When it comes to remote control (RC) planes, the servo is one of the most important components. The servo is responsible for controlling the ailerons, rudder, and elevator on your plane. Choosing the right servo can be the difference between a successful flight and a crash.
Here are some things to consider when choosing servos for your RC plane.
- The first step is to identify the size of servo that is required for the RC plane
- The second step is to determine the type of mount that is needed for the servo
- The third step is to select a servo that has the correct amount of torque for the application
- The fourth step is to choose a servo that has the correct speed for the application
Contents
- How to Decide Which Servo to Use for My RC Airplane : RC Planes
- How Do I Choose a Rc Servo?
- How Big of a Servo Do I Need for Rc Plane?
- What are the 3 Types of Servos?
- What are the Different Sizes of Rc Servos?
- How to Install Servos on Rc Airplane
- Rc Plane Servo Torque Calculator
- How Many Servos for Rc Plane
- Conclusion
How to Decide Which Servo to Use for My RC Airplane : RC Planes
How Do I Choose a Rc Servo?
When it comes to choosing a RC servo, there are a few things you need to take into account in order to make sure you’re getting the best one for your needs. The first thing is to consider the size of the servo. There are mini servos, standard servos, and giant servos.
The size of theservo will dictate how much torque it can produce and how fast it can rotate. If you need a lot of torque or speed, then you’ll want to go with a larger servo.
The next thing you need to think about is what voltage you’ll be running your RC at.
Most servos come in either 4.8v or 6v varieties. If you’re not sure what voltage your system will be running at, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get a 6v servo. That way if you ever do end up running at 6v, your servo will be able to handle it without issue.
However, if you know for certain that your system will never exceed 4.8v, then you can save some money and get a 4.8vservo.
Finally, you need to decide on the type of connector that your new servo will have. The most common type is the Futaba J connectors which are gold plated for maximum conductivity and durability.
How Big of a Servo Do I Need for Rc Plane?
When it comes to servos for RC planes, size does matter. The bigger the servo, the more torque it can generate and the more control you’ll have over your plane. However, there’s a trade-off: bigger servos are also heavier and can add significant weight to your plane, which can affect its flight performance.
So how do you know what size servo is right for your plane? There are a few things to consider:
1. The type of plane you’re flying: If you’re flying a small park flyer or micro RC plane, you won’t need as much power or control as someone flying a large scale model airplane.
So, a smaller servo will suffice. On the other hand, if you’re flying a large scale warbird or aerobatic plane, you’ll need a larger servo that can handle the increased stress and strain.
2. The size of your receiver: Most standard receivers are designed to fit standard-sized (40mm x 20mm) servos.
If you have a mini receiver, however, you’ll need to use mini servos (often referred to as sub-micros). These are smaller in size ( typically around 25mm x 12mm) and usually don’t generate as much torque as their standard-sized counterparts.
3. The type of motor used in your plane: If your plane is equipped with an electric motor, chances are good that it will run on lower voltages (typically 4.8V or 6V).
In this case, using lower voltage/miniature sizedservos makes sense since they won’t put too much strain on your battery pack and motors alike.
What are the 3 Types of Servos?
There are three types of servos – linear, rotary and continuous rotation.
Linear servos have a shaft that moves in a straight line, and are used for tasks such as moving door panels or controlling the movement of a robotic arm. Rotary servos have a shaft that can rotate continuously in one direction, and are used for tasks such as steering a robot or rotating a turret.
Continuous rotation servos have a shaft that can rotate continuously in either direction, and are used for tasks such as driving wheels on a mobile robot platform.
What are the Different Sizes of Rc Servos?
There are three main sizes of RC servos: standard, mini, and micro. Standard servos are the most common and have a size of about 40mm x 20mm x 38mm. Mini servos are smaller, at about 28mm x 13mm x 28.5mm, and micro servos are even smaller, at about 23mm x 12mm x 22.3mm.

Credit: www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com
How to Install Servos on Rc Airplane
If you’re looking to install servos on your RC airplane, there are a few things you’ll need to know. First, it’s important to select the right type and size of servo for your plane. Once you’ve done that, the next step is installing the servos.
This process will vary depending on the type of RC plane you have, but we’ll walk you through the basics so you can get started.
The most important thing when installing servos is making sure they’re properly aligned. This ensures that your plane will fly straight and not veer off course.
To do this, start by mounting the servo in the desired location on the fuselage. Then, use a ruler or other straight edge to align the output shaft of the servo with the control surface it will be connected to. For example, if you’re installing a rudder servo, align the output shaft with the rudder control horn.
Once everything is lined up, secure the servos in place using screws or other fasteners.
Now it’s time to connect your servos to the receiver. This part can be a little tricky, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this correctly.
In general, though, you’ll need to connect each lead from theservoto a corresponding channel onthereceiver . For example, if you’re using three standard-sizedServos , they will typically be plugged into channels one (aileron), two (elevator), and three (rudder).
After connecting all ofthe leads , go ahead and plug inthe battery packto power upthe system .
Atthis point ,you should test each Servoto make surethey’re moving intheright direction whenyou movethe respective control surfaces . Ifnot , simply reverse any leads that may be plugged in incorrectly .
That’s all there istoit !
Installing Servosisn’t too difficult onceyou know whatyou’re doing . Just takeyour timeand double-checkeverythingbeforeyou plug inthe batteryand takeoff!
Rc Plane Servo Torque Calculator
If you’re into RC planes, then you know that one of the most important factors in choosing a servo is its torque. But what exactly is torque, and how do you calculate it?
Torque is a measure of a servo’s rotational force.
In other words, it’s a measure of how much force the servo can generate to turn the control surfaces on your plane. The higher the torque, the better – especially if you’re flying in windy conditions.
There are two main ways to calculate servo torque.
The first is by using the manufacturer’s specifications. Most servos will list their stall torque – which is the amount of force required to stop the servo from moving – in either ounces or grams per square centimeter (oz-in or g-cm). To convert between these units, just multiply by 0.03527396195 (or divide by 28.26).
The second way to calculate servo torque is by actually measuring it yourself. This method requires a bit more equipment, but it’ll give you a more accurate number than relying on manufacturer specs alone. First, you’ll need a digital scale and a sturdy object to mount yourservo on – like a piece of wood or metal plate.
Second, connect yourServo leads to an external power source so that it can rotate freely without being restricted by your plane’s battery voltage. Finally, hang some weight from the output shaft and record how much force is required to stall the motor. Again, be sure to convert any measurements not already in oz-in or g-cm before doing your calculations!
So why bother calculating servo torque at all? Well, knowing how much force your particular setup can generate lets you choose appropriate control surfaces and linkages for your model airplane. It also comes in handy when troubleshooting because Servos usually fail due to overload – meaning that something was trying to make it move faster/harder than it was designed for.
By keeping an eye on your system’s overall Stall Torque, you can avoid putting too much strain on any one component and hopefully extend the life of your gear!
How Many Servos for Rc Plane
When it comes to RC planes, the number of servos you need will depend on the size and type of plane you have. For smaller planes, you may only need two or three servos, but for larger planes, you could need up to eight. The type of plane will also dictate how many servos you need.
For example, a glider will only require two servos (one for each wing), whereas a plane with ailerons will require four servos (two for each wing).
So, how do you know how many servos your plane needs? The best way is to consult your plane’s manual or ask an experienced RC pilot.
They’ll be able to tell you exactly how many servos your particular plane needs.
Conclusion
When choosing servos for your RC plane, it is important to consider the size of the servo, the speed of the servo, and the torque of the servo. The size of the servo will determine how much control you have over your plane. The speed of the servo will determine how fast your plane can turn.
The torque of the servo will determine how much power your plane has.