Miniature U-Line

[OwenG]

Hi All,

I'm a volunteer at a science museum where they have a small wind tunnel to demonstrate elevator control of a small model. I've got an idea to replace the wind tunnel exhibit with a micro u-line model. My thought is to have the "flying field" be 3 or 4 feet in diameter and have something on the order of a 6" wingspan. I think it would work best if the "lines" are piano wire so that the plane can be counter balanced. I think this would allow the model to fly slower and still generate enough lift to get airborne. The electricity for the motor could be supplied through the two lengths of piano wire. It could have throttle control in addition to elevator control through the 2 lengths of piano wire. Any thoughts about this idea would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Brian B]

Perhaps think along these lines.

There are other kids toys that could actually be flown with elevator control, indoors. I think some employed linkages.

Interesting potential in this project! I could see using a cheap servo tester connected to a power source controlling a micro servo in the plane. Two support rods electrically may give you brushed DC motor control, but consider one support rod, with 3 small wires for brushless motors, that will last forever in that environment.

Here is a simple 6-wire slip ring on Amazon. 3 wires for motor, 3 for servo, $10. They even offer 12 wires, or even larger rings. You want small motors that don't pull much amps.

 

[telnar1236]

Hi All,

I'm a volunteer at a science museum where they have a small wind tunnel to demonstrate elevator control of a small model. I've got an idea to replace the wind tunnel exhibit with a micro u-line model. My thought is to have the "flying field" be 3 or 4 feet in diameter and have something on the order of a 6" wingspan. I think it would work best if the "lines" are piano wire so that the plane can be counter balanced. I think this would allow the model to fly slower and still generate enough lift to get airborne. The electricity for the motor could be supplied through the two lengths of piano wire. It could have throttle control in addition to elevator control through the 2 lengths of piano wire. Any thoughts about this idea would be greatly appreciated.

Don't underestimate the cool factor of a wind tunnel

 

[OwenG]

Perhaps think along these lines.
View attachment 254107
There are other kids toys that could actually be flown with elevator control, indoors. I think some employed linkages.

Interesting potential in this project! I could see using a cheap servo tester connected to a power source controlling a micro servo in the plane. Two support rods electrically may give you brushed DC motor control, but consider one support rod, with 3 small wires for brushless motors, that will last forever in that environment.

Here is a simple 6-wire slip ring on Amazon. 3 wires for motor, 3 for servo, $10. They even offer 12 wires, or even larger rings. You want small motors that don't pull much amps.
View attachment 254108

Thanks for your input. I must have seen that toy somewhere because it was obvious to me that the center post had to be a control tower. 😁