canopy latch

[dhauch]

hi guys,
looking for a canopy latch in this style, but only a little bigger then the one pictured.

anybody know where i can buy such a part ?

i am open for any other ideas to hold the rear of the canopy.

i'm using it in a 6.6m Nimbus.

thx,

dh
www.git-r-built.com

[cosmicpossum]

Add me to that list: I have two planes that need new latches and I have no idea where to find any.

[salisbug]

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hatchlatch.htm

[dhauch]

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hatchlatch.htm

thanks for the site, those will work.

by the way, mine came from Bob Viollet Models, part #5510

dave hauch

[cosmicpossum]

Mega thanks to both of you!!

[Rwilkinson]

What about rare earth magnets, I ordered some to try on our next canopy. 3/16 x 1/16, I plan to use two on each side with a pin in the front. Just another approach.

Rick

[cosmicpossum]

Would be more unobtrusive. Thanks for the idea!

[dhauch]

could idea on the magnets, those things are super strong.

i'm also running a pin up front instead of that big mechanism that comes with it.

thanks guys.

dh
www.git-r-built.com

[bie]

Hi,

there is another simple and almost unvisible solution for the canopy latch: Just use a bowden cable! It runs from the rear part of the canopy to a point located one inch beneath the LE in the fuselage.

I hope the pictures show, what I mean. (Pictures are from different planes but show both sides of the same mechanism...)

Andy

[SteveR]

Go with Andy's approach. It's simple, elegant and it works. I used the rare earth magnet approach plus pin for a canopy for a 4 meter Lunak and watched it fly off on a tow. Still hoping I can get a replacement.

Steve

[Big Nuts 181]

Hi,

there is another simple and almost unvisible solution for the canopy latch: Just use a bowden cable! It runs from the rear part of the canopy to a point located one inch beneath the LE in the fuselage.

I hope the pictures show, what I mean. (Pictures are from different planes but show both sides of the same mechanism...)

Andy


Now that can't be god for drag! why not just stick your finger through the sliding window and open the latch just as much work and much neater!!

[bie]

Now that can't be god for drag!

I don’t understand this.

What you said about the sliding window and the scale-like-locking-mechanism is partly true: It is neater - but it is much more work to get it done right (I have that mechanism in my Ventus2c - for god’s sake it was built in by the manufacturer... :D)

Andy

[s2000]

I prefer the system Bie is talking about, the latch right behind the canopy is very unsightly, the drag from that little ball sticking out from the trailing edge is hardly anything, the other way is having a cable routed to the retract opening which can be a bear to manipulate.

[dhauch]

bie, thats another great option, thanks for sharing.

what is a bowden cable, is it a certain type of cable or just the method used ?

dh

[bie]

That’s, where I might lack the right expressions, but take it as "the method used"...

[zero-zero]

A slight variation of Andy's method is used in Baudis models (at least in the Discus and Ventus, that is). It works very well and one never sees it whith the wing on. You can see the lozenge-shaped slider in the pic in the middle here (just below and in front of the rear incidence pin):

http://www.baudismodel.com/scaleflying/leaflets/discus_2b.jpg

[SteveR]

David, a bowden cable is the UK/Euro expression for any cable in tube or tube in tube setup e.g. Sullivan Goldenrod or Dubro throttle cable. Not only is this a great approach to secure canopies, it's super for actuating the RX on/off switch.

Steve

[SZD16]

I have to agree....on my Minimoia I have the "cable" exit right behind the wheel.....that way it is out of the "airflow" :D

[bobthenuke]

All great ideas. I generally prefer RE magnets, but you have to chose carefully based on the application. There are a couple of companies that have large assortments (sizes, shapes, strength) to choose from - much cheaper than the hobby people and Radio Shack.

For a 6.6M glider, I'd probably go for the latch that dh is after. ;)