A question that I often get asked, is how I set up my radio channels on a sub.
Here is what i do with a 6 channel radio. The 8 and more channel radio's give you more freedom, so we'll leave those alone here.
We can start with channel 1 and 2. These would be the aileron and elevator on an airplane, and mostly the right stick on transmitters. I use the aileron (ch1) for the rudder, and the elevator(ch2) for the rear diveplanes. This makes for a natural feeling control of a submarine underwater, just like an airplane.
Now channel 3, the left ratchet stick. If my model has bowplanes, I put them on the ratcheted throttle stick (ch3). As we know (and you should) the bowplanes control depth, the stern control the pitch angle of the boat. So the ratcheted function coupled with a properly trimmed boat work well together for setting your depth.
For the throttle, I use a rotary knob for motor(s) forward and reverse, usually channel 6 on most radios. For ballast dive/surface functions I use the rudder stick (ch4)
The real test is what your thumbs and fingers feel more naturally wanting to do in when you control your boat and think of a command you want it to perform. Me being an airplane guy too, I find the above a natural control feel.
Lets hear your preferences
Here is what i do with a 6 channel radio. The 8 and more channel radio's give you more freedom, so we'll leave those alone here.
We can start with channel 1 and 2. These would be the aileron and elevator on an airplane, and mostly the right stick on transmitters. I use the aileron (ch1) for the rudder, and the elevator(ch2) for the rear diveplanes. This makes for a natural feeling control of a submarine underwater, just like an airplane.
Now channel 3, the left ratchet stick. If my model has bowplanes, I put them on the ratcheted throttle stick (ch3). As we know (and you should) the bowplanes control depth, the stern control the pitch angle of the boat. So the ratcheted function coupled with a properly trimmed boat work well together for setting your depth.
For the throttle, I use a rotary knob for motor(s) forward and reverse, usually channel 6 on most radios. For ballast dive/surface functions I use the rudder stick (ch4)
The real test is what your thumbs and fingers feel more naturally wanting to do in when you control your boat and think of a command you want it to perform. Me being an airplane guy too, I find the above a natural control feel.
Lets hear your preferences
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