I just purchased a Futaba radio....X6EA...sumpin like that.....and I have a question about the dual rate function. The instructions aren't real clear.....I understand the concept of dual rates, the beginner/expert idea, but I'm not clear about what I'm adjusting with the computer. I was playing with it....and set up end points both in low and high modes.....now what am I adjusting when go to the dual rate screen and its asking for percentages? Thanks a lot for any responses.

What the dual rates means is using for different amount of travel for the control surfaces, usually the ailerons and elevator. When you have it set to "high rate" it means that the control surface moves the full amount that is supposed to travel. When you set a "low rate" you set the control surface to travel less than the full amount, this is espressed in a percentage. example: If you set your low rate to 50% then the control surface would only travel half the amount of the full travel. The amount, or percentage, that you would dial in depends on your plane and your situation. If you are flying a trainer you probably won't need to set up dual rates. Consult an instructor at your field, as they will be better able to determine if you need them. And if you do they will be able to help you set them up properly.

Dual rates is most definately not for "expert/beginner". The are more often used for different flying conditions. If you have an aerobatic or 3D plane the control surfaces have a lot of throw, but when it comes time to land you don't want as much throw so you would switch to low rates for your landing.

Hope this helps.

Dual rates can cause you a lot of problems if you are just starting out! For instance, buddy boxes don't do dual rates, they only use the high rate setting so there's no point in setting up dual rates for trainers. [8D]

Oh, ok...if I understand it right, I'd set my throws for high rate and then simply assign a percentage to low rate......I set up each rate according to the instructions for the plane....I'm assuming I need'nt mess with the percentages then.

I'm currently flying a Park Zone Slow-V and purchased a completed slow poke with the future in mind. I bought the radio and am now learning about setting it up. I have a friend who is very accomplished with rc and he told me to try to set it up on my own and then he'd come over and check my work.....good way to learn, I guess. I appreciate the responses.

Well, sometimes the instructions for a plane will suggest both high and low "throws". Say, 1/2" up and down for the elevator as high throws, and 3/8" up and down for low.

In this case you'd set the throws at 1/2" while on high rate in the transmitter, then put in maybe 70% once you went to low rates in the programming. Then, when you hit the low rate switch for elevator on top of the transmitter you'd get less travel on the elevators. (Does that make sense?)
Dennis-

Makes a lot of sense..thanks