Bought a Futaba 7C-2.4GHz. Up to now, have just had TH 4 ch for a trainer. The 7C will start with a 4*-40.

In terms of set-up, for a "still beginner", what is recommended configuration?

Should I program in dual/triple rates (and what levels) or expo (and what settings)?

Any other config recommendations? (beyond obvious 4-ch config like reverse servos and timer and engine cut-off)

Thanks.

I know that you are eager to use the "whistles and bells" but keep things simple and ease into them gradually so as not to get confused. I'd recommend a very basic set-up with maybe a touch of expo for a start. IF you are going to have a more experienced pilot maiden the plane for you then you could also add dual rates. This way he could pick the one that he feels YOU could keep up with best when you first start flying the plane. The last thing you need is to grab onto the sticks of a hot rod Cobra that you can't control after learning to fly with your "mother's Buick". If you get the analogy.

on a 4 Star to start with...no expo...use throttle cut for your first mix...wait on dual rates until you're comfortable with the 4 Star

Ditto.

To paraphrase what Bruce and Jetmech said: Don't use the bells and whistles because you HAVE them, wait until you have a NEED to use them. When that day comes, you'll be very glad you have them!

From my experience this summer I agree with what's been posted above. I got into an intermediate->advanced computer radio during my first season. I tried to just stick to the basics and not use any of the 'bells and whistles' and of course found myself eager to explore, and found it easy to justify using dual rates and mixes. I actually found that I had less control of the plane since I didn't REALLY know what was going on - I didn't have a feel for what the plane was actually doing. Today, I have my mixes programmed on a switch for competing but haven't actually competed with them. I didn't use expo on my Dolphin (4* clone) but I do use it on my precision plane and only after flying without it for a while.

I've noticed that my thumbs do a pretty darn good job of manual mixing. A few times I've tried to examine some couplings of my plane during a trimming routine, and thought it was odd that there were no couplings. I then realized my thumbs were doing what they needed to do to keep the plane in the proper attitude (my left thumb now just naturally makes necessary corrections, etc.). I think it's a good idea to get to this point before using mixes. It will not only help you flying the plane you're flying now, but will help when you have a new plane to maiden, or if you are flying/helping someone else's plane that doesn't yet have the right mixes, or even worse has the wrong mixes.

So, do the basic things, do a throttle cut. Next step would be a dual rate with a little expo on the high rates (and just a little more throw for the high rates).

Oh, and MIXES SHOULD NOT BE DONE TO AN UNTRIMMED PLANE. Properly trimming a plane requires more than a few clicks of trim to fly straight and level. For example, a plane may pull to canopy in knife edge, so you might think you need mix to compensate, when actually it could be a CG or a wing issue. If you put in the mix, you are only covering up something else that is wrong, and it can come back to bite you. NOT saying NOT to use mixes, just use them after you know you've fixed everything manually you can.

Having read the manual, another question. Manual says to wrap the Rx in foam but the Futaba web site says that heat is a bigger concern and 2.4 does not need to worry about vibration so no foam....

Which is it?

I read a thread about this lately, I believe that most people feel the best is not to wrap it.

Jon

It's only the new 14-channel R6014FS rx that has a problem with heat.

But I generally just stick the Rx in place with Velcro anyway. It holds it in place, AND keeps vibrations away