H9 ASH 31 build, notes and questions

[Sinkhappens86]

31 is very close to being done now. I started off finishing off the wiring and harnesses for the fuse. Got everything situated, then trimmed and installed the cockpit tub, fits perfectly over my radio setup! I had some of the velvet left over from one of my 20's that never got a cockpit, so I used that to dress up the tub a bit.

Then it was time to finally put the wings on! This is about as big a sailplane as I can fit in my shop. Got all the control surfaces, flight modes and throws set up. Still have some setup to do with the AS3000, but the radio is basically ready now.

Got the vinyl done on the fuse. I learned to fly full size sailplanes at Harris Hill. so I'm basing the N number and contest number on "If HHSC had a 31". The dark blue really looks good with the orange! Bottom of the wings still to go and need to get something to cover up the painted on German flag.

While it was all assembled I got it up on the balance stand. Used lead in the cockpit tub to simulate the Tailored Pilot that is on order. It took 28oz to balance at 75mm, which is in the middle of the suggested range. I put 20 oz of lead shot mixed with epoxy into the nose and will keep the other 8 as removable to dial it in.

So close to finished... too bad its -5 outside!

[edfmaniac]

Very nice work.

[ARUP]

Your balance stand is nice! It look as if a strutted wing would fit, too! I bought one of those pricey German made stands and can't use it with the vintage birds, : (

[BryanB]

No bushing or bearings. I've been thinking this thing through for a year. I really wanted one of those "EZBalancers" but after seeing they are $230 I figured I could fabricate my own for less. Ended up being a little over $100 with all new material and hardware. I used 1/4" 6061 aluminum for everything above the tracks. Could probably have saved a couple bucks but by just using flat bar for the spacing bars with holes drilled in them but went with U channels instead.
As for bushings, not needed. It's not like this thing gets a lot of use and with medium/heavy models rotation friction is negligible. Put your model up there, find your balance and then off. Not a lot of wear. Besides, 6061 is pretty tough aluminum.

[Mark9]

That is slik Bryan. Sure wish I had the facilities to fabricate one similar. Are there any bushings or bearings inthe pivot points?

[Gene C]

Outstanding balance stand. Love the width adjustment design.

[BryanB]

Finished fabricating my new CG machine so I got a chance to try it out on the ASH31. Worked like I had hope and was very stable.
Straight sailplane (no motor), fully flight configured it needed 34.4oz (2.15lbs.) to get it to balance right in the middle of the published CG range.

[edfmaniac]

Looking good. I've been slacking on the Antares build lately but I feel some inspiration building up.

[Mark9]

I'm looking forward to seeing it Bryan. Been working on my Ventus this week, installing wing servos. Spacer wedges to shim up four of the eight frames for the MKS HV6100's, designing and fabricating the horns. I always get apprehensive when gluing in frames...don't want to glue the servo in too!

[BryanB]

I went straight sailplane so no motor,ESC or big battery install.

I made the little shelf removable in case I need to access the tow release servo, which I oriented further forward. I also like to have easy access to my receiver. Voltage regulator velcroed to the bottom fuselage. Cockpit tub fits in very nicely.
Only thing left to do is balance it and figure out how much lead I need in the nose and do final adjustment of control throws!

[Sinkhappens86]

It seems like it does, though I haven't trimmed it to fit under the lip yet.

[Tom]

Kevin......does your seat pan clear with the batteries on top of the plywood like that? I tried that and he pan would not fit with them on top like that.....

[lenb]

very nice Kevin

[Sinkhappens86]

Pretty happy with the progress today, leaving for work tomorrow so it will be another week before I get back to it. Have the radio layout basically figured out, tail surfaces completed and tow release installed!

[lenb]

The globs are holding the screw nuts, or whatever they are using in there,. Its not unusual to grind those areas a bit if needed, don't go crazy.