Mode 1 vs Mode 2

[Boggy]

all the relevant modes

[dav20043]

No no no....mode 1

thats right just say no to mode 1

[pchristy]

Modes 1 & 2 only refer to the throttle ie: whether its on the right stick or the left stick. The yaw control remains on the left stick, unless it is the primary turning control (ie a plank with no ailerons).

The only person I know who flies with yaw on the right is left-handed, and flies "left-handed mode 1" - also known as mode 3 - ie roll and throttle on the left, yaw and pitch (elevator) on the right.

Modes 3 and 4 are quite rare, and not all transmitters support them. Also, if you get into trouble, no-one will be able to help you out! This latter probably isn't an issue on small machines, but could be on bigger ones!

Historical note: Since all full size aircraft are "mode 2", why aren't models? This is because in the days before proportional control, models were flown by what was known as bang-bang or "reed" systems. A reed transmitter had two switches on the right side of the box which operated left and right rudder and left and right aileron. On the left hand side of the box were the switches for elevator and throttle. Any right hand switch could be operated simultaneously with any left hand switch, but not two rights or two lefts!

All the top experts got so used to having the elevator under their left thumb, they had difficulty in coping with "mode 2", and so "mode 1" was invented. These experts then taught the next generation and so on.

Have a look here to see an early "reed" transmitter:

F&M - C.G.

Its a similar story with why most older pilots learned left hand circuits, and are uncomfortable flying right hand ones! We all learned to fly control-line initially, as radio-control was far too expensive! Control line models always fly anti-clockwise, so you get used to taking off and landing going right to left! When you move on to RC, you stick with what is familiar.......

Here endeth the history lesson!

[Smoothound]

Mode 2 Southpaw here as well

You can always do your own thing and mod your Tx like Curtis

[chrissy]

i think most popular mode 2

[Brian Gifford]

Mode 3 is what you want by the sounds of it (ie cyclic pitch/roll on the left stick, and collective/yaw on the right stick). I bet more people (lefties in particular) would use Mode 3 if they knew about it when they started - so many people think their only choice is 1 or 2.

Mode 3 and 4 are the same as Mode 2 and 1 but with the sticks swapped over (respectively). Futaba has always supported all four modes, and now Spektrum (finally) does too with the DX8 [and presumably higher TXs too].

So if you want to go Mode 3 you'll have to either invest in a Spektrum DX8, or switch over to Futaba. Even the 6EX supports all four if you want to stick to a budget, but the FF7 is what I'd recommend.

I'm a leftie, & I did my research before committing to which mode. After a lifetime of having to adapt to a wrong-handed world (from my point of view )

I decided to use the mode most commonly used in the UK. TBH, when starting from scratch, I can't see it makes much difference to how quick you pick up the skills, so you might as well start with a mode that most people are familiar with.

It makes it easier for others to help set up your heli if they are flying the same mode - they can test-fly for you, etc.

No offense intended to all the mode 1,3,4 flyers out there!

[DemonJim]

The only person I know who flies with yaw on the right is left-handed, and flies "left-handed mode 1" - also known as mode 3 - ie roll and throttle on the left, yaw and pitch (elevator) on the right.

You've actually described Mode 4 there. Mode 3 is in fact yaw and throttle on the right (or a "left-handed mode 2").

Brian's point is totally valid - going with the majority (Mode 2) is easier and better for many reasons but the fact that the OP said when he gets into trouble he instinctively switches over to wanting to yaw on the right and cyclic on the left (despite already learning on Mode 2) suggests a fairly hardwired Mode 3 brain.

I believe picking the right one allows you to maximise your potential. My advice is try all four modes on a sim giving each one equal time, and see what just feels right and stick with that.

[ShinySideUp]

You've actually described Mode 4 there. Mode 3 is in fact yaw and throttle on the right (or a "left-handed mode 2").

Brian's point is totally valid - going with the majority (Mode 2) is easier and better for many reasons but the fact that the OP said when he gets into trouble he instinctively switches over to wanting to yaw on the right and cyclic on the left (despite already learning on Mode 2) suggests a fairly hardwired Mode 3 brain.

I believe picking the right one allows you to maximise your potential. My advice is try all four modes on a sim giving each one equal time, and see what just feels right and stick with that.

Thanks for all the replies (the picture of the four transmitter options was very informative). I think a purchase of Phoenix is a good idea so I can try all the modes as well as practice in safety especially as I stripped a servo gear this weekend and can't fly anything until the new set arrives.

Thanks again,

cheers

Martin

[Brian Gifford]

You've actually described Mode 4 there. Mode 3 is in fact yaw and throttle on the right (or a "left-handed mode 2").

Brian's point is totally valid - going with the majority (Mode 2) is easier and better for many reasons but the fact that the OP said when he gets into trouble he instinctively switches over to wanting to yaw on the right and cyclic on the left (despite already learning on Mode 2) suggests a fairly hardwired Mode 3 brain.

I believe picking the right one allows you to maximise your potential. My advice is try all four modes on a sim giving each one equal time, and see what just feels right and stick with that.

Equally valid point, Jim. Martin's last post seems to indicate he agrees with you.

[pchristy]

You've actually described Mode 4 there. Mode 3 is in fact yaw and throttle on the right (or a "left-handed mode 2").

Oops! Yes! Sorry!

See? They can't even name the odd modes consistently.....!

[Kozmyk]

I'm a lefty using Mode 2.
Being left handed didn't affect me when starting up RC again because neither thumb knew what to do.
It's the same with guitar. When I started, neither hand was programmed to play so it was just as easy to learn to play a r/h guitar as a l/h and l/h guitars are more expensive.

I've joined a club where the plankers all use Mode 4
Not a problem for heli flying but if I wanted to get some buddy help on planks I'd have to get a Mode 4 Tx compatible with my DX7 (you have to supply your own buddy equipment at this club).
On the plus side there's a nice big heli flying area with only a few heli flyers to compete with for airspace.

I'd be out there now but I'm not feeling well.

[Klaus]

Most used is probably mode 1 since its the mode of choice in Asia, europe is mode 2, be smart and choose what your flying buddies use so you can buddyline and exchange tips, not to talk about ask one of the guys to fly your heli and help with feedback on setup +++

In general it has nothing to do with being a lefty or righty

[Downdraft]

Not that I want to appear smart or anything of the like but,

Which ever mode you are has no effect on the buddy connection to a second TX as this is determined by the Tx in your hand.... So which ever mode you choose for your personal prefference makes no difference to a second TX connected via a buddy lead. You can infact have a mode 1 master and mode 3 slave if you wish (any combination will work), it may get a little confusing if your not careful but the only drawback as stated earlier is if you want a friend to help with setup he will need to be profitiant in your mode to test fly.

[Klaus]

I would not buddy a mode 1 as i cant really use verbal hints or look at me kinda guiding