"Balance Bug" CG Plane Balancer

[Twowingtj]

Getting ready to try the Vanessa CG method myself for the first time. About two weeks from doing the CG on a 35 pounder.

[bob_stan]

I have only used it on light foamies, but the weight should be no problem. I had some difficulty in getting my head around how it worked until I finally realized it does not show you where the CG SHOULD BE but where the CG IS. Once I grasped that, its operation was crystal clear. Should have made it clear I am referring to a Vanessa CG machine.

[OV10]

Since it was a cool and dreary rainy event all day in upstate NY, I decided to get the CG machine built to handle my developing giant scale fleet.
Harvested the horizontal spreader rods and the sliding millimeter rule from the GP balancer that has seen it's better days.
Some 1/2" 1/8 thick alum angle and 3/8 U-channel at less than $10 from Lowes, a couple 4/40 sockets screws and some self adhesive foam tape.
Viola'.......... 3 hrs of crafting fun and a stand that is as robust as the $80+ EZ Balancer but with the scale adjuster of the GP machine emerges.

[Grossman56]

Hey, I like that!!
I'm always battling with those pins anyways, they always want to face backwards, that's a great idea and simple too!:Cool:

Grossman56

[OV10]

So the final staging area for the birds CG measure is my sweeties 4 season room. She constantly reminds me that it is NOT a hangar. The LX P-40 and the FMS 1700 Corsair have been in there since the new year.
Well today the newly fabricated balancer did it's job on them as well as a recently almost ready to go 80" O-2 Skymaster. Just need to finalize the canopy mount for it now.
All 3 are go to go for their maidens :Cool:

[Twowingtj]

Nice WBC. Good luck on the maidens:Cool:.

[KnuckleCurve]

I know this thread is a little dated... but for anybody looking for options here, here is another CG testing option, plus you get a beautiful work stand out of the bargain too:

https://www.crewzinn.com

[Elbee]

KC, Just caught this post. Welcome to Hobby Squawk. Best, LB

[Grossman56]

I know this thread is a little dated... but for anybody looking for options here, here is another CG testing option, plus you get a beautiful work stand out of the bargain too:

www.crewzinn.com

I got one for Christmas and love it! Its so portable, I can take it to the field and advertise it to the other guys. I love the ease of use for the CG.

Grossman56

[KnuckleCurve]

Thanks fellas... I wish I had more time to hang around these forums like I used to, but I'm not going to complain about this business keeping me busy! Really happy to hear that you like your stand. Happy flying!

[Jets and Wings]

Got a nice tool for testing called "CG Wizard". The CG is measured like it is done with the big ones. Just put the wheels on the scales, measure the distance, put the laser on the manufacturers given point and move the battery forward or backward until the values are the same! Very easy and also works for warbirds. The free app works on Apple or Android and is available in different languages! It works perfect. I compared it with other CG testers and this one really works great.

[Elbee]

Jets and Wings, Very Cool. I have seen this and thought it might be worthy, but couldn't pull the trigger without more information. You should do a video. Best, Steve

[OV10]

Yes it is very cool but I think it is way too pricey($250) for the average Joe when the price of this threads topic "WAS" reasonably affordable($30)and got satisfactory results.
The Zicoy balancer works the same as the Wizard and is in the same price rance too.
Unfortunately the $30 device was discontinued by Great Planes. Now the next affordable one appears to be the EZ Balancer Lite @ $95 from Dreamworks who is one of the authorized distributors for EZ Balancer.
I built my own similar to the EZ Balance almost two years ago as shown on post #43
The CrewZinn work/CG stand mentioned a couple posts back rolls out at $109.
Just recently there is a seller on Ebay that is doing PLA printed CG machines for $100 that incorporates all the functions that I did with the one I built.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RC-Plane-Ce...4383.l4275.c10
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RC-Plane-Ce...MAAOSwyqleUcyy
Really nice looking unit in red or yellow I'd be curious see what someone thinks of that if they happen to step up and buy it.

[Elbee]

Yes it is very cool but I think it is way too pricey($250) for the average Joe...I'd be curious see what someone thinks of that if they happen to step up and buy it.

Thanks OV, At 250 beans, I'll believe I'll have to pass. I will check out your previous posts about your CG balancer. I have the Crewzinn Work Station and I like it lots. Best, LB

[Jets and Wings]

Jets and Wings, Very Cool. I have seen this and thought it might be worthy, but couldn't pull the trigger without more information. You should do a video. Best, Steve

Hi Elbee, I can do a video about the CG Wizard balancer if there is interst for this. Well my intention was not to say it is a must have. There are for sure cheaper versions to balance planes. Just wanted to show what is also available! Some will like it, some will not, as always...

Always HAPPY LANDINGS....Robert