The control throws on my first plane, a Hobbico Superstar EP, are somewhat larger than the recommended settings for a beginner pilot like me. I assembled the pushrods in the proper servo arm and control horn holes, per the instructions. Can I use the ATV adjustment on my Hitec Laser 4 Tx to reduce the allowable rudder and elevator throws. If so, what is the proper procedure (the brochure that came with the Tx really doesn't explain the process)? The specified "low rate" settings for the Superstar EP are: 1/4" for elevator and 3/8" for rudder. The specified "high rate" settings are: 7/16" for elevator and 5/8" for rudder. I currently measure for my plane: 3/8" for elevator and 3/4" for rudder. Will my current throws get me into trouble as a new pilot (I plan to get instructor help at my local flying field while learning)? Thanks.

Since the laser 4 doesn't have dual rates, I think the thing to do would be to mechanically set the throws to the recommended high rates and then dial them down to the recommended low rates using the ATV. This way you won't have to re-adjust linkages when you're ready for more control authority. To increase throw, move the linkage in a hole on the control surface horn and out a hole on the servo horn; vice versa to reduce the throw. The difference you have in the elevator is probably ok, and more rudder throw is better than not enough, generally speaking. Having said all that, I would recommend you take the plane to the field in its current state of adjustment and see what your instructor has to say. If adjustments are needed, it should be a quick and easy operation to perform. Good luck!

Too much elevator throw will cause the plane to flip over on its back and go out of control. If it's unintentional, it's called a tip stall, and if it's intentional, it's called a snap roll

Control linkages are like gear ratios. The longer the "driving" arm, the larger the throw. The longer the "driven" arm, the shorter the throw. Move the pushrod closer to the pivot on the servo arm to reduce your control throws to the recommended maximums. If that doesn't do it, move the pushrod out away from the surfaces on the control horns at the elevator and rudder.

As Matt says, use the ATV to reduce the throws only after you have them mechanically adjusted to the recommended maximum.

That was a good analogy about the gear ratios, Matt. I'll have to remember that next time somebody asks me this question[8D]

I already have the control rods in the furthest outer hole of the horns and the most inner hole (3/8" from servo center, as specified in the instructions) of the servo arms. I only reduced the throws slightly using the ATV on the Tx....... thought I probably should at least get the throws down somewhere in between the recommended low and high rates stated in the instructions, since I'm a brand new, training pilot. Thanks for the good info.