All of my models have throttle control except for a profile cardinal stunt model that I bought for $20. Throttles are used for carrier, scale and other events that require the ability to change the throttle setting. Windy Urtnowski from the New Jersey area has even experimented with throttle control on his stunt models.

Think about this for a moment....

RC pilots very rarely fly a model without throttle control while CL models are very rarely flown with throttle control...why is that?

Obviously throttle control allows you to take off with realistic power up and landing under power. I have flown in tandem with other scale models with throttle control. I prefer to have throttle control even for my sport models.

THere are several choices for how to control the throttles:

1) Infra-red system - (check with Windy Urtnowski)

this system uses infra-red transmission to control a servo to move the throttle from idle to full power, the transmitter must be pointing at the model for this work and has a range of 100 feet or less.

2) Electronic controls -

these are done with two insulated lines that transmit a signal and ground down the lines to control servos for the throttle and other features. These are specialized electronics designed for CL electronics and do not use a radio frecuency

3) JR radio system with DSC -

This is similar to #2 but it uses a radio control system that you can buy off the shelf, install and fly for CL without any frecuency being transmitted. DSC is short for DIRECT SERVO CONNECTION. The majority of my models fly with this system. this system required two insulated lines....

4) Single channel electronics -

this is where you take a sevo driver and two inuslated lines and move the servo. This system only can operate one channel. Several of my models have this system..

5) JR roberts mechanical 3-line system -

Designed way back in the 50's, this uses a special bellcrank and handle that work as a pair to control the throttles. Popular with carrier folks this system only works when you have full line tension. The last model I had with this system dates back to 1990 when I converted to electronic controls. THe cost for this system is about the same as for the single channel system.


I have a book I wrote about CL electronic controls if you are interested.

Land softly