tailwheel setup question

On May 15, 2:43 am, "Dick" wrote:
how does one decide to use a "cable" versus "spring" for the connection
between rudder horn and tailwheel assembly horn?

how tightly connected and what strength spring, etc?

Thanks
Dick (an evolving tricycle driver G)

Shouldn't use just cables, as you could lose rudder control if
the tailwheel pivot seized up. Springs are better. Springs also allow
the tailwheel to move up and down on its suspension without having
cables too tight or loose as it travels up and down.
That said, I have seen tailwheels steered with a single push-
pull rod on some homebuilts. I wouldn't be comfortable with that.

The spring takes some experimentation. You need them stiff
enough for good control, but soft enough that you can unlock the
steering easily when you want to (if it has the full-castering
feature). The springs need to allow the wheel to travel beyond normal
rudder travel so that the lock will release.

Dan