Beginner Series - Transmitters

The Flite Test Beginner Series is brought to you by Horizon Hobby. 

Episode 8: Transmitters

Transmitters (TX for short)

What do they do?

Transmit the control information to your plane.

Things to consider when you are looking for a transmitter are Frequency, Number of Channels, Modes, Advanced Functions, and Cost.

Frequency / Protocol

72 MHZ -

• Older
• Longer Range
• Can interfere with others

2.4 GHZ

• Most common
• Shorter antenna
• Frequency hopping
• Proprietary protocols - Brand specific

Number of channels

4 or 5 Channel - Throttle/Rudder/Ailerons/Elevator

• Less expensive
• Not good to grow with
• Usually come with RTF

6 or more - Throttle/Rudder/Ailerons/Elevator/Landing Gear/Flaps

• 6 channels is usually all you need
• More expensive radios have nicer gimbals

Modes

• 1 and 2 are most common
• Everything Flite Test does involves MODE 2
• Different modes aren’t better… just different

Advanced Functions

• Display Screen
• Multiple Model Memories
• Training features (Buddy box)

• Expos - Gives you more precise control but still lets you use the full throw.
• Dual rates - Makes the servo move less or more in relation to the stick.
• Mixing - Example: Elevons http://flitetest.com/articles/Elevon_Mixing_

Cost - What makes the price go up?

• More channels
• Better quality
• The price of the RX’s
• Advanced features
• Better resolution

Expo

• Video explaining both expos and dual rates: http://www.flitetest.com/articles/expos-dual-rates

• Makes the stick softer around mid-stick (or quicker depending on the direction!)

• Comes from the exponential curve in mathematics

• Negative values on futaba and hitec, positive on Spectrum

• Gives you more precise control but still lets you use the full throw

Dual Rates

• Video explaining both expos and dual rates: http://www.flitetest.com/articles/expos-dual-rates

• Makes the servo move less in relation to the stick

• Usually set up on a switch so you can switch in mid flight

• Great for maidening new planes

• Some people prefer dual rates over expos (We say use both)

 HorizonHobby-BeginnerSeries