Does anyone use those neck straps for their transmitters during flight ? Looking through the photo galleries, I haven't seen anyone using one.

I like to use a tray instead of a strap most of the time, I jsut feel more relaxed flying that way. Do whatever feels right to you, not just cause somebody else does it.

Ed M.

I use a neck strap when flying. The switches for channels 5 and 6 on my transmitter are not easy for me to get at without having to do a major repositioning of my hands. I wouldn't want to drop the transmitter while trying to activate flaperons on final

I use a strap too. I don't know why I don't really need it. It is security, kind of like Lynos's blanket on peanuts. When I fly without it I feel weird.

Or the feather in Dumbo is a good anology.


Wings

hello,
i also use a tray now, used to use the neck strap but now use a tray and i love it much more comfortable and relaxing even has a place for a can of soda built into it .

it also makes trimming a plane much easier as you are not holding the TX can fly with 1 hand and adjust with the other.

good luck with what ever you choose.



bassman

I have a strap but havnt used it yet,i've heard you dont have the strap around your neck when working over or near the prop.
Table would be nice if i knew what one looked like.

I use the strap. Nothing will ruin your day like dropping the box to break the TX... and having to just watch the plane do whatever it wants (because there's no TX controlling it any more.)

I have a sequence I follow EVERY engine start:

Aquire frequency control (pin or whatever method is used at the field)
Get the "tailholder" (Hey buddy... hold the tail please)
Lay out the tX, starter and glow adapter in an arc in front of the aircraft (all in easy reach)
turn on TX and aircraft
Check that all controls function and are working the correct directions EVERY time.
Set throttle to proper position for engine start. (high idle most times. Annoying engines need higher throttle.)
Prime engine (if it tends to need it...)
Connect glow
Start engine
Run up some to clear and reset to proper idle.
CAREFULLY remove glow plug and toss to the side.
Carefully move the starter out of the way.
Pick up the TX
Stand up and put the tx neckstrap on.
Run up the engine again.
When ready, tell the helper that he can let go so I can taxi out. (or have him carry it out or hand launch, if more appropriate to the situation...)
Go Fly.

Note that the neckstrap stayed attached to the TX... not on my neck to get in the prop durring starting.

My first plane, RTF trainer, did not include the neck strap. So I learned to fly using thumbs. I also tended to overcorrect a lot using my thumbs on the sticks. My Futaba 6XAS came with the neck strap. I started using that and love it. I now tend to pinch the sticks, which makes it a little more difficult FOR ME to overcorrect.

I am not trying to start the old Which is the best way to hold the sticks? argument. Just saying what I do and why.

I use the neck strap, though I have to buy it. Why? Because I find it difficult to hold the transmitter and make adjustments. Another good reason is that sometimes fingers slip, and that could be disastrous. [X(]

When starting the plane, flip the neck strap around so that the clasp is hanging down your back. Start the plane and then pull the strap around and hook it to your transmitter.

I have never used the transmitter strap. Thought about it once, but then thought better of it. I fly with thumbs and have decided that the strap is probably more hassle than its worth.

I started using a strap early in my training, and still do. When someone hands me their transmitter, it feels weird without a neckstrap. I don't have to support the transmitter, I just have to pinch the sticks and flip the switches. I even handlaunch a couple of my planes, with the neckstrap attached to the transmitter.

Works for me.
Dave Olson

No neck starp for me. Gets into the prop and more importantly I can't stand it on the back of my neck.

I use a neck strap. I find it allows me better control, since I can move my hands and take a more comfortable 2-finger grip on the sticks.

I don't have any problems with getting it in the prop, even at combat matches where we have 90 seconds to start the engine and launch the plane. I do my own hand launches as well. I find the strap helps with the hand launches, one hand on the airplane, one on the stick, no need to worry about supporting the weight of the transmitter.

I also have rather short fingers, so a "normal" grip doesn't quite do it for me, and my thumbs aren't long enough for solid control on "push to the center" maneuvers with out the neck strap.

And I use a Polk transmitter, one of the bigger, heavier transmitters out there. So some kind of support is almost manditory for me.

Funny thing, though, when I instruct, I usually don't use the strap. On the lower-performace planes, using other people's smaller transmitters, I don't have any problem not using it. But I feel really strange on my own transmitter with out my neckstrap.

Oh, when starting the plane, I take the neck strap off totally, it stays attached to the TX. That way it can't get in the prop.

Thanks for all the feedback [sm=thumbup.gif]

Prevents that one type accident I saw... Guy launched his TX instead of the airplane in the other hand. [X(] Good launch... about 20 yards.[&:]

I also use one. One I bought. The ones that come with the radio are not real comfortable. I flew 10+ years with out one. I find my hands are more relaxed with it. The only drawback(besides the prop thing) is it's hard to see the timer on my 9C with the strap. I have also heard good things about the tray. For a thumb only flyer like me I don't think it would work correctly.

David

I can't fly without mine. My TX is quite large and heavy. I always start and run up the model with the strap tucked into my shirt. I walk the model out and place it on the runway.

Only then do I untuck the strap from my shirt and connect it to the TX. There is no way that it can come in contact with the prop and because I do it the same every time I shouldn't forget. (Famous last words!)

I have been using a trans strap for most of my flying career! I like them. Fly without it occasionally, but not too often.

I started using a strap when I bought my 9C......don't want to drop it!!

I've always used the neckstrap, not only does it prevent dropping the tranni but it is also useful for towing in a big aircraft after a dead stick

Who's drinking soda while they're flying?

This also works well for me.

If you "never used" the Tx strap, how do you know it's "more hassle" than it's worth? TRY it you'll LIKE it!

I like Staggerwing flip mine to my back. I started without, then switched to using one. I also switched from thumbs to pinching. I fell more in control this way. I used to overcontrol alot. It has helped.

Mark Shuman

I use a neck strap, and for the "prop thing", I hook the end of the strap into my jacket zipper when it's cold enough for a jacket or onto a pocket or button hole of a shirt, or even on the neck of a t-shirt. I like some of the suggestions to take the strap off the neck during starting and prep procedures too.

the strap if good becasue if you crash your plane an your pissed you wont smash your pcm radio on the ground, ill just swing around your head. lol