Extreme Noob -- Explain My Transmitter

[mindmelon]

Hello everyone -- I've decided to jump into the 3D heli R/C world and have been doing tons of research.

Part of my first baby steps was to get RealFlight G4. In that effort, to help me get comfortable with my actual controller I went ahead and purchased a Spektrum DX6i to use in pass-thru.

I realized right away that I couldn't just plug the controller in and it would be configured correctly so that brought me to trying to understand the physical controller and the settings internal to it.

As I started reading tips online on the best way to configure the transmitter for RealFlight however, I noticed that while those tips/guides are correct and work (I just followed step-by-step in copy-cat mindset), they made a LOT of assumptions about my familiarity with the controller.

Which brings me to my post here...

I have no idea what all the switches do (eg. Elev D/R, AR D/R, F.Mode, Th.Hold). Like the manual, those online "beginner guides" may mention them but not detail WHAT they do or HOW to use them. Advantages, disadvantages, etc.

Do any of you know where I can learn the basics of Heli flight as it pertains to these switches and the internal settings for heli flight controllers? I've watched a lot of the videos on here -- those guys did a fantastic job! :noteworthy

I've also learned a lot about the theory of the hobby and even the specifics for getting my DX6i configured, both in RealFlight and for an actual bird. In fact, I'm hovering tail-in and out now.

But I couldn't tell you what a single switch on the controller is for or even why it's in its current position, etc. At this point I think I just need to understand fully everything about the controller.

Thoughts? Thanks all!

[LAMAR COOLEY]

mindmelon,
I checked out your profile, not much there. So depending on your location, I would suggest
trying to find, in your area, a local hobby shop, fellow fliers, flying site or club to aid you.
Regards

[Espeefan]

It gets pretty in depth, but here is a good website that explains dual rates, aka D/R, and something else you are bound to run into, called Expo. http://www.rmfm.org/dual_rates_and_exponential1.htm

Flight modes, are modes that can be programmed in your radio to change the flight characteristics of the model. For helicopters, you see 3 or 4 different modes. 'Normal mode', used for hovering, 'Idle Up 1', for advanced sport or 3D flying/hovering, 'Idle Up 2', for all out 3D flight, and then you have 'Hold' which cuts the throttle down to an idle, while still giving you full throw on your pitch curve. 'Hold' is used for performing auto-rotations.

Simply put, each flight mode can be programmed to use a different pitch and/or throttle curve. The curves control the servo throw and movement, which can in turn effect the total pitch available and the engine RPM at any given point on the curve. The two curves generally work together. Depending on the curve, the model can fly wild 3D, and be very responsive, or it can be a very docile flyer. All this is assigned to a toggle switch, and at the flick of the of the switch, the heli can go from one mode to another.

[mindmelon]

Ok, thanks for that Nathan -- good info. :thumbup: I'll check the link.

Any good place to learn the specifics on the Spektrum DX6i in that same vein that you know of as well?

[Pinecone]

The only real difference between various Txs is what they call things. Most have the same basic controls and setups. Yes, the higher level Txs have more function and some advanced stuff, but the basic stuff is the same for any computer radio.

And of course, as you have questions, ask.