Written by Greg Gimlick Helicopters Column As seen in the Spring 2018 issue of Park Pilot.
>> If you’re around this hobby long enough, you’ll accumulate a number of radios, or at least try a few. If you’re lucky and plan wisely, you’ll end up with only one or possibly two. As you can see in one of the photos, I’ve ended up with six radios, partly because I like to try different things. Different manufacturers use different logic when setting up their functions and switches. I’m going to sort through some of that and help you navigate the minefield with minimum stress. Do you want a helicopter radio or one for an airplane? Most of the main brands offer transmitters in either mode. The primary difference is in the throttle stick and momentary switch position. Most use the same primary programming in either style, so that won’t trip you up. The throttle stick on a helicopter radio has a smooth, non-ratcheting gimble. An airplane radio generally has a ratcheting throttle stick. This makes flying a helicopter awkward, but the manufacturers, fortunately, provide a method to disable the ratchet. Opening the back of the radio and either loosening a tension screw on the ratcheting tab or flipping the tab over makes it smooth. The switch function and position usually involve the two switches farthest back on the top corners of the radio. One will be a two-position switch and the other a momentary switch. Helicopter radios usually have the two-position switch at the right back corner and use it for throttle hold. The momentary switch is at the left back corner for trainer or panic recovery mode. On airplane radios, the positions are reversed and the two-position switch is generally used for landing gear. Which one is the right choice? This is personal preference. I like a smooth throttle stick whether I’m flying helis or airplanes. Because I prefer everything to be standardized, I select a helicopter radio when I buy one.
The Spektrum DX9 is a heli radio, and the Futaba 14SG is an airplane radio. The throttle-hold switches are in opposite positions, so Greg used a colored switch cover as a reminder.
As you might notice, I have a Spektrum DX9 (horizonhobby.com) heli radio, but a Futaba 14SG (futabarc.com) airplane radio. Why? It was just one of those things. In other words, I ordered the wrong one and didn’t exchange it. I converted the throttle stick to smooth action and try to live with my switches being on opposite sides. My recommendation is to choose one style or the other and stick with it if you buy a second radio. Having consistency in switch locations is important to avoid mistakes. RTF options: RTF (Ready to Fly) setups come with their own radio. In the Blade line of helicopters, that generally means one of two options.
The Blade MLP6DSM transmitter that comes with some RTF setups puts throttle hold on the flight-mode switch. The red button on the right is the momentary switch for panic recovery.
The less-expensive kits come with the Blade MLP6DSM Six-Channel SAFE Transmitter (bladehelis.com), while the next level up arrives with a more standard-style Spektrum DXe. Both are capable transmitters, but don’t allow for multiple aircraft, so it’s a single-purpose choice. Of course, you can program all of your RTF helis into one of the Spektrum transmitters when you’re ready to upgrade your radio. One thing I’m cautious of with the MLP6DSM transmitter is having throttle hold on the flight-mode switch. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to go from stunt mode to hold if you overshoot the middle switch position. The DXe eliminates this concern by having it on its own switch. This allows for three flight modes instead of two. The DXe is also programmable with a USB interface.
The Spektrum DXe is a budget option that includes a separate flight mode and throttle-hold switch, along with a momentary bind/panic button.
DIY modifications: Each of my FrSky Taranis (frsky-rc.com) radios had a momentary two-way switch where I preferred my two-position throttle-hold switch. On the $107 Taranis Q X7, the switch is easily changed by replacing it with a two-position switch and soldering the wires to the new switch. The Taranis X9D Plus is more work because the switch is soldered to a small circuit board, but it’s not a tough job. I was going to do the same to my Futaba 14SG radio, but those switches are more complicated to change and best left to a radio repair service. It’s also a $599 radio, so I’m less willing to do it myself.
The Taranis X9D Plus is shown with Greg’s newly installed two-way switch for throttle hold. It’s easier to replace the switches on some radios than others.
Because my Futaba 14SG has switches opposite of those on my Spektrum DX9, I used slip-on colored rubber switch covers. I use red or orange for my throttle-hold switch. It provides a visual reminder, along with a different feel. Anyone who grabs one of my radios will notice which switch is my hold switch. This doubles as throttle-cut on my fixed-wing airplanes. I also replaced my momentary switches with standard two-position switches. I prefer it this way and can use them for retract landing gear when needed. If I use them for panic recovery, I just need to remember to flip them off when the aircraft has stabilized. I find it more versatile, but again, that’s my personal preference. Caution: Any time you open up your transmitter and make changes to switches, you are likely to void your warranty. If that is a concern to you, make sure to send it to an authorized factory service/repair center. Wrapping it up: If you’re buying your first “real” radio—meaning one that will hold multiple models—and you plan to fly both helis and airplanes, choose carefully. As long as you keep your radios consistent in their configuration, all will be fine. Don’t make the mistake that I did and end up with different modes. -Greg Gimlick [email protected]
