I talked with an experienced TREX pilot today and he thinks problems like this always boil down to the geometry of the setup.

Hmmm, but it looks so correct? He says borrow some digital calipers and make sure the linkage lengths are in spec, plus the 50% Collective Pitch condition from the radio sets up the Axe with 90 degree servo arms and a PERFECTLY LEVEL SWASHPLATE.

Arg arg arg yes yes yes been over that a million times, ok fine, I will again check the setup geometry tonight and make sure of the above.
I am 99% sure its as close as the design will allow, but I'll have another really close look.

He says you'll never be able to completely 'mix out' the control problem if there is a problem with setup geometry. doh.

NOTE: On the 50% Collective Pitch condition, you center the left stick. You are on Throttle Hold to kill the mains. Your Throttle Hold Mode Pitch Curve is linear from 0% (Full Negative Collective) to 100% (Full Positive Collective). The important thing is that the radio's display tells you when the stick is at 50% (centered) position. BUT the stick itself is mechanical and may not be actually perfectly in the center when the display says its at 50%. This is OK. Set for 50% to make these adjustments, don't just center the stick.

On my radio, when the stick is exactly centered mechanically, the output position reads about 48%. This is acceptable, but when I am checking geometry, (in particular the Sub Trims) I will confirm the radio is outputting exactly 50% regardless if the stick is slightly above center.


And By the WAY:

I am and have been trying to GET BACK to where I was with this model: Confident Forward Flight! I had it down, bro!!

I can prove it:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5544848

This 'proves' I got the stick skills to fly this thing! It seems so long ago...

I just gotta get this control problem fixed and I *SHOULD* be able to JUST FLY again!