ETLB Squawk Forums — Archive

Does anyone have a set of control cables that are not yet installed? I know other builders have adapted aluminum push-pull tubes to replace the cables and I have considered that in my build. I don't have a distaste for the cables but am looking for any possible weight saving that might be realized by using tubes rather than the cables. It might end up that the cables per plans might actually be lighter and simpler but I'd like to know how they actually compare. So, if you have either cables available to weigh I would appreciate knowing the weight in pounds and ounces.

Thanks in advance.

Lynn

If you do not get a definitive answer could you get a ball park estimate by checking out websites that sell same or similar?
At one time I was perusing various website for cables and was lost due to the many styles/options that are available, solid core, various multi-cores (stranded), Which one do I need to be safe? I was building the Airbike so could not order from TEAM (not supported). Turns out they are the same as used on the Mini-Max and so was able to order them from Team.
But I digress....

Digression excused.

I suppose I could place a quote request from one of the custom cable companies, but feel bad about putting them through some quote work/time suspecting that I wouldn't order anyway.

Lynn

Thought you might find the weights on websites (without getting a quote), just did a Quick googlz search and, yeah, no weight info provided  : (

Hi Lyn

As you may remember, I built my own push rod control system. I weighed it, & comared the weight to the cables supplied with the kit.

I found my system was very slightly heavier than the cables. However, if you follow the British airworthiness directive & double up on the pitch control cables, then my system would be lighter.

But I would build my system again for sure if ever I built another Max. It was close to a totally frictionless feel, giving feather light control inputs. The flaps I incorporated were a fun option too, though in the end I took to doing very steep sideslip approaches just for for fun!

Sorry this post is so late in replying, but I've only just been able to post here again. For some reason I couldn't log in until today.

How's your new build going?

Bruce

Thanks for the information Bruce, and thanks for asking about my build. I will have to admit progress has been painfully slow, but I'm not on a schedule so I do what I can when I can. A lot of volunteer stuff for my wife and I seems to keep us as busy as when we had actual jobs.

I was thinking that a push-pull rod system might not be lighter than cables and possibly even heavier. I think for simplicity I will probably go the cable route when the time comes. As slow as the build is going I probably don't need to add more time tinkering to get the geometry and travel right on a push-pull rod system. At 72 I'd better stay with simple or I may not ever get MiniMAX II completed.

BTW....it's good to see a bit of activity on ETLB again even though it's not what it was 8 or 10 years ago.

Lynn

Yeah well if you're building for pleasure, why get it done too soon?  I so enjoyed building my Max I can understand fully why you're doing another one. But maybe fly this one?

I'm not well enough to start again. Zero kidney function, very little energy.  But I'm so glad I have my memories of both building & flying the Max. They're such great little aeroplanes.

And yes, shame the board isn't as active - and inspiring - as it was 10 years ago.  I hope it doesn't fade away to nothing. . .

So sorry to hear of your health challenges! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lynn