Which Mode???
 

Hi All

I've just built a LT40 and (heh heh) fitted a 61 size Engine. because of the bigger engine, I had to replace the engine mount to a stronger one, and added bit more support to the firewall, and changed the undercarrige too (was a bit feeble anyway), plus a 12 oz tank had to go in (piccys will follow for you all to see soon). Fitting the new undercarrige (Which looks good), the 11 inch prop is now 2 inches from the ground. the hight of my plane looks fine, also because my plane is now front heavy I had move the radio to the back to ballance it out.

Now to my problem, I don't know which mode to use here in the USA, Ailerons on left stick or rudder???

Thanks....

RE: Which Mode???
 

I'd use mode 2, where the rudder is on the left stick with throttle, and ailerons and elevator are on the right stick. Almost all people in the USA use mode 2. I prefer it because the sticks are situated more like a real airplane, and because I do 3D, I feel that I have a quicker, more precice response! Also if you use a buddy box, most people use mode 2, and if you go with another mode, there may be a compatibility issue. As for radios, if you are willing to spend a little more money, get a computer radio such as the JR XP662, JR XP8103, because you can fly multiple airplanes on one radio.

:)Heck, with that .60 on that plane you might as well torkroll!:D


3D-kid330



[8D]JR radios are the ONLY way to fly!:D

RE: Which Mode???
 

Mode 2 is the most used in the USA.
I have flew both ways but most clubs will
recommend mode 2 and if your on mode 1 than
your own if you get in trouble because
most instructors and club members use mode 2
and will not attempt to teach or fly in mode 1.

RE: Which Mode???
 

Thanks for the info.

I'm from England and they use mode 1. Then I had a 52 inch span plane, and the recommend size engine was an 30, but it had trouble taking off from a grassy strip, So I put in a 45 size engine, and wow did it go. My instructer say It flys great and was able to fly on only quarter throttle. Anyhow, my Lt40 is a lot bigger so it'll fly great on a 61 engine yee hah!!!

RE: Which Mode???
 

You never said if you were new to the hobby or not. Mode 2 is the common mode here in the USA but if you have experence in flying in another mode, then feel free to do so. If you are looking to convert over to mode 2 then that is fine as well.

RE: Which Mode???
 

Hooley, go with what you have previously used if you already have equipment or experience (live exper, or simulator).

If you have not yet flown on either, I will make the suggestion using of Mode 2. This is based on the fact that most hobby shops and distributors stock radios configured for Mode 2, as well as the fact that there are almost no Mode 1 teachers around anymore. It is not difficult to convert radios that they have in stock in most cases, but it is easier to start out with a radio configured the way you want it.

PS. I learned on mode 1, can instruct on it and flew it for 15 years or more, but several years ago I taught myself mode 2. There are genuine benefits to each that you may find later...... (these are only my opinion, but it is based on experience with both modes)
Mode1-- easier to fly handlaunch gliders on, pylon racing is more intuitive on this mode
Mode2-- some aerobatics (including 3d) seem easier on this mode

RE: Which Mode???
 

Well, I've been in the hobby from 1971 till 1986, and now got back into it. I'm pretty good at building planes.. But I do need to learn to fly again. In England the radios are on 35 fm meg. I'll go with mode 2, as I've been out of the hobby for a long time (I got into computers) So I'll learn that mode....

RE: Which Mode???
 

hooleydog,
Welcome to RCU.
Are you amazed at how far the hobby has come since 1971? Back in those days, using a receiver that was "relayless" and "all-transistorized" was high tech. Heck, you sometimes had to assemble your radio "kit". I'm sure today's prices for the equipment also is shocking. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.

Jesse

RE: Which Mode???
 

I dropped out in the early 70s as well and I'd have to say that the size of new radio equipment impressed me a lot... and it is nice not to assemble one's own cannon plugs.

Considering inflation, it's amazing how cheap radios are now... in fact even not considering inflation it's amazing. Otherwise, planes have gotten more responsive and the building hobby has taken a big turn toward the dumper. I'm really glad I don't need kits to support my building habit, because the hobby industry sure seems to be turning away from them hard and fast.

The people have always been great and they still are, so for me that's one of the most important parts of r/c and it hasn't changed much at all.

RE: Which Mode???
 

Thanks for the welcome here.

It is hard to believe how cheap Radio Gear has got now that I'm back in the hobby. I can remember way back in 1974 I bought my first 3 channel proportional gear, and that cost 75 pounds, (pay in those days weren't much, so I had to loan the money off my dad) . To add the forth channel to the transmitter, cost an extra 30 pounds, wow eh???. It must be cos in those days electronics were through hole, plus proportional was pretty new then. Today its all surface mount tech, so the pcb boards had less componants on them, so it's cheaper to built them.

Anyway, here's what happened to my first r/c plane

My 52 inch plane that had the 3 channel in it, crashed on its first flight. As soon as my instructor got it in the air and trimed it, he lost all control, no throttle, rudder, eleve Nothing worked. it did a nosedive right into a park 150ft down below (maybe on full throttle) where there was lots of people (the park was in a valley, I was above the park, it's hilly). only the wing made it cos it was made from foam, and coverd with some kind of light thin wood (the wing left the plane on impact). The rest of the plane was smashed to bits (unrepairable) as it did make a hole in the ground. Something went wrong with the receiver and the model shop couldn't find out what went wrong, so they gave me a new receiver, as my gear was still under warranty. I was able to buy another ready made plane (the same one) and it flew great with the new receiver. I fitted a bigger engine a 45 WOW did it go, my instructor was doing loops rolls ect. he said it was a nice little flyer...