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I had decided to used the standard trim setup, but I'm seeing a couple issues, and I wonder how others have dealt with them.

First it seems like the side mounted throttle quadrant interferes with the trim lever, and/or pinches fingers when actuating the trim lever.

Second, with full flaps, the flap handle gets very close to the trim lever (this may not matter).

I'm thinking of making a custom throttle quadrant, or moving the trim lever.

Ideas/comments?

I think I have done what you are suggesting. I bought a Vans throttle quadrant with two levers so used one for throttle and one for trim, but it was tricky to fit. I eventually made so many modifications to it that there is only about 1/3 of the original part left. I don't have a good photo of it but you can just see the quadrant in the bottom left corner of the pic below.

It works OK but ideally should be a little closer to the panel. The red lever is the trim and it would be better if it was a bit less prominent as I have bumped it on a couple of occasions, in one case making me wonder what I had hit. If I made this part again I would put the trim closest to the side wall.

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I did something pretty similar and struggled to work out how to make it work - a lot of tweaking. In the end, I canted the throttle over 20 degrees or so allowing me to reach the trim on the inside . I have been pretty happy with the end result, so much I haven't thought about it at all until I read this post.

THis is not a great photo of it but you get the idea. It has an aerocarb and is a pull arrangement.



The only thing I wouldn't have minded is a vernier mixture control in hindsight, but it is really nice just being able to rest your hand on it the quadrant ... it is just comfortable. The only time I wish it was in the enter is if I am flying with someone and wanted to let them control power, but that isn't that common.

AP

Thanks for the suggestions. While I was awaiting replies, I started designing a throttle quadrant in google sketchup. Since I'm using the Rotec TBI, I need a "Push" quadrant. Here are some screenshots of what I have so far. I may change the size slightly, but I think it's very close to workable. If I decide to go this way I'll post pics of it installed.

Front:


Back:


Integrated:

I didn't like the throttle in the position you have for the same reasons you mention, so I did something else. I mounted it up high. I also modified the quadrant by moving the the mixture knob about 3/4" further to the right. I used the original mounting plate as a pattern and just made it wider.

It is out of the way of everything and works great. I have had no problems with the flap handle and the trim interfering with each other so I don't think that will be a problem for you.

lpaaruule wrote:I had decided to used the standard trim setup, but I'm seeing a couple issues, and I wonder how others have dealt with them.

First it seems like the side mounted throttle quadrant interferes with the trim lever, and/or pinches fingers when actuating the trim lever.

Second, with full flaps, the flap handle gets very close to the trim lever (this may not matter).

I'm thinking of making a custom throttle quadrant, or moving the trim lever.

Ideas/comments?

I haven't had any issues with the (mostly) standard configuration. Where you put the throttle quadrant is up to you, and I have seen them all over the place on the left side. I also decided to put my mixture up on the panel to keep things less crowded. Here are some pictures of my setup. I have the Van's side vents so I needed to make sure the little lever for that vent did not end up behind the throttle cable. And by the way, I love the stock trim lever; greatest thing since sliced bread :-)

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 068&row=21
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 26&row=515
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 61&row=518
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 45&row=435

Here is a link to a photo of my setup. I love the manual trim lever system. I have not noticed any interference issue with flap lever and trim lever.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_log.php?user=wingman&project=864&category=6814&log=161325&row=3