How to Install RC Retract Landing Gear
Retracts are useful components on RC airplanes. Retracts are used to release and pull in the landing gear of an RC airplane. With retracts the landing gear is only visible while it is in use. This reduces a plane's drag and increases the speed. Reducing the drag also reduces t he amount of fuel or battery used. In recent years, retracts have been made available for almost all model airplane designs.
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Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- RC servos, 2
- Screws, ½-inch, 4
- Servo wire extension, 6-inch, 2
- Airplane retracts kit
- Rotary tool
- Sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Locate the ideal spot for the landing gear. This is normally located under the fuselage of the plane; however, some planes have the landing gear located on the wings. The model kit should have the location or locations in the instructions. Most planes will have two sets of handing gear; one located under the front and one under the tail. Mark the locations where the landing gear will be placed.
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2
Outline the landing gear on the bottom of the fuselage or the wing. The outline will be where the landing gear is stored during flight. Cut out the outline with the rotary tool. The retract will drop the gear down and push it forward.
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3
Sand the edges to remove any rough edges or burs in the wood.
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4
Attach the wire extension to the ends of the servo push rods and mount the servos inside the cut out with the 1/2-inch screws. Run the servo wires to the RC engine and slide them into the ports on the engine.
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5
Connect the other servo wires to the wires on the retract kit. This will provide power and controls for the retracts.
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6
Lay the retract kit in the cutout and screw it into place with the screws provided. The kit will have the landing gear included and already set up. Place the control arm of the landing gear on the servo's output shaft. Attach the control arm to the servo shaft.
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7
Test the connection and install by lowering and raising the landing gear three to four times.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit rc airplane, image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
