MU-1800I Frequently Asked Questions

Translate page:

How can I learn about model aircraft safety?
Can I use the AeroPerfect™ to measure my rudder deflection?
When I make a control surface measurement, do the hinge lines have to be perfectly level or parallel to the floor?
The control throws for my plane are expressed in inches. How do I convert to degrees?
How can I use the AeroPerfect™ to measure control throws when programming Hitec digital servos?
Will the AeroPerfect™ allow me to match my elevator halves or match my ailerons?
How can I measure wing/stab incidence or decalage with the AeroPerfect™?
Does the AeroPerfect™ have to be in contact with a control surface while it's moving from zero to the plus and minus end points?
I notice that when the AeroPerfect™ Meter is sitting on a flat surface (after resetting unit to zero) and I then turn it 180 degrees, it appears to show a small error (e.g., 0.3 degrees). Shouldn't the meter read zero?
Why are there clamps included with the AeroPerfect™?
Is the AeroPerfect™ compatible with line voltages other than 110VAC?
I want to make control throw measurements at my airfield. Will the AeroPerfect™ accept a portable, DC power source?
Can the AeroPerfect™ Meter be used as a level?
What if I have a technical question not covered here?

Question: How can I learn about model aircraft safety?

Answer: The Academy of Model Aeronautics is an excellent resource for this.

Question: Can I use the AeroPerfect™ to measure my rudder deflection?

Answer: Yes. Since the AeroPerfect's measuring unit uses gravity as a reference, simply orient your model so that the rudder hinge line is reasonably parallel (eyeball is good enough) to the floor (fuselage on its side) for a perfect measurement. See the Rudder Setup Page for details.

Question: When I make a control surface measurement, do the hinge lines have to be perfectly level or parallel to the floor?

Answer: You can make a perfect measurement without the hinge line being perfectly level. Just an estimate by eye is all that is needed.

Question: The control throws for my plane are expressed in inches. How do I convert to degrees?

Answer: Either use the conversion utility found on the Degree Convert Page, or divide the deflection which has been expressed in inches by the width (or chord) of the control surface. Then, take the result and push the arcsine button on your calculator.

Question: How can I use the AeroPerfect™ to measure control throws when programming Hitec digital servos?

Answer: See the Hitec Digital Servo Programming Page for a detailed description.

Question: Will the AeroPerfect™ allow me to match my elevator halves or match my ailerons?

Answer: Absolutely! The AeroPerfect™ is perfectly suited for this. See the Elevator Setup Page and the Aileron Setup Page for details.

Question: How can I measure wing/stab incidence or decalage with the AeroPerfect™?

Answer: Most modelers who make these measurements already own an adjustable clamp for this purpose. Simply use your clamp as per its instructions and place the AeroPerfect™ on the straight surface for making measurements. See the Measuring Incidence Page for details.

Question: Does the AeroPerfect™ have to be in contact with a control surface while it's moving from zero to the plus and minus end points?

Answer: There is no need to clamp or hold the AeroPerfect™ to the control surface while the control surface is moving. Simply hold the AeroPerfect™ to the surface and set zero, then move the surface to its endpoint and hold the AeroPerfect™ to the surface and read the angle.

Question: I notice that when the AeroPerfect™ Meter is sitting on a flat surface (after resetting unit to zero) and I then turn it 180 degrees, it appears to show a small error (e.g., 0.3 degrees). Shouldn't the meter read zero?

Answer: The table is most likely not perfectly level and your AeroPerfect™ Meter is measuring the slope of the table. Remember, you do not need to level your table or aircraft before making measurements. If you desire to level your table, please refer to the Tips Page for further details about using your AeroPerfect™ Meter as a precision level.

Question: Why are there clamps included with the AeroPerfect™?

Answer: As an added convenience for adjusting linkages while monitoring the change in angle and in setting a zero. Caution: Do not rapidly operate the control surface while the measuring unit is clamped to it.

Question: Is the AeroPerfect™ compatible with line voltages other than 110VAC?

Answer: Yes, the AP12 Power supply accommodates voltages ranging from 90 to 264VAC and 47 to 63Hz which accommodates most international power requirements. International AC Plug Adapters are available from AeroPerfect™.

Question: I want to make control throw measurements at my airfield. Will the AeroPerfect™ accept a portable, DC power source?

Answer: Yes. The AeroPerfect™ AP3 Display accepts a standard, 2.1 millimeter DIN connector whose center conductor is positive such as Hitec Tx Charge leads, part #56375 which have red (positive) and black (negative) banana plugs which can plug into a number of power panels that supply 12 Volts DC (e.g., Tower Hobbies Tower Power Deluxe Power Panel or Hobbico Deluxe Power Panel II). Please see the specifications page for the AP3 Display input voltage range (+12 Volts, D.C. is nominal). Do not connect battery voltage to the AP3 Display backwards as it will damage the unit. Damage due to application of reverse polarity is not covered under the terms of the Bell Electronic Technologies Warranty.

Question: Can the AeroPerfect™ Meter be used as a level?

Answer: Yes, it can be used as a precision level. Please refer to the Tips Page for details.

Question: What if I have a technical question not covered here?

Answer: Please contact our technical support department at questions@aeroperfect.com if you have additional questions.

HAPPY FLYING!