I’ve been reading through the forums and understand that this is a custom modification I will have to make as sonex doesn’t support it.
It looks like several people have done it as far back as 10 years ago. If anyone has any info on how it’s been done in the past, or contact info for the following people, I would greatly appreciate it:
Mike (Waiex23)
Jon Gillis (fastj22)
Don Bowen(Waiex 49)
(dbdevkc)
My email is jurkoicmclean@gmail.com if you could send info or their contact info or reply in this thread. Thank you
I’d check the web store. I thought they sold the parts. Unfortunately they don’t have stick pictures, but if you check the plans it might have them. Did you ask Sonex if they would sell you a center stick?
I think the issue with the center stick in a Waiex is it would need to be modified to work with the lowered seat mod that I believe is standard on the Waiex. The non-lowered seat mod has the elevator push rod on the pilot side mounted through the square tube whereas the lowered seat mod has it in the center mounted to 1/8" flat bar.
The center stick control triangle/frame has the square tubing extending up to the center like the below image. The tube with the X is not there. If you could obtain the center stick frame and push rods, welding the tube and bar in wouldn’t be too hard. You’d have to make sure that the rod that limits aileron travel doesn’t interfere and has the correct travel. Also the tab for the trim look like it would be an issue. It seems a bit trickier than I was initially thinking but not impossible.
I could see Sonex not supporting it since you’d have to weld an additional bar in the control triangle for the elevator push rod. I’d still ask since it would be far easier. You’d need the control frame plus the longer aileron push rods.
If you can’t obtain one through Sonex or a third party, it possible you could modify the duel stick frame by cutting and gusseting. You’d also have to make the longer aileron push rods. Whatever you do, make sure the welds are correctly done.
From what I’ve read, you’re exactly correct, the lowered seat is the issue for the center stick. Unfortunately I’m quite tall and certainly need that lowered seat.
I’m a believer in using what I have, so I’m leaning towards modifying the dual stick opposed to acquiring the single stick version and modifying that.
This is all somewhat complicated by the fact that I have autopilot servos connected to the push rod assembly
I’m wondering if I could construct that upper triangle like you have drawn, then cut the aileron control bar in the middle, and tie the center stick control in with where the two other sticks connect, leaving those two alone.
Thanks,
Julian
EDIT:
Actually, having just gone and looked at the clearances I would need to cut the two old stick attachment assemblies off.
it looks like it’s actually on that member from the flat bar down to the base.
Now I’m thinking I will cut off the two old stick mount assemblies and get rid of the cross bar. Then weld a new triangle and stick assembly in the middle, and cut my autopilot pushrod down so it reaches to the center where the pushrods connect.
Does anyone have the plans for the legacy center stick assembly so I can compare?
