I have my snap condition programmed for full up elevator (actually about 95% elevator). When I snap I bury the sticks into the corners. When elevator is pulled full, the elevator reduces to about 60%, the rudder to about 50%, and the ailerons increase about 60%. I have one such condition for positive snaps when full up elevator is pulled, and one for negative snaps (avalanche) when full down is pushed in. It also happens to be the perfect setting for inverted spins. It works great because I never use full elevator for anything but snaps and spins, and then the results are consistent every time. Those are the only conditions I use for pattern.

For freestyle, I remove the condition from the stick because when I pull full elevator for 3D type stuff, I do not want snap rates kicking in. For freestyle I use a snap rate condition on switch (not an automatic switch, only a rate change), a medium rate for most flying, and a wild rate for bizarre stuff. I will probably remove the middle rate and adjust my highest rate expo for more freedom. I may also investigate a torque roll rate with a softer throttle curve for better control. My linear pattern curve does not have perfect equilibrium. One click acends, one click decends. I would like to find the curve where I have more subtle control for torque rolling/hovering.

As far as the automatic snap switch, I never use it. I prefer to watch and "feel" the airplane through the snap. I'm sure, though, that a well programmed switch would give very consistent results, but I do not even know if they are allowed in FAI regs. I did not read that part. I, however, would not talk down to it's use. It is difficult enough to program a great snap and a well programmed snap switch displays good knowledge and patience in trimming and adjusting. Even with a snap switch, one must know when to hold it and when to release it, switch the direction switches for the correct snap direction, get the entry speed correct, and get back to the sticks in time to get into the next portion of the manuver. Quite complex actually if you plan on using it for several snaps throught the sequence and want to change snap directions. By setting the condition on the elevator, I am immediately poised for the next thing to come, such as concentrating on the backside radius of the avalanche or the 4/8.

These simple conditions use about 2% of the radios capabilities, but at this time and my current level, that is all I need and benefit from.

Mark