I'm exploring my Futaba WC2 and I'm wondering what we can use the "conditions" option in pattern. I understand the concept of "Conditions" but do we have a need for it in Precision Aerobatics?

Can be use for an idle up to prevent accidnetal engine cut-off

Can be used for situations to initate different spin and snap directions if you use a snap switch.

Can be used to alter throws for differrent wind condt's / speeds.

Plus more if you use your imigination.

How would you alter the throws for different wind conditions? As in more throw or less?

I have my snap condition programmed for full up elevator (actually about 95% elevator). When I snap I bury the sticks into the corners. When elevator is pulled full, the elevator reduces to about 60%, the rudder to about 50%, and the ailerons increase about 60%. I have one such condition for positive snaps when full up elevator is pulled, and one for negative snaps (avalanche) when full down is pushed in. It also happens to be the perfect setting for inverted spins. It works great because I never use full elevator for anything but snaps and spins, and then the results are consistent every time. Those are the only conditions I use for pattern.

For freestyle, I remove the condition from the stick because when I pull full elevator for 3D type stuff, I do not want snap rates kicking in. For freestyle I use a snap rate condition on switch (not an automatic switch, only a rate change), a medium rate for most flying, and a wild rate for bizarre stuff. I will probably remove the middle rate and adjust my highest rate expo for more freedom. I may also investigate a torque roll rate with a softer throttle curve for better control. My linear pattern curve does not have perfect equilibrium. One click acends, one click decends. I would like to find the curve where I have more subtle control for torque rolling/hovering.

As far as the automatic snap switch, I never use it. I prefer to watch and "feel" the airplane through the snap. I'm sure, though, that a well programmed switch would give very consistent results, but I do not even know if they are allowed in FAI regs. I did not read that part. I, however, would not talk down to it's use. It is difficult enough to program a great snap and a well programmed snap switch displays good knowledge and patience in trimming and adjusting. Even with a snap switch, one must know when to hold it and when to release it, switch the direction switches for the correct snap direction, get the entry speed correct, and get back to the sticks in time to get into the next portion of the manuver. Quite complex actually if you plan on using it for several snaps throught the sequence and want to change snap directions. By setting the condition on the elevator, I am immediately poised for the next thing to come, such as concentrating on the backside radius of the avalanche or the 4/8.

These simple conditions use about 2% of the radios capabilities, but at this time and my current level, that is all I need and benefit from.

Mark

Mark:


Are you saying that when in the snap condition mode,that if your elevator stick is not quite bottomed out you get more elevator and rudder deflection,than if the stick was fully bottomed out?

Or in other words,as soon as the elevator stick is fully bottomed out,your rudder and elevator throws actually decrease from just a split second previously? And the aileron throw increases?

Hope my questions are clear.

Regards,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Dave

Dave,
That is exactly what I am saying. That is the HUGE, HUMONGOUS, advantage to being able to assign a condition to a stick. I was a litle sceptical about how well it would work until I tried it, but as soon as I flew my first snap I was sold. I tended to forget to turn off the switch after the spin which almost caused me to auger in because I was not thinking to need full up to pull out of the down line...with the condition on stick, I immediately have full rates unless I pull full, and that, again, is only for snaps and spins.

Awesome advantage to the high end 9Z WCII. I like it so much, that I am going to get another for a back up radio.

ToO try and be extra clear, the stick is so near bottomed out at 95% condition that you must ensure that you really hit the end of travel. A lazy full stick is not always full stick when your mind is racing about the guy who flew before you and just kicked butt and you are hoping just to center snap .5 on the avalanche. However, after a few weeks of practice with the condition, the thumbs become very accustomed to knowing the limits of travel.

Mark

I also added a condition to "cheat" the slow and multiple-point rolls. This condition limits the aileron, rudder, elevator, and throttle travel so I can corner the sticks and fly smoothly thhorugh the roll without changing the speed in any axis. For example, I would fully deflect the rudder stick when the plane is in KE, the elevator stick in inverted flight, etc. Full throttle and aileron stick through the maneuver will keep the constant forward and rolling speed.
Only problem is when I forgot to release the condition after the roll.....