F-100D Super Sabre 90mm EDF Optional Pro Flap Matching

Pro Tips for Flap Matching/Tuning

Flap Setup Notes

• This OPTIONAL method is for those who want to take the time to make their model to be as perfect as possible!
• There is no one 'right way' to setup flaps. This page will give an example of setting up two flaps with one transmitter input using AURA and with the F-100D PNP as an example. The techniques can be used in general in many situations.
• This is an excellent technique for those who want there model to fly very well... used by experts and scale competitors, etc. This not one that is required for flight. It is no different for any aircraft or brand, and these techniques with slightly different details would be the same for non-Aura models.
• Typical settings (matches F-100D setup per manual)
  • We will assume 3-position scale type flaps set on a 3 position switch. The 'half flap' position will be set at (or near) the 'center' position (aka transmitter data set at or near 0%.
  • Using Aura, transmitter wing type is set to 1 aileron, 1 flap
  • Aura is set to two flaps and will setup two servo output ports (example S7, S8) using the 1 Tx/Rx Channel (CH6 is typical) as the input (Source).
• There are alternate techniques. For example, Flaperon or Live Wing/Crow setups may often use Transmitter Center Data as FLAPS UP, as opposed to FLAPS MIDDLE as this example shows.

High Level Overview of Pro Flap Setup

• Make starting Transmitter and Aura settings (F-100D users set per manual)
• Setup LEFT FLAP first as the MASTER flap
• Match RIGHT FLAP to the Left/Master flap

Flap Setup Procedure

Note: some transmitters such as Spektrum have a LAND system. You can used this (in addition to other Tx Servo Settings) to drive the Flap data (it will give additional inputs to influence travel and direction)

Left/Master Flap Setup

• In the transmitter, set the CH6 travel to +-50%. You can increase this once confirmed there is no servo binding/stalling.
• Set the flap switch to the middle position, confirm in your transmitters monitor screen the (CH6) data is centered (0%) and there is no subtrim, etc at this time. Move the flap switch and confirm the data is moving with the switch. Return to center.
• Check the Aura Servo Port and remove any Subtrim at this time.
• Plug in the Left Wing/Flap Servo. The servo should be alive and the flap near mid-flaps. You can move the switch briefly away from center to confirm the flaps move, and also use transmitter (CH6) reversing as needed to have the flaps move in desired direction away from center. Return the switch to center.
• Check the servo Arm, it should be perpendicular to the body of the servo
  • If the servo arm is far off, the user typically needs to remove and reset the arm to the 'nearest spline'
  • If the servo arm is a little off, the best practice is to use AURA subtrim in the correct servo port (S7 for F-100D) to adjust the arm to perpendicular.
• Set the Center/Middle position first! In the case of the F-100D, set the flap 50mm below the panel line that is about 14mmm above the flap up position.
  • Make adjustments to the mechanical linkage to get the flap as close as possible to the correct position.
  • You can fine tune the final position with Aura subtrim as above.
• Move the switch to the flaps DOWN position. Make sure it is not binding/stalled, and reduce transmitter travel right away if it is.
  • Use the transmitters (CH6) travel in that position (in combination with the transmitters Land System if so equipped) to set the full flap travel. Make it 70mm below the panel line in the case of the F-100D.
• Set the flap switch to fully Retracted/UP position.
  • Use the transmitters (CH6) travel in that position (in combination with the transmitters Land System if so equipped) to set the flap retracted travel. Make it faired with the wing/aileron in the case of the F-100D.

Right Flap Setup

• Set the flap switch to the middle/center position.
• Plug in the Right Wing/Flap Servo (in addition to the Left). The servo should be alive and the flap near mid-flaps. You can move the switch briefly away from center to confirm the flaps move, (in the case that the direction needed reversing, you would do so in the AURA Servo Port.)
• Check the servo Arm, it should be perpendicular to the body of the servo
  • If the servo arm is far off, one typically needs to remove and reset the arm to the 'nearest spline'
  • If the servo arm is a little off, the best practice is to use AURA subtrim in the correct servo port (S8 for F-100D) to adjust the arm to perpendicular.
• Match the Center/Middle position of the Right Flap to the Left/Master Flap.
  • The author prefers matching by sighting down the top skin of the flap from the front centerline of the model and matching them that way. Measurements and other equipment can also be used as primary or crosscheck.
  • Make adjustments to the mechanical linkage' to get the flap as close as possible to the correct position.
  • You can fine tune the final position with Aura Servo Port (S8) subtrim as above.
• Move the switch to the flaps DOWN position. Make sure it is not binding/stalled.
  • Use the AURA Output Scale (travel) for that port (S8 in the F-100D case) to match the position to the Left/Master Flap as above.
    • Tip: You can turn on Live Data with a 'switch' on the right side of the Aura Config Tool screen. It will highlight the Output Scale field that is active with a Red Box!
• Set the flap switch to fully Retracted/UP position.
  • Use the AURA Output Scale (travel) in that position to tune the proper Retracted position.

You should now have matched flaps!

Finishing Details

• You can use available transmitter features to SLOW the flap movement (CH6 typically). 3 to 4 seconds is nice.
• You can use available transmitter features to mix in elevator compensation to the flaps (F-100D users see manual)

F-100D Flap Use Notes

• Protect your model. Use a padded stand to hold you model when inverted for example. If you do not have one, pillows and towels can be used.
• Exact flap travel distance is not critical/sensitive. It is best however to have the right and left flap travel the same amount. This holds trim and reduces pilot workload.
  • If rolling is encountered, you can adjust with the following techniques and order.

1. If middle flap adjustment is indicated, adjust it first using 'Subtrim' in the flaps AURA Servo Port (ex. Right Flap is port S8)
2. Set the Flaps Up position for the adjusted Servo Port back to the 'faired position' using the same Aura servo port's Output Scale (travel)
3. If full flap adjustment is needed, confirm middle flap is correct first in flight, then adjust full flaps with Output Scale (travel) in the AURA Servo Port.

• Expert tips Regarding Full Flaps travel
  • More travel adds drag which can assist you to get into smaller runways.
  • More travel usually makes the elevator a bit less responsive and requires better pilot technique to set the proper landing attitude.
    • Nosewheel first landings are the number one cause of 'pogo' bounces which often lead to further damage.
  • Less Travel has less drag, but is often easier to manage, particularly in gusts or crosswinds.
    • Consider half/mid flaps for gusty weather or for strong crosswinds... you can set the proper attitude at a slightly higher speed with more control authority.

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