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L-R: Hitec Neon's throttle control lever is on the rear of case. Futaba Super 7's throttle control lever is on the front. |
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This photo shows the location of the throttle control lever on the Hitec Neon. Move the lever left or right to obtain high or low throttle. |
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Futaba Super 7's throttle control lever moves up and down. High throttle is in the uppermost position (shown); idle (low throttle) is at the bottom. |
Q-11: I first bought the recommended Hitec Neon three-channel RC system and then later bought a basic four-channel system. I realized right away that the throttle control sticks are in different locations. As a beginner, will this cause me any problems?
A-11: Not to be a wise guy, but I’ll start out by answering that it shouldn’t, but it might! As I explained early in the "From the Ground Up" series, most of my RC transmitters have two dual-axis control-stick assemblies with at least four-channel control capability. But I also own several three-channel systems, including a Neon that I use on some of my RC sailplanes and parking-lot flyers as a convenience. The three-channel systems aren’t just for beginners.
The primarily difference in the transmitter configuration is the throttle control stick’s location. Most three-channel transmitters, such as the Neon, have the throttle control on the rear of the case. This is so you can hold the case with your left hand and finger the throttle. Then your right hand is free to operate the single dual-axis (steering and elevation) control stick on the right side of the front of the transmitter case.
On four-channel-function (and more) systems there are two separate dual-axis control-stick assemblies. You grip the transmitter case with both hands and all four primary flight controls are located on the front of it. Your left hand operates the throttle channel control with a vertical (up-and-down) motion.
So using the three-channel transmitter, the throttle is a side-to-side motion, while on a four-channel, dual-stick-assembly transmitter, the throttle is an up-and-down motion. That stick is set for high motor speed at the top and idle at the bottom.
As I pointed out, my student had some flying experience with a four-channel transmitter. Then we went to the flying field with a Neon three-channel system and used a buddy-box trainer cable connecting it to another transmitter.
My student immediately became slightly confused with the new throttle-control location; it actually bothered him for several flights. That reaction prompted my comments in the September issue.
The average sport flier should be proficient at flying with either throttle-control location. The three-channel systems are usually less expensive, so owning several can be a real cost saver. I encourage you to own both types of systems. When you are learning to fly RC, it is best if you stuck with one transmitter configuration until you can comfortably fly solo with no help from an instructor pilot.