The Dynon autopilot servos have arrived! Pitch and roll use the same model of servo, just with a slightly different attach point on the servo arm.
First step for the roll servo was to wire a 9 pin dsub connector onto it. I must have forgotten how to count when I placed my original wiring order, because I am missing a number of dsub clamshells. Given that a lot of builders don't even use clamshells and just leave the dsub connectors bare (every ounce counts I suppose), I am not going to stall out waiting to order more. I have all I need to still be able to connect the dsubs with screws, so the shell is just window dressing. That being said, since these servos get hidden out of the way, I decided to zip tie the connectors together as well as use the screws. Belt and suspenders approach.
Installing the roll servo in the right wing wasn't hard, just fiddly. It was very doable with the wing already closed up, but definitely would have been easier had I done it when everything was still wide open. I had to do a lot of head scratching on the install - the drawings on the installation instructions don't show how a number of spacers are put in place to offset the pushrod. Well, they do attempt to show it, but the angle of the exploded view they chose to include in the instructions covers up so many parts that it's impossible to see how it all goes together. Someone was sleeping on the job when they decided that was the view to use. After a lot of research, including finding an old version of the installation instructions online that had a useful drawing, I finally got everything sorted out and installed. My first attempt at safety wire (on the three bolts that hold the servo to the bracket) was super ugly. The second attempt was passable. For such a simple task, I still don't have the hang of it. I suppose learning to do it in a small confined space wasn't exactly setting me up for quick success.
I still need to figure out the wire routing up to the corrugated tubing. The pushrod will also need to be adjusted once the wings and ailerons are mounted. I couldn't figure out a good way to adjust the length of the servo pushrod without having the aileron in place to identify the neutral position.
I wired up the pitch servo the same way - my last remaining clamshell and zip ties. Working on the pitch servo was far easier just because of the open access to the area. Once again, safety wire was my downfall. One of these days I'll figure out the trick to it.
