Expo & the DX7

[felborn]

I have never before used Expo on any of my helicopters, as I did not want to mix in yet another X factor. But I think it's about time I found out how much of a difference it makes.

Im unclear if im supposed to use + or - expo to soften the sticks at midle level tho, can anyone clarify that before I start dialing in?

I heard that your supposed to active the Expo in the swash mixing menu. But what about the Expo setting in the pitch and throttle curves, what on earth do they do, and would you recommend me having it on or off?

[dutch_anykey]

Hi,

Well + or - depents on the tx i found out. on my hitec eclipse 7 i had to put in negative expo to get it less sensitive around mid-stick, but on my dx7 i had to put in positive. I allways check it by turning on my electronics on the heli and try and see. (not powering up the motor!!!)
It's easy. to check just put in 50% expo and see if the servo moves less around midstick and moves a lot in the end. Then you are sure if it is pos. or neg. you need. After that you can bring back the % to your own taste.
To use or not to use....Lot's of people say that it's better not to use it. specially if you are going into 3d, then you want fast response. But then again, i think it's a matter of personal taste. Expo sure helped me in the beginning when i started flying heli's. At the moment i only have a bit of expo on the rudder.

As for the expo in the swash menu...never used it. And the manual doenst explain anything about that. But i'm going to try it.
All i could find about it and seems to make sence to me is that it wil help to overcome the non-linearity of the servo arm movement in the ccpm setup.

So basicly for me....i'm going to try it..if i like it i'm keeping it. If not, disable it...That must be one of the easiest settings in the radio hahaha

cheers,
Maurice

[Danal Estes]

The word "EXPO" is used to mean several things in JR radios (and the DX7):

1) On a given control, like aileron or elevator.
This is a positive or negative value, 0 to 100% each way. When positive, it "softens around center" by causing less movement at center stick and more as you get near the limits of stick movement. Personal choice as to how much you want (if any) according to the "feel" you like. Very large amounts of expo (particularly negative expo) can make a model un-flyable. Change slowly and cautiously.

2) In the swash mix menu (only available with CCPM active):

An on/off setting that causes the radio to compensate for the non-linear movement of a pushrod when that rod is being moved by a rotating servo arm. Worth having "on". Will reduce total movement slightly, so re-setup your pitch ranges if you change from "off" to "on".

3) In throttle or pitch curve menus:

An on/off setting that causes the radio to "smooth out the kinks" in a curve anywhere there is a sharp or sudden change in the curve. Example, a 0,80,90,95,100 throttle curve will have a pretty abrupt change right around that first point. Expo will cause a "rounded corner" instead of the abrupt angle. Personal choice as to whether you want it "on" or "off".

[felborn]

Great, just what I was looking for! Thanks guys, your the best :)

[BarracudaHockey]

About +20 expo will give you linear or nearly linear servo response as the round output of a servo has natural negative expo to begin with because of its design. So start there and adjust up or down to suit flying style.