Which TX mode ?

[Farmer Giles]

OK, I am still in the early stages of learning to fly and I have started, like most, using a Mode 2 TX but now I have my Phoenix SIM I am going to have a go at the other modes just to see if they work better for me. I am particularly keen to try mode 3, which is a reverse of mode 2, as most things I do that require good hand to eye coordination I use my left hand so I think I might have better cyclic control with it. I also used to race RC cars so steering (rudder) was always right stick. I know I'll have a spring loaded collective and a non centering elevator in mode 3 (using my mode 2 handset) but it should still give me an idea.

So when you started flying did you just use mode 2 TX as that's what everyone was doing or have you tried all the other modes and found mode 2 suited you best ??

Also what's the availablity like for TXs in modes other than 2 and 1? are mode 3 and 4 readily available in popular TX brands (Spekky, Futaba, JR etc) or would they be 'special order' only and therefore more expensive ?

thanks for reading and any input welcome..

cheers

[barney]

I would stick with Mode 2. Flight direction comes from a combination of Aileron/elevator and rudder. There is no easy way round this. Also if you need help with a model you are basically stuffed unless your using mode 2 as not many folk can fly other modes.

Once you get into more advanced flying your going to be using both hands full time anyways...

Most TX's can only be got Mode 1 or Mode 2.

I raced boats, cars, flew planks..it makes little difference, you pick it up quick enough.

cheers Brian

[mattydred]

yeah i agree with brian - stick with mode 2 or you might just start confusing yourself

cheers

matty

[chemicalbro]

you said you used to drive rc cars and steering was always right stick....
it is right stick on heli mode 2 also.... cyclics are your steering (in combo with rudder but its more to do with the cyclics)

if you try and "steer" a heli using only the rudder you won't be going anywhere except spinning in a circle around centre of heli

[0h5h1t]

yea, stick with mode 2 buddy, we have a very few mode 1 flyers at the field and no one can help test thier heli's at all because of the mode switch. if we can all learn to use mode 2 then you can as well. smooth precise cyclic control will take time to learn whichever hand you choose to use so stick with it and it will come.

[frazzle]

Initially tried mode 1 on a mCX then gor a 'proper Tx' and now Mode 2 seems to be the natural setup for a right hander.

Mode 2 is the standard in UK and remember if you wanna let someone else fly your heli.. ie a test pilot or expert flyer to help..your gonna have grief potentially.

Good luck whatever you decide.

fraser

[Brian Gifford]

FWIW, I'm a newbie, and left-handed. I learnt to use a mouse right handed as it was too much hassle trying to move a mouse any time I went on a different computer. It's the same with Tx's, TBH. I would have prefered mode 1, but 99% of people fly mode 2, so that's what I'm using. Stick with it, mate, it will soon click.

[unwind-protect]

FWIW, I'm a newbie, and left-handed. I learnt to use a mouse right handed as it was too much hassle trying to move a mouse any time I went on a different computer.

Bizarrely, I use my mouse in my left hand /because/ I'm right handed; it allows me to hold a pen in my right hand and navigate the computer without conflict.

[Brian Gifford]

Bizarrely, I use my mouse in my left hand /because/ I'm right handed; it allows me to hold a pen in my right hand and navigate the computer without conflict.

I mean this in the nicest possible way, Neil, but you are wierd even by the standards of this forum!

[unwind-protect]

I have my left hand monitor in portrait, and my taskbar along the lefthand edge, too! I also learnt to type on a Dvorak keyboard, and will very occasionally switch back to it mentally and be very confused by kjd uglldog;j sfkrfk!...

[Brian Gifford]

I have my left hand monitor in portrait, and my taskbar along the lefthand edge, too! I also learnt to type on a Dvorak keyboard, and will very occasionally switch back to it mentally and be very confused by kjd uglldog;j sfkrfk!...

Nice one, Neil.