Flaperon Mixing and 3-Pos Flap Switch

by AG Pro | April 8, 2014 | (0) Posted in Tips

Flaperon Mixing and 3-Position Flap Mixing Switch


Quick Tips on how to setup Flaperon mixing on Transmitter and the implementation of 3-Position Flap mixing switch.


Note that JR PROPO XG-7 transmitter is used in this case. However, this method may be applied to the different manufacturers or types. Please refer to the manufacturers’ manual on flaperon mixing on each respective brand.


These tips are implemented to enhance your flight experience and ease the TAKE-OFF and LANDING procedures for your model. Flaperons are the combination of Ailerons and Flaps; the ailerons of the model can be functioned as the flaps as well, and during the flaps engaged, the ailerons can be function normally to control the roll of the model. This method enables the model with only Ailerons to function as flaps as well.

In order to enable the flaperons, transmitter mixing program is required. Firstly, enter the [ SYSTEM LIST ] menu ( by holding the [ ENT ] button while turning ON the transmitter, for JR PROPO).


Secondly, scroll down to [ WING TYPE ] to enable the [ FLAPERON ] (default setting : OFF).


Thirdly, return to [ MAIN SCREEN ] and enter the [ FUNCTION LIST ].


Fourthly, scroll down and enter the [ FLAP SYS. ] to configure your desired 3-position flap mixing switch settings. FLAP is the angle amount setting on the ailerons, and ELEV is the angle amount setting on the elevator.


FLAPS MIXING SWITCH:


POS.1 [ NORM ] for LEVEL FLIGHT position:  

----->   set FLAP and ELEV to 0


POS.2 [ MID ] for TAKE-OFF position: 

----->   set FLAP to moderate amount of down angle ( 15° - 25° )

----->   set ELEV to small amount of up angle ( 10° - 15° )

 

POS.3 [ LAND ] for LANDING position:

----->   set FLAP to more down angle than previously ( 30° - 45° )

----->   set ELEV to less up angle than previously ( 5° - 10° )


The numerical value of each setting must be adjusted to your own model, as the characteristic of each model differs and every user has their own preferred style of settings.


Finally, before flying your model, it is recommended to test the function of the flaperon mixing system. Make sure the servo connections are already correct for FLAPERON mixing; refer to the diagram below.

 


For different brands and types, please refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

 

Use the 3-position flap mixing switch to engage the flaps; TAKE-OFF, LEVEL FLIGHT, or LANDING position.


Here is the TAKE-OFF position:


Here is the LEVEL FLIGHT position:


Here is the LANDING position:


Here is a quick demonstration video:

 

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COMMENTS

douteng on April 25, 2014
Very good
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AG Pro on April 25, 2014
Flaperon mixing saves weight by eliminating extra servos for separate flaps.
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FinalGlideAus on April 26, 2014
Just be aware that in that particular design you are introducing an increased camber at the tips or "wash in" which will increase tip stall tendencies. This is why flaps are always inboard of the ailerons as when the flaps drop it produces "washout" or wing twist that ensures the center part of the wing always stalls first so no tip stall and resultant wing drop is possible. Nice article to prove the idea though.
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AG Pro on April 27, 2014
Wow. That is new to me. I greatly appreciate for sharing your thoughts. You have just prevent me from unexpected wing tip stall. I will have to adjust the speed when turning to prevent the tip stall. Cheers!
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FinalGlideAus on April 27, 2014
No worries mate :)
This doesn't mean it will happen but that it is more likely. Maybe try flying it high in the air, put in the flaperon mix and slow it down to see what happens. The height will allow you time to recover.

To give you more of an idea what I'm talking about in my previous post, a wing will always stall at the same angle of attack or AOA. A wing will cruise with about 1 or 2 degrees positive AOA. To find the the AOA on your wing just get a point right on the very front of the leading edge and another point on the very back of the trailing edge. Draw an imaginary line between the two and that's the wings AOA. Position the wing's AOA 1 or 2 degrees up and that's your flying attitude. As you increase that AOA during forward flight there becomes a point where the wing stops producing lift and stalls, i.e. as you slow down and pull back on the elevator and the nose picks up.

Ok now drop your flaperons and redo that AOA line. because the trailing edge has dropped it now has a much higher angle of attack compared to the center part of the wing where there is no ailerons.

Now picture flying and slowing down during a landing. You're going to pull back on the elevator and in turn increase the wings AOA. With the flaperon mix on the wing tips you have a higher AOA than the center section so that means the tips will reach that critical angle at which that wing stall before the center section causing a tip stall.

Now do the same test with AOA lines on a plane with flaps inboard of the ailerons and you'll see the opposite is true. Some trainer planes even have washout built into the wing which basically means the tip is twisted downwards few degrees to prevent tip stall. It produces more drag but that is not a key factor in a trainer.

Hope that helps
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AG Pro on April 28, 2014
What a remarkable explanation! Btw, are you in an aviation engineering or is it just hobby? I believe the FliteTest community will find this very useful. Thank you FinalGlideAus for sharing this.
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FinalGlideAus on April 29, 2014
I've flown as a hobby most of my life but done a lot of competitive flying in F3B RC Gliders. I also compete in fullsize glider comps and have an interest in how things work and how to improve things.

I'm glad the info is of some use to you :)
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AG Pro on April 29, 2014
Cheers Mate! I still have a couple of design to be tested and flown; including glider-type aircraft but the electronic parts have not arrived. In the mean time, I am trying the FPV and Autopilot system setup for DLE-TR01 platform.
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Flaperon Mixing and 3-Pos Flap Switch