LOL, thanks for the vote of confidence Bruce, but I'll be the first to admit I like to keep things simple!

The old Grey Matter isn't what it used to be... For that matter, it never was

Minn Flyer!

I agree that in order to fly an aircraft, one doesn't need more than 4 channels (in fact only 1 channel was needed in the old days when rudder only was the norm), BUT things get so much easier if more channels are available.

This will become obvious when you try to set up an aircraft with barn door ailerons instead of simple strip ailerons. Also, it will become obvious when you realise that some aileron differential would come in handy in order to make that pattern aircraft roll straight or when you want to reduce the skidding tendencies of that Cub. It probably takes less than 30 seconds to dial in some aileron differential with a modern computer radio, using two aileron servos.

Sure, but I find a U-coupler a less than satisfactory solution unless it is very stiff, especially for faster aircraft or aircraft with large elevators.
Have you ever tried rocking the elevators of an aircraft with an Y-fork pusrod in opposite directions. Nine times out of ten you get a lot of movement unless special precautions have been taken.

BTW, I agree with you that some radio manufacturers should get their act together and produce nice and intuitive user interfaces and manuals that ordinary people (like me) can understand. When there is a market for third party manuals, the software designers have obviously not done their job right.

/Red B.

Hi,

I have returned to the hobby as well after 30 years, and was also confused about the different radios. I remember all the old radios mentioned, and I also thought, why would you possibly want all the functions on the new computer radios?

As always, you hope the first radio you buy will have everything you want, but this doesn't always happen. I've now been flying for a couple of years and played with several different radios, and may be able to give a little advise from an "old timers" point of view.

If I was to choose a first time, low cost computer radio, I would select the Hitec Optic 6 which I use one as my backup radio. I like it because it can do the following:
1. The transmitter can be programmed for positive or negative shift (JR, Futaba, Hitec, Aitronics FM (PPM) recivers can all be used).
2. It can be programmed for Mode 1 or Mode 2 without returning to the factory.
3. It can be purchased with a synthesized frequency module to select the channel you want to fly on that day.
4. It will allow programming up to 8 different models and store the settings.
5. It is helicopter, airplane or glider programming selectable.

Hope this helps.

Fly4Fun,

Wayne Miller

Keep in mind Red that I learned to fly on Single-Channel escapement radios, and Barn door ailerons are a piece of cake with a single servo. All that's needed is to run a flex-rod out to each aileron. As far as differential goes, just connect to the servo as shown.

True, you can't "Dial-In" an exact amount, but if your needs are that critical, you're flying far above the average Sport Flier.

Don't get me wrong, I totally agree with you that there are many functions that a simple 6 channel radio will do to greatly simplify things, and I often recommend them. My only grip is with those people who when asked for ADVICE say something like "You'd better get that top-of-the-line Radio, because someday you're going to NEED it!"

The next thing you know, some poor slob goes out and buys a radio that is WAY over his head and he either can't figure it out, or never will need to figure it out, or in the worst-case senario, he programs some God-awful thing into it that causes a crash.

Edit - Second pic was wrong so I removed it

Hey Minn, don't forget good 'ol bellcranks while your at it. You can add more differential there too.

And just to show that I'll be the first one to admit my mistakes, my servo diagram was wrong, so I pulled the pic