My actuator moves one way, but not the other way

• Check the mechanical linkage of the actuator to the control surface and ensure that it can move freely - is anything binding or causing friction? This is the usual cause - something may be binding.

• If you see this problem with the HingeAct or NanoAct actuator on a Classroom fighter, MicroMAV, Butterfly, or other model, reduced motion to one side is almost always caused by the plastic hinge material that has a slight bend in it. Grab the rudder and stretch the hinge out about 1mm - feel the plastic stretch a bit, and release - notice that the rudder is looser now? That's what you want - now the rudder will move in both directions more equally. Centering force is reduced when the hinge is stretched like this, but on all our models using the HingeAct, aerodynamic forces are the main centering force at play. You may need to stretch the hinge every few weeks, particularly if the model has been sitting idle.

• You may have a “half-blown FET” or a cracked solder joint or cracked circuit board. It may be possible to repair it by replacing the part, or by reflowing the solder - contact Plantraco customer service if you think this is the problem - but try to rule out the possibility of a stiff hinge, friction or other mechanical binding first.