven't decided yet which way I will finally go, but that decision is going to be made very soon. With the possibility of me changing it again, if I don't like it. After all, this is called "experimental" for a reason. Cheers
Have been following this project for a while! I'm looking at buying an older Challenger, 1998 model. Good logs and all maintenance receipts. Still an old bird. Boy I wish somebody would do a video on how to do a pre-purchase look at a Challenger......
Expect to remove and replace some items, like fuel lines, wiring, and even some control cables. A lot of items that need close attention are riveted joints and hinges. Take a VERY close look at those, and replace any that show even the slightest sign of becoming loose or corrosion. Then test the fabric, and any failure at any point would mean a full recovering of the wings and control surfaces. They are a very simple aircraft in reality, and if looked after properly, they will last a lifetime and longer. But they do need maintenance like all other aircraft. I hope you have gotten some good information from my videos. And thanks for following along.
I’m just guessing, but I would think a front, and rear gear pull levers would work? I’m really looking forward to when you start your test flights, and I hope you take a bunch of footage.
I was going to suggest electric gear drive, but that doesn't solve the friction problem. Friction is wear and the forces you are describing are too high. Re route the cables, or go back to pullies?
I've actually been considering putting a linear actuator in to raise and lower the gear. Still working on the layout. I may do that modification next winter. For now, I want to fly this summer.
KISS,,,,, Keep it simple and safe :)
Good advice.
Looking good man!
Thanks
Simpler is gooder! My Challenger nose gear cable pulls straight inline with the gear. The handle is locked up on a hook on the bottom of the instrument panel. When the gear is down it touches the outter cable and hang down ready to grad. Both main gear cable outers are in the double plastic holder mounted on the rear side of the cross angle where the belly starts. Both inner cables are the joined into one. That cable then goes around a pulley mounted in single shear on the inside of the longeron, does a 180° turn to the handle. The handle hooks onto the right hand upright from the longeron to the instrument panel. with the main gear up it rests beside my knee. I have attached a small bungee cord to position it correctly to grab. Each lock / unlock cables are fastened to each side of the seat. Perhaps not visually appealing, however it’s as light as possible and always operates perfectly. O yes, "watched to the end"
I agree, simpler is gooder. I haven't decided yet which way I will finally go, but that decision is going to be made very soon. With the possibility of me changing it again, if I don't like it. After all, this is called "experimental" for a reason. Cheers
Have been following this project for a while! I'm looking at buying an older Challenger, 1998 model. Good logs and all maintenance receipts. Still an old bird. Boy I wish somebody would do a video on how to do a pre-purchase look at a Challenger......
Expect to remove and replace some items, like fuel lines, wiring, and even some control cables. A lot of items that need close attention are riveted joints and hinges. Take a VERY close look at those, and replace any that show even the slightest sign of becoming loose or corrosion. Then test the fabric, and any failure at any point would mean a full recovering of the wings and control surfaces. They are a very simple aircraft in reality, and if looked after properly, they will last a lifetime and longer. But they do need maintenance like all other aircraft. I hope you have gotten some good information from my videos. And thanks for following along.
I’m just guessing, but I would think a front, and rear gear pull levers would work? I’m really looking forward to when you start your test flights, and I hope you take a bunch of footage.
Taking lots of video when I put it in the air is the plan.
I was going to suggest electric gear drive, but that doesn't solve the friction problem. Friction is wear and the forces you are describing are too high. Re route the cables, or go back to pullies?
I do believe going back to the pulley is the answer. I will post a video of the progress.
Keep your stick on the ice. Hey wait. Stick? Johnson Bar?
LOL
Hi torque motor in place of a lever?
I've actually been considering putting a linear actuator in to raise and lower the gear. Still working on the layout. I may do that modification next winter. For now, I want to fly this summer.
get you lavalier microphones bud. been telling your for a while now. $50 bucks, usd.
The cameras I have will not accept them unfortunately.