Got a dumb question...what is meant by high rates, low rates and dual rates and how are they adjusted? I tried a search but didnt have much luck

With a computer radio you can use the software in the radio to limit the travel of the control surface servos. It can then be set up on the "dual rate switch" so that you have different control throws based on the switch position. Use of shorter control throw (low rates) can help a novice pilot control the very aerobatic planes during critical events such as take off and landing. Once at a safe altitude the novice an simply flip the switch to "high rates" and cut loose with the plane. After some experience you will likely never use low rates again on that plane. Another tool built into computer radios that I'm sure would be your next question is Exponential or EXPO. EXPO is an adjustment made to how fast your servo initially moves. By slowing the speed of the servo when the control surface sticks are in their neutral and near center positions this can conciderably ease the handling of otherwise more twitchy or pitch sensitive planes.

Ahh ok so something I will not need to worry over for the time being...dont believe my tower 4ch radio has a computer

Lawdawg,
It's not just a function of a computer radio. In fact, most lower priced analog radios have dual rates as well. The best way to find out if your radio does is look in the radio's instruction manual for dual rates.

Ken

If you have THIS http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXCUM2**&P=ML Tower 4 ch radio, it does NOT have dual rates or EXPO. It DOES have servo reversing and adjustable stick lengths but that's about it.

Dual rates are something I would stay away from. Use expo to tame the higher rates instead, making the sticks a bit softer near center. Using dual rates requires you to consciously think about which position the switch (or switches) is set to, and to change how you move the sticks for each setting.

That is exactly what I have...and it is for a tower 30 trainer at the moment but want to recycle the equipment to a 2nd plane when that comes around. Do I need to stay away from something like a ucd 46 with such a simple radio?

No, not if you have the buddy cord and an instructor willing to help you get started with the plane. People learned how to fly aerobatic second planes for decades without duel rates or EXPO. I'ts just easier with it. But Look up my thread here in the beginners forum titled; "looking for a second plane?" http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5447767/tm.htm You may benifit from it you may not.

mr 67 stang is right about not needing a computer radio for a ucd 46. the 4 channel you have will run these basic airplanes well. The time to start thinking about computer radios is when you start having multiple airplanes ready to fly in your stable. Having one computer radio that can run all your planes and remember there trim settings and servo reverses is very convenient. Also it will save you the embarrasement of bringing the wrong four channel radio for the plane you have. Before you buy a computer radio you have to consider what type of flying you will be getting into. If you are going to be flying aircraft like trainers or small to medium pattern flyers the radios like a 6exa or 7c will do you fine. For larger aircraft or aircraft with more complicated setups like split elevator servos or dual rates on three surfaces, a radio like a 9c would be the most basic radio you would need. Its a lot better to buy a little more then you need for a little more then have to buy another system to replace an insufficient one. Sorry I have not mentioned Jr or the other systems but I am not as familiar with them.

They come in handy for precision aerobatics. I do have planes set up for dual rates but rarely switch from one to the other. I mainly use it for setting up a plane during the first few flights, then leave it alone.

A 4 chanel radio will fly most anything at the level your at, Once you have some more experience you will learn what to look for in your next radio and buy what you need. For now, that little 4 channel will be fine.