Hey all,
I decided to start a new thread because the subject matter of this posting has been my saving grace flight-wise.
I spent most of my last flights chasing the AXN and trying to trim it in, but every time it ended in a crash of one sort or another. So I decided when I got home to investigate some different set up qualities of my radios (Futaba 10CG and Spektrum DX6i). I repaired the AXN and made sure all of the control surfaces were operating within equal throws and went online for a quick lesson in radio transmitter set up.
What I was pleased to discover was a very well explained introduction to dual rates and exponential. When you're dealing with the DX4 or DX5e these features are not available, but with the DX6i they are and thank God for that!
So I set the following percentages on the DX6i and placed the high/low rates all on one switch for ease of access so if it all went wrong I was sure control could be regained by use of one switch and not needing to flick three while trying to stay aloft.
Here are the settings I used:
Aile: Low = 70% - 20% - High = 100% - 30%
Elev: Low = 80% - 5% - High = 100% - 15%
Rud: Low = 60% - 10% - High = 100% - 20%
So I mounted my trusty #3 key chain camera (which didn't want to work after my last prang), and off I went. I really wish the camera had worked because the flights were spectacular (IMHO). Once I got some height and the wind died off I trimmed the elevator and ailerons and bingo, no forced landings - even when the wind gusted to 20-25km p/h I had complete control for each 12 minute flight. I was stoked to say the least that all my inputs were controlled, went as directed and despite some trouble getting the AXN to land (wind again) I had the best flights ever!
As such my advice to budding AXN pilots is to get a radio that will allow you to set DR and Expo, then find what you're comfortable with. (I think the Turnigy 9X will do this.) I have to say this has made my confidence jump about 60%, which means I now feel 65% confident in my flying. Seriously though if you feel frustrated by crappy flights, try this set up and let me know how you went.
I hope that any experienced pilots (including our RC Guru Bruce) will comment accordingly with any information I may have omitted in promoting this 'discovery'...
Hallmark