PICS
01/08
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While I'm deciding on controls I decided that a modification of my CH Rudder Pedals to make them more comfortable would be great. The straight up and down angle gave me problems because my feet are at an angle (can't re-tool them). This caused me to support the weight of my feet and legs with my upper legs while using the pedals which soon caused fatigue. This also caused sluggish pedal movements as well. This modification has really made a great difference in the pedals and gives them more realistic and precise rudder movements, more like in an actual aircraft. So let the project begin: |
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The pictures are pretty self explanatory but here is how I proceeded: I decided that to make the pedals for comfortable I wanted rubber pads on the pedals where I rested my feet on them as I am often barefoot or wearing socks and the hard plastic proved to be uncomfortable. I purchased an old pair of sandals from a thrift store and cut off the parts I needed. This can be from the front or back of the sandals which ever suits. |
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I then used Velcro to attach the cut off portion of the sandals to the pedals, they actually turned out to look pretty good. I wanted to be able to return the pedals to the original condition if necessary so no glue. |
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The next piece which is the mounting platform for the pedals is made from some scrap wood which I had in the garage. You can experiment and find an angle that is comfortable for yourself by moving the rudder pedal unit forward or backward on the upright piece. The platform can be as wide as you like, mine is about the same width as the pedals. |
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The platform is high enough in the rear to slide the rudder pedal unit against to hold it at the correct angle. You will notice the two tabs I made with L shaped brackets to support the pedals. They each have a square of Velcro attached to them. More on the metal plate to follow. |
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A better picture of the metal brackets with the Velcro attached below. |
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The pedal unit has Velcro attached to align with the brackets. |
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The pictures below show how the unit fits into the platform. |
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For the final touch I cut a square from some sheet metal used for ventilation ducting for furnaces and air conditioning, this was from a Home Depot, the square was scrap from a larger piece. I mounted it with small wood screws so that the rear of the pedal unit slid under it. It makes a smooth and strong surface to rest the heels of your feet on. |
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Properly used the heels of your feet will rest on the metal skid pad and the balls of your feet rest on the rubber pads, rudder movement is smooth and effortless and accurate. The only thing I would do next is mount more rubber pads on the toes to make toe braking easier, I'll do that later, have to fly now. |
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