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Cloud
Flyer
The proto-type "Cloudwalkers" worked like a charm, but complicated construction and the amount of lead required to trim it is unreasonable. I put on the old thinking cap and came up with a more promising design.
From previous successes and failures I have a pretty good idea of what works and of the problems I needed to remedy.
I had always used the pilots weight to counter the weight of the simulator. This is fine if only one person is using the unit or you don't want to use multiple monitors. You can trim by adding weights, but this is a pain and gives limited adjustability. Using a 25 lb monitor requires more than 100 lbs of trim weight to counteract the mass meaning 120 lbs or more mass. Gives sluggish handling and a whole bunch of flexing.
The "Cloudwalker" had to be setup for the heaviest pilot that will be using it. At 180 lbs I require about 220 lbs of weight to fly a reasonable stable sport plane. If I weighed 250 it would probably take another 100 lbs.
All my previous designs have the floor high making it very uncomfortable for tall pilots and short ones who flew for extended periods. For me after 10 minutes my feet were off the pedals. That was one of my priorities.
The prototype is perfect. The trim is so simple to use I can't understand why it took so long to discover. Turning a crank will level it in a few seconds. It also sits level with no-one onboard so booting the computer is much easier. It is so comfortable, like sitting in an easy chair. I just wish it would fit through a standard door without disassembling. (I just changed one part and narrowed it by 5"... 32" wide)
Adjustability has been one of my goals with the "Cloud Flyer". The trim was the biggest, but I also included
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adjustable length for tall or short pilots
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adjustable sensitivity so you can fly skittish stunt planes or trainers
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adjustable control stick position
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adjustable control stick sensitivity
The "Cloudwalker" did most things better than the old design and I combined the best of both into my "Cloud Flyer", the "Ultimate Joyrider" at last..
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Gone is the control linkage from my old design which locked on over center.
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Gone are the weights required to trim the old design
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Gone is the high floor.
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Gone is the expensive shipping because you aren't forced to use a factory chair
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Gone is the excessive trim weight required for the "Cloudwalker."
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Narrower so it will fit through a 32"doorway
New
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The control stick moves in relation to the seat, not attached to the base
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Adjustable center of gravity to fit ANY weight of pilot without adding weight.
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Adjustable control stick and pedal lengths so tall or short pilots can now reach the controls.
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Adjustable control stick pivot so the stick movement can personalized.
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Ability to adjust the overall sensitivity to fly stable heavies or skittish aerobatic planes.
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Switches can be integrated into the throttle mount giving you more control options.
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Size, weight and ergonomics are far friendlier.
It's a
WINNER!
Coming Soon
Cloudflyer Electric Paramotor
One of my passions is paragliding and my frustration with the weather has given me an interest in paramotors. My first weighed over 100 lbs and that was ridiculous, so I built a lightweight unit. Weighted a trim 40 lbs, but the high performance engine was a pain to work with so I gave it up. The model airplanes showed me a different angle and I'm almost ready to test a very revolutionary electric unit. It weighs under 10 lbs without batteries and will break down to fit in a small suitcase.
It was ready to go when an electronic component failed so it looks like I won't get to test it until spring.
interested? drop me a line at docsh@shaw.ca
