I just maidened my new model tech Magic today, but only one very short flight due to very windy conditions. One of the most experianced flyers at my field helped me maiden it, and suggested that I take out all the expo until I got the feel for the plane, then start adding it in. I use expo on my kadet and SSE, so I just put it in my magic.

So I guess the question is, to start with expo, or without and add it in after I get used to how the plane handles?

I also re-suggested to him that I make a dual rate situation where low was low without expo, and make high the same with expo.

I usually set up some expo on my plane before flying it for the first time, then adjusting it as needed to suit my flying style. I don't see the point in flying the aircraft without expo if I'm going to end up adding some anyway. I don't use much expo on low rates, usually 20% or so, and adjust the expo on high rate to feel like low rate for the first half stick of travel.

Take out the expo.? I guess if you have soo much that the airplane is sluggish in the air maybe... I use triple rates and expo. on every airplane that I have- Your situation sounds like the dual rates are what is needed most- I would start with what the MFG. suggests and maybe 25-35% expo. on high rates only.

Do you tend to over-control your airplanes? or are you comfortable making small stick movements and prefer to have the higher deflections if needed?

Did the airplane seem "squirrely" or too "sluggish"?

I set all my planes for the most possible deflection at high rates, [X(] then for medium I set them at the high-end of the MFG. suggestions, then a tad lower for low rates- All mine are WAY to sensitive, other experienced fliers have a hard time flying my planes

for example, I usually have my throws set according to the manufacturers specs, and have around 30% expo on low rates, and around 40-50% on high rates. I like using expo for the minor adjustments of flight so as not to over correct, or make jerky movements.

The more I think about it, I am going to probably just keep the expo as is, 35% on low, 50% on high.

btw, I only have dual, not tripple rates.

Taking it out makes no sence. I have mine set so on low rates the expo is lower, and on high rates its higher. I tune the high rate/high expo to feel/fly the same as low rate at about 1/2 stick movement, and beyond 1/2 the travel really kicks in. This makes an almost seemless transition between the 2, almost unnoticabe untill you move the stick past the 1/2 stick travel position or more.

Try flying the Magic with NO expo. If you have no problems then keep it that way. If it seems a little touchy, add some. Some planes in all honesty don't need it. The throws should be set at the manufacturers recommended settings to start with. Once you get comfortable with the Magic, you will have a better idea where to go with the setup.

Jim C

Usually set the expo so I'm comfortable bombing around on low or high rates.

Mike

Interesting, we had this coversation this weekend at the field.
My position:
If you "have to have" expo on your aircraft then in my opinion either the aircraft is too sensitive or you are not ready for that particular airplane and or you need more experience just plain flying.

Next sermon,
I have seen people fly planes that were way ahead of where they are on the "learning curve" and it never amazes me to listen to these people (men and women) that want to complain about an airframe "it doesn't fly very well" or "it's not very aerobatic" and they ask me to fly it and the thing is set up with expo at 30 to 45 percent, after the expo is removed and I or another one of the IMAC pilots fly it they really like it but they can't fly it and they either crash or sell the airplane.

Closing,
Just my opinion, and like arm pit everyone has one and no one thinks thier's stinks

Expo has been programmed into your transmitter because its useful. SO use it as much as you need. Its a personal preference. It cracks me up when people pride themselves in using no expo but fly with tons of other mixes and multiple rates. Its a tool use it to make your flying easier and more enjoyable.

That being said too much expo makes a plane respond sluggishly. So just ease it in till it feels good, then once you go too far take some of the expo back out until you hit the sweet spot. Someone here gave me some good advice the other day regarding this. On high rates add enough expo so that right around the middle(neutral) you cant feel the difference between high and low rate flight characteristics that way when you are coming out of a spin and forget to switch to low rate you dont accidentally pull too hard and snap the plane. Lets face it when you have a rate set with 45-60 degrees of throw you intend on using all of it most of the time or you wouldnt be there,,, specifically on elevator. So add in a ton of expo on extreme high rates so that its gentle in the middle and soft for recovery but still gives you max throw for walls, elevators and waterfalls. ....

hmm interesting...

I use 80-100% expo on ailerons (low, high and 3D rate). Why? I saw that CPLR uses that amount, so gave it a go, and liked it. I'd have trouble telling him he was not ready for his planes or needs more experience

Expo, like rates, mixes etc, is there to help you fly your plane the way you like it. Set it to the way you want it, but dont be afraid to tying different amounts to see what you like.

EG, I use three rates (as above, low, high, 3D), and generally Aileron expo is 80-100%, elevator is 40-60%, rudder 30-40%. A friend has no rates, but has 100% expo on all surfaces. All personal preference.

Incidentally, on a normal (non 3D) plane you have to get to about 30-40% before you just overcome the nonlinea output you get from a servo. On 3D planes actually less is needed, as the control surfaces mimic the servo output far more closely due to their high deflections.

No expo can be manageable if you have very low rates.

I know a very good 3der who only uses about 20% expo on high rate all the time, but he has very very high resolution thumbs.

So having said that i think it really depends on your flying style. If its fast and dramatic with lots of flicks and sharp point rolls (so with the stick halfway bettween center and maximum travel for a lot of the time) and so on then i think you dont need so much expo. If its smooth stuff with some contrastingly violent 3d thrown in then now and then then you'd use more expo.

I personally use about 40% expo on low rate for all three surfaces, 60% on middle rate and 80% on high rate- basically so that the plane feels almost the same with the stick close to the centre in low, middle, and high rate. I have both expo and throw all on one triple rate switch, so it basically acts like a flying style switch.

luke if thats nath, he uses + expo on stuff (futaba)? thats mad, i use - (JR) on my shock, for laughs, till i smashed it up

I personally use about 40% expo on low rate for all three surfaces, 60% on middle rate and 80% on high rate- basically so that the plane feels almost the same with the stick close to the centre in low, middle, and high rate. I have both expo and throw all on one triple rate switch, so it basically acts like a flying style switch.
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THAT is exactly why the radio manufactures put it there you hit the nail on the head luke

Its not a learning curve just a usefull tool

but for me mixes are a different story. cant stand em..