How
to Make and Install Foam-Tape Servo Mounts
Double-sided foam mounting tape is an excellent way to mount
servos in the
right circumstances. Although the installation is semi-permanent
making it tedious to remove and replace the servo, there are many benefits
that outweigh that drawback.
- The lightest servo mount that allows the servo to be removed (gluing the servo directly
is lighter, but not a good option unless absolutely necessary).
- Very secure, strong and rigid if installed properly.
- Easy to install. No rails, trays, drilling or cutting servo openings.
- Low profile.
There are several reasons foam tape mounts don't get used
— lack of trust being the main one. A lot of people have installed them
improperly and then servo came loose. After losing the plane, the pilot
will understandably swear that foam mounts are the worst of all time and
he'll never use them again! Chalk another myth up to the poor
technique of a few builders.
I don't claim to have extensive experience with foam tape mounts, but I have
used them in a handful of planes and have yet to have a servo come loose.
In fact, my experience has been just the opposite —
when I wanted to remove the servo it put up a good fight.
There are two situations when foam tape mounts should not be used:
- When there is not a wall or floor located to mount the servo so it
aligns properly with the
linkage/control surface.
- When the long side of the servo is 90° to the
pushrod. The servo
should be in line with the pushrod if foam mounts are used.
Use foam tape mounting appropriately and you'll grow to love them.
Double-sided foam mounting tape can be purchased in small rolls in a variety
of places such as home improvement centers, office supply stores, etc.
Foam tape doesn't always last forever depending on the climate.
Replacing mounts will be addressed at the end of the article.
You can
tell when the mounts need to be replaced if you check them. Prod the
edge of the foam with the tip of a ball-point pen or similar object.
If it has hardened and can be chipped like paint, then it's time for a new
mount. It should take years for the tape to get to this state.
After opening the package and using what you need, store the rest of the
roll in a Ziploc bag to keep it clean and prevent it from drying out. |