I am going to start learning how to fly inverted, and I had a question about the radio setup.

When you are inverted, is there some setup on the radio that needs to be done so that when you are upside down, the heli responds like it is right side up? or do I need to learn how to fly it when it is upside down and the elevator, aileron and rudder controls are all backwards? Is there a switch you can program for this reversal? I have a Futaba 8U.

Whats the best way?

The best way is switchless,it will make for much better flying inverted and upright. Also it's the only way to preform pirouetting maneuvers.

Aww man......well.......I guess I'm in for a bunch learning to fly with everything backwards.

FF is right. The only way to go is switchless.
Even though the 8U has the feature, Futaba
listened to the heli-gang and discontinued it
on their newest, the 9C.

There are a coupla keys that should be mentioned.
Key One:
Be sure and set up the IdleUP feature on the 8
so that your throttle curve is a "VEE".
This is so that pitch curve is -9 at the bottom
and 0 at 50% throttle, and a +9 at the top.
Then, as you tip the birdy over you pull back
throttle and effectively add neg pitch and full
throttle at the bottom. There is nothing like
flippin her and pullin all the way back! She climbs
out upside down! (THRO: 100, 75, 50, 75, 100.)
Key Two:
As much fun as helis are, there is nothin like a
simulator to gain reflexes and confidence.
I am convinced that heli and sim and absolutely
coorelated and a necessity to learn this wonderful
heli flylin with the best luck and effectiveness!
Surely, it can be done without a sim and many have
done so, but one dumb thumber, and the sim has
paid for itself. And I say, if the tools are available,
why not make use of them.
Best of luck and keep it high for a while!
Byron

I love gravity, for without it, my heli would fly off on it's own...
Quick 30 pro
rappy os50 This is a sweetie!
rappy os32
rappy os32hx on the night flyer (Pull start.)
Xcell 1001 Sport Trainer os61sxH
Lookin at the Rappy sixty
Lookin at a Rappy hawaii five-oh electric conv. Hacker B50
Lookin at the new Quick 15 with os15cva.
Gave up on the high dollar Logo ten. Too pricey.
6xA, 7UHP, 8UafS, 9CHP Runnin mostly hitec Rx w Fut xtals.
Nickle Metal Hydride packs everywhere...
9 planks....

Byron, Thanks for the input. I guess the next question would be, how to you learn how to reverse everything when its right side up, upside down? Sounds like it would take years and years of getting use to.

Chris:
Here again the Simulator is absolutely invaluable.

Four heli (Basic orientations):
1. Tail IN
2. Tail Out, Nose IN
3. Inverted NOSE IN
4. Inverted Tail IN

Hovering - no big deal, once you're used to it.

FFF (Fast Forward(!) Flight):
When you move in one of the former detailed four directions,
i.e.; Tail Behind, forward flight, there is the 'standard'
stick movements. THEN, you go Backwards and a whole
NEW scenario developes! Just add water to see how
for and aft flight INVERTED changes the equation!
I am having a tough time inverted backwards flight
like Rudger Fiel so easily does, 5 feet AGL!
Later,
By

Can't go wrong with a SIM!

I guess heres one way you can train yourself.

When hovering inverted, if you want to keep the heli stationery and it is facing away from you move the sticks accordingly:

Heli moves / Move Stick
right = right
left = left
backwards = backwards
forward = forward

when it is facing you, the sticks are the opposite

Heli moves / Move Stick
left = right
right = left
backward = backward
forward = forward

Isn't this right? :spinnyeye

When hovering inverted

Tail In:
Heli/Stick
Right=Right
Left=Left
Backwards=Forward
Forward=Backwards
Tail Rotor:
Right=Left
Left=Right



Nose In:
Heli/Stick
Right=Left
Left=Right
Backwards=Backwards
Forward=Forward
Tail Rotor:
Right=Right
Left=Left



Hope this help's...

should you be at half throttle with 0 pitch?--I havnt tried inverted yet but i did set up my radio (8uhfs)--regular flying i have -3,+5,+9 -my throttle is at half throttle with the +5 at hover--shouldnt your inverted setup be at half throttle with the same amount of pitch even though the +5 will be at 1/4 and 3/4 stick--my inverted setup is -9, 0, +9--and the throttle is at half at minus 5 degrees and plus 5 degrees of pitch...can someone explain to me better why you should be at half throttle with 0 pitch?........thanks...joe
















=+

I think he meant the stick is at 50% position.


Here's a straight forward way for a symmetrical 3D set-up.
Keep in mind, if you're coming from beginner set-up, the stick will be very sensitive.

1) Adjust linkages for 0 deg. pitch at center stick and center travel(50%), and set pitch curve around 10 deg top and bottom at +/-100% (starting point).
2) Set the throttle at 100% top and bottom being sure it corresponds to full throttle. (Idle-up mode of course)
3) Fly heli and adjust throttle at center stick for a good head speed during hover. (Should be around 35-45%)
4) Do a full power climb-out and re-adjust top end pitch for max without bogging.
5) Do a full power inverted climb-out and re-adjust bottom pitch for max without bogging. If you're not into inverted, just measure top pitch and adjust negative to match.
6) If you have 5 point curves, adjust 2 & 4 (1/4 and 3/4 stick pitch points) for consistent head speed during normal and inverted hover or for a softer center (exponential collective).
7) Set all flight modes to these pitch settings and adjust throttle curve for desired head-speed so the heli won't jump when switching modes.


Kirk