ORIGINAL: paulw1283
Ok, so let me get this straight. I just want to learn my radio so I know how to set up a helicopter myself.
First, I set the servo arm 90 degree to the linkage at mid stick. I setup the servos so they give me max throw in either direction without binding using the servo's endpoint on the radio.
For best response make the servo move as much as possible by using the correct hole in the servo arm, then fine tune with the end point settings.
If I run with 0 degree pitch at mid stick, the swashplate should be level and all the arms and linkage should be parallel and/or perpendicular. This is the mechanical setup.
At this point, assume I get -10 and +10 if the throttle curve is a straight line from point 1 all the way to 5. This means if I move the stick to the extremes, and I measure the pitch with a pitch gauge, I get -10, and +10.
Pitch curve, not throttle...
But if I only want to have a minimum pitch of -3, I can just adjust the point 1 (or 2 if needed) on the radio so that the curve never come close to the origin (bottom of y axis, which is -10).
Then if I want more negative pitch on idle up, all I have to do is change the curve from the radio without even touching the mechanical setup.
Is that right?
Yup, right again. As you've realised, the 'Y' axis on those curves represents end to end servo movement as defined by the end point settings. Bare in mind that the only points defined for the servo are the actual end points so if you change one you will also change the actual possition of the servo arm for all other possitions, ie, the mid point is always halfway between the two end points, so moving an endpoint will move the mid point.
For this reason, do the mechanical setup first trying to get it as accurate and symetrical as you can. Only use the endpoint settings to fine tune out any binding you can't remove by mechanical adjustment. Then adjust your pitch curves to give the precise blade pitch required for stick possition.