Balsa USA Smoothie RC Plane Kit Build No 41, installing Futaba servos

[@tomflynn7373]

Nice job making the aileron servo mounts, they a look fully integrated and form nicely with the wing.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks!

[@randynelson1769]

I like the two wing servos. You did a great job!

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks!

[@davidking3918]

Thats way my tower sport 60 is with a tight compartment I also use standard servos hi tech Hs-311 and futaba S3003 good servos and your right price is good on them thank you looking sharp

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks for the comment. Ya, for now basic analog servos fit my needs, and wallet.

[@rcnatec64]

there’s also a tray that futaba makes that is oriented for two servo’s sided by side and one 90 degrees for the orientation that you need.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Funny you mention that. I have one of those trays, been in a box of stuff for many years. I thought about it, but then I had the other rails already in. I need to pull that out and use it again sometime. Thanks for the comment, its a good tip.

[@stevejones9044]

Don't worry I can't say "awl" correctly either. Lol 😂 Thats a tight fit in there for those servos, but your decision for the throttle was good.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks lol!

[@garyglasband9333]

They also come 3/4" and 1"

[@joepellissier2091]

Well done. I assume you are using a radio that you already owned. Perhaps you could explain what you look for in a radio and what you would by today. I am starting over so I have to purchase everything. From what I have been reading it appears that Futuna may not be the radio of choice these days. I also agree that having a very complicated radio is not necessary rather just get the number of channels you may need. Always go more just in case.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Yes, I use the Futaba 6J on my little fleet of planes. You can program up to 20 planes with it. Honestly Im no expert on the radios. I started back in the 80s with Futaba and then left the hobby for some time. When I got back into it, about 7 years ago, the rc world changed a lot In technology, and I was looking for a new radio system and didn’t want or need a complex system. Between 4 and 6 channels is all I need, and so far just using plain analog servos is all I need. I know digital servos have programmable features and some advantages, but I just have not found the need. I know Spektrum systems are very popular, prob more than Futaba, but I know nothing about them. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of them. For me, I keep the radio simple. Sorry, I don’t have much to input on the different radio brands and such. Sound like you are researching it, you will find a lot of info for sure. Maybe check gor newer posts on forums such as RCGroups or RCPlanet for more info. Good luck, nice to see you came back to this great hobby!

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Ill add, that for me I like that Futaba has been around for decades and their quality looks good still. I dont know about Spektrum as much, but they appear to be a good quality brand also. I would stay away from lesser known brands. And I would go with 6 channel minimum, because you can have if desired flaps and landing gear, and even if you dont have dedicated flaps you can use two aileron servos to set up flaperons (probably most good radios these days allow it), and this can be helpful with some planes.

[@joepellissier2091]

Also, regarding attaching the string to the wire, I completely agree that the string needs to be in line with the wire. However I would have made a “U” in the string and inserted the connector in the “U” then taped it. This gives it a little more strength to the connection. Nothing worse than having the pulling string detaching from the wire, then what would you do?

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Good point about the “u”, makes sense! Thanks

[@jeffs7915]

Dab a drop of silicone glue to string and wire.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Nice tip!

[@fergsrcenjoyinglife352]

Does it matter if you mount servos right side up or upside down? Iam building a fly baby and on instructions it shows mounting them upside down.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

No, it doesn’t matter. I’ve mounted them inverted in order to get them to fit. Even on their sides. As long as they are secure and the control rods have free movement, its all good