Mode 1 vs Mode 2

[ShinySideUp]

I have a Blade 400 which I believe I am using in Mode 2 ie throttle on the left stick. I have found that when I get into difficulties whilst hovering I tend to try to use the right stick to turn the heli when I should be using the left stick to adjust the yaw resulting in the neccessity to land very quickly to get my bearings and recover from a potential crash situation.

Which is more common, mode 1 or mode 2?

Intuitively I think I would be more comfortable if I could yaw and throttle with my right hand and pitch with my left. Is this an option? Can I alter my DX6i to to this?

I'm sure this info is already available in this forum but I can't find it as there are so many categories.

Sorry all but I am still full of noob questions despite hours of research.

Martin

[Tim Procter]

The norm in Europe is mode 2 but there are plenty using mode 1 including myself.

Whichever is best for you but make your mind up and stick with it.

[CookieMan]

Which is more common, mode 1 or mode 2?

Mode 2.

Intuitively I think I would be more comfortable if I could yaw and throttle with my right hand and pitch with my left. Is this an option? Can I alter my DX6i to to this?

To answer that in a word, technically, YES, it is possible - but that's not to say this action comes with its drawbacks - like for example, apart from the tediousness of the task, the voiding of the warranty.

Martin, if you're just starting off, it will be a little time before you get used to the actions of each stick movement. The more you practice, the faster you'll get used to it. If you get yourself a good SIM (*cough* phoenix *cough*), that might simply just help you speed up the whole deal.

My opinion - (I'm a) Mode 1 user.

P.S.: Go to your local club, if you've got one around and talk to the people around - that might just help you.

[DemonJim]

What about Mode III and Mode IV?

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.

* [Edit] Just spotted that the DX4e has a mode switch on it too, ie you can switch Mode 2/4 on the Mode 2 set (or between Mode 1/3 for the Mode 1 set). Great news for us Mode 3'ers who like the look of the new Blade mCP (which is Spektrum only)

[jwatts007]

I wish I had known the differant modes 1 and 2 and then I could have chosen which to go for, I am mode 2 but there is a lot to say for mode 1 check them both out............

[dav20043]

if i had my time again and was just starting out i would go mode 2 and pinch the sticks as opposed to thumbs only

[challis349]

if i had my time again and was just starting out i would go mode 2 and pinch the sticks as opposed to thumbs only

Why pinch the sticks? Is there any advantage? Surely its all about comfort

[coptermanic]

Intuitively I think I would be more comfortable if I could yaw and throttle with my right hand and pitch with my left. Is this an option? Can I alter my DX6i to to this?

I think that is Mode 3; Mode 1 has RUDD/ELEV reft, AILE/THRO right. I know Tim AKA - BUSTERBOY] uses Mode 1, and one gent at my club uses either 3 or 4, but he's a plank expert and instructor.

edit: soz, should have read the whole thread!!!

[challis349]

Yup pretty sure mode 3

[dav20043]

Why pinch the sticks? Is there any advantage? Surely its all about comfort

i would say there seems to be a finer control to the pinchers so if i was to begin again i would try and learn that way i am sure there is a thread about it somewhere

[Mike W]

At the end of the day you fly with what you find comfy ... There are mode 3,4 pilots out there as well ... I fly mode 2 and am left handed ... The more you practice the easier it does get over time tho .. Get a good sim and practice ... It's a bit like driving a car tbh ... You dont think when you drive , you just do it .. The same goes with anything that you try ...

[mattie-lodge]

Mode 1 all the way

[nigelbrogan]

Mode 2,

[mattie-lodge]

No no no....mode 1

[Mike W]

No no no....mode 1

no,no,no ... mode 3 lmao only kidding I fly mode 2.......Theres cons and pros of flying all the modes tbh .. Ask any plane flyer and they say mode 1 , but alot of mode 2 plane flyer can fly as smooth as a mode 1 pilot ..just fly what YOU want and sod the rest lmfao