All-internal rotary-drive linkage system

Model Airplane News, Sep 1999 by Chianelli, Chris

Veteran modeler Harley Michaelis, with the help of Kimbrough Products, OEM of numerous molded parts for hobby applications, has brought to market an all-internal, no drag, no-slop system for moving control surfaces. Called the Rotary Driver System, it is made possible by molded coupler parts that fasten directly to the output gear and secure a drive shaft that extends into a pocket in the aileron, flap, etc. As the servo rotates, the surface moves. Parts are provided to adapt the coupler to nearly any servo, and the coupler accepts a variety of drive-shaft diameters, as called for by different applications and airframe sizes. In the typical aileron application, there is a 45-degree bend in the shaft at the hinge line and the main shaft is angled at 45 degrees to the hinge. When the shaft rotates, its bent portion moves the aileron up or down by sliding inside a pocket inside the control surface. The illustration on the left shows a direct linkage from a servo to an aileron. There's more to this than we can describe here, so for further information, please check out one of these websites: www.bmi.net/propt/rds/,or www.valint.net/php/daledc/rds/.

You can also contact inventor Harley Michaelis at hmlsf023@bmi.net to learn more about this innovative product. These new fittings are expected to be available soon through your local hobby shop.