While I have seen very little evidence that previous suggestions from this quarter have been believed, I will take at least one more shot at it.
There are ball links readily available from any decent hobby shop which stocks Associated RC car parts. (And there are other brands as well.) All one one need do is to saunter over to that section of the shop and ask to see a selection of ball links as used in both steering and suspension linkage of RC cars.
You will be stunned, although your first impression will be, "Dirt's gone stoopid on us! These things can't possibly be reliable!"
While that's not exactly the reaction I got from Roy DeCamara when demonstrating these things, prompted by his description of mildly seized ball links in a couple models, it was far from certain he was convinced.
Okay. First point. Note the weight of your average off- or on-road RC car. Note the speed at which they can travel. Ask where these cars are being run, whether in competition or just for sport. If you have a choice go for an area where concrete curbs are involved. You tell me what the forces might be as cars bang into each other, into curbs and so on.
Second point. While these links feature very low friction they can actually be a bitch to remove. As in when making adjustments even though the car is sitting on a bench. So manufacturers began selling steel (and titanium if you like trick stuff!) balls which accept a hex key. The nylon link itself has a hole drilled in the top of the cup and through this one inserts a hex key, neatly removing the ball itself. Adjustments are made, ball replaced, all without messing with removing the nylon link.
Third point. My first Impact used Morris-supplied ball links at the 'crank and flap horn but Associated hardware at the elevator. It's real narrow back there, I wanted as little friction as possible but I also wanted adjustability. All right, back then I also had questions as to durability. So the idea was that if wear became a factor this was the one link which was easily accessible. While the model is now history it had nothing to do with linkage and it died with the first Assiociated ball link assembly installed.
I have since used cited ball links on all manner of CL Stunt models, ranging from two more Impacts, all three Wimpacts, an Oriental and so on.
So while they are not the only option out there you're making a mistake in not at least knowing about them, thus considering them for your next control system.
Personal note to Mr. Trostle: Above is serious input and I know you to like this sort of thing, plus at least in your area there is a problem with some of the more normal ball link arrangements. I am interested in your response.
Dan
P.S. Sorry, but the above sounds as if maybe Associated links continue to be used in my models but only for the elevator link. Not so. They are typically used thoughout my control systems and with only few exceptions. The option of removing entire ball and link assembly when making adjustments has also been enthusiastically embraced as has another option, that of making pushrods into turnbuckles. Former for major adjustments or plugging in entirely new pushrod; latter for fine adjustments at flying field. dan
Topic: Ball links (Read 3388 times)