TX Features Explained

Reading the technical “blurb” about a transmitter can be difficult and boring for beginners who just want to get their hands on a remote control helicopter and start flying, but for those who want to go into a little more detail the following explanation of TX features should help

Multi Model Memory
For real entusiasts who have a collection of remote control helicopters this feature is very useful. The multiple memory slots can be used for different models. Control setting such as trim and throttle settings can be saved and used for the relevant helicopter.  Some of the more advanced transmitters havean external memory card option as well

Dual Rates
This is a fairly standard feature and allows the pilot to preset different amounts of control movement. Switching between the different settings is  easy and can be done using a switch on the front panel of the TX. This feature lets the pilot reduce the sensitivity of the controls which comes in very handy for beginners.

Throttle Hold
Getting used to the controls can take time and practice and it can be very easy to crash and damage a remote control helicopter by accidently applying too much throttle. By activating the throttle hold switch any sudden throttle movements will be prevented.

Gyro Switch
This function allows you to preset the gyro settings which can be useful if you want to trial different settings without having to land the helicopter and make the adjustments manually. It is also useful when progressing to aerobatics and more “vigorous” flying.

Swash Type
Modern RC helicopters are much easier to fly then earlier versions and a lot of the improvements are the result of CCPM or Cyclic / Collectve Pitch mixing, wherby the the movements of the tree servos controling the swash plate are mixed / co-ordinated by the TX.

Exponential / Expo
The expo feature is useful when flying sensitive, more powerful models. By activating the feature the helicopter will not be sensitive to small changes in stick position but if large movements are made the model will react as expected. It slows down the responsivness of the remote control helicopter.

Throttle and Pitch Curves
In more advanced collective pitch models this feature can be very useful. It allows you to preset the throttle level and pitch of the blades for set positions of the TX throtle stick.

As I said earlier in the post, for those getting started in the hobby the detail may seem irrelevant but features such as Dual Rates can be very useful and help reduce the number of “hard landings” and broken parts.

Tags: Beginners Guide, Transmitters