Top Flite Nobler - Manual (Page 9)

a system of in-flight uncoupling of the flap function was devised Maneuvers with
these planes, including of course the RC Nobler, could be made with and
without coupled flaps When uncoupled, the flaps were positioned at neutral
Without question, maneuvers with flaps are smoother, can be tighter, can be
slower, the plane is definitely more stable, and safer The Nobler is a fine
stunt plane without coupled flaps, but like all the other models, it is noticeably
better and more enjoyable with flaps
One finding of the study was that since the coupled flaps offer very little
drag during flare out for landing, the models would generally float in ground
effect With a slow idling engine or with the 10x5 Top Flite and 1 0 x 6 Top Flite
or Power Prop on the Noblers, this is no problem, but can be a nuisance
with higher pitch props or a fast idle By uncoupling the flaps, the models
landed as usual at a high sink rate and higher speeds We could also lower
the flaps independently 25 degrees for landing In gusty or windy conditions we
use only 15 degrees deflection for landing Extra flap movement gives higher lift
at slow speeds with adequate drag for precise spot landings This feature is worth-
while if you have a five channel system and five servos.
Uncoupling may be achieved in the transmitter by adding a switch and
potentionmeter in the fifth channel circuit The pot is ganged with or rotated
simultaneously with the elevator stick movement, the switch transfers the fifth
channel control to the ganged pot for coupled flaps and elevator or to the normal
fifth channel control pot for independent flap operation Set linkages in the
transmitter to give the ganged pot one third the rotation of the regular pot.
Now, when ganged, the flap has ± 5 degrees movement, and when operated
independently, it has 25 degrees movement downward See Fig. 16.
ELECTRONIC COUPLING
Note Flap neutral is at 80°
servo position 0' 80°
is landing flap range,
100° to 60° is coupled
flap range
These leads were originally
wired only to the 5th
channel pot
FIG. 16
8