
.
There are any number of different radio systems currently in use and on the market. Because of this, it is not possible to
explain the optimum set-up of all these systems for this particular model. The following suggested control surface travel
information is based upon our experience with the Somethin Extra. These suggested surface movements should be
considered as a starting point. As your experience and confidence builds, these control movements can be increased to
outrageous amounts, to really explore the model s (and your) capabilities!
Control Surface Travel Chart
Surface
Low Rate Travel
High Rate Travel
ELEVATOR 1-1/4 up - 1-1/4 down
2 up - 2 down
AILERONS
1 up - 1 down
2 up - 2 down
RUDDER
1-7/8 left-1-7/8 right
2-1/4 left- 2-1/4 right
THROTTLE full range of travel
NOTE: These measurements were taken as follows:
Aileron travel measured at the inboard trailing
edge.
Elevator travel measured at the widest inboard
trailing edge.
Rudder travel measured at the widest lower
trailing edge.
If your are using a computer radio, the following information may be of help to you. Listed and explained below are types
of control surface mixing that would be desirable on this type of model and the effect they have on the flight performance
of the SOMETHIN EXTRA
Control Surface Mixing
Mixing
Control
Surfaces
Effect
FLAPERONS
AILERONS
Using virtually any of today s modern computer radios and two separate aileron servos,
it is possible to use the ailerons as flaps. In actual flight, lowering both ailerons as flaps
typically causes the model to pitch down, requiring some corrective up elevator input to
maintain level flight. Some transmitters have a rotary Flap knob, allowing the flyer to
select the best flap position for any given wind conditions. With each aileron servo
plugged into a separate channel in the receiver, lowering both ailerons as flaps still
allows independent movement of each aileron to control roll. This is a versatile mixing
feature as long as the pilot maintains elevator input as required.
ELEVATOR-
FLAP
ELEVATORS
and FLAPS
Elevator to Flap mixing is also a good feature. It interfaces the elevators to the flaps,
allowing both surfaces to work together. When mixed together, the flaps travel
downward while the elevators travel upwards at a programmed rate. Likewise,
deploying the flaps upwards causes the elevators to travel downwards at a
programmed rate. This mixing feature can be used to give your SOMETHIN EXTRA the
ability to perform incredibly sharp turns and super tight loops.
PRE-SET
SWITCH
FLAPS and
ELEVATORS
As mentioned in Note #1, some radios have rotary knobs for a flap channel and some
have 3-position switches allowing pre-set flap and elevator positions and some systems
have both these features. The 3-position switch typically allows for three different flap
positions. For example: Switch setting #1: Raise the flaps 10 deg. or so, causing the
flaps to act as spoilers on a sailplane, spoiling some of the wing s lift. This will cause
the SOMETHIN EXTRA to make faster descents for those quick take-offs and landings
sometimes required in fun fly contests. Switch setting #2: With the switch in this
position, the flaps are held in the neutral position, with the exception of the elevator to
flap mixing for normal flying. Switch setting #3: Lowers the flaps to about 30 deg. This
allows the model to make extremely slow landings or to even hover or appear to fly
backwards in certain wind conditions.
Double check your entire radio installation and remedy any problems now. Make sure that all five servos have their output
arm screws back in place and tightened. We also suggest that you periodically check the available voltage in your receiver
and transmitter packs with a good ESV to avoid battery related problems. Last, no matter how good you may think your
radio system is, make it a routine part of your pre-flight procedures to always perform a thorough range check before every
flying session.