Transmitter
From RC Helicopter Wiki
The part of the radio control system that the pilot holds in his or her hands. Manipulating the control sticks and switches causes the transmitter to send radio signals to the receiver in the model, which are then translated into control signals. Often just referred to as 'the radio'; often abbreviated in writing to 'tx'.
Before switching on your transmitter, make sure you understand your site's frequency control system.
There are a number of ways that the helicopter controls are mapped to the transmitter's two control sticks; this is known as the transmitter mode. By far the most common is Mode 2.
Most modern transmitters are known as computer or programmable transmitters. They have a large number of settings that allows the radio to be tuned to the model that it is flying. They also have a number of model memories, so one radio can be used to fly different helicopters – at different times, of course!
Dedicated helicopter radios have a number of features that it more appropriate for flying helicopters, such as a 'smooth' throttle control, rather than one held in place by a ratchet. Helicopter radios can be used to fly aeroplanes, but occasionally not vice versa.
Typical radio features include:
- Servo reversing;
- Servo travel adjust;
- Dual rates;
- Exponential;
- Programmable mixes;
- Electronic CCPM mixing (helicopter radio specific);
- Trim;
- Subtrim;
- Throttle hold (helicopter radio specific);
- Multiple throttle and pitch curves (helicopter radio specific);
- One or more switched channels, for controlling gyro gain, retractable landing gear, cameras, etc;
- A trainer port.
- A servo monitor.
[edit] External links
- A study of transmitter/ receiver latency on RunRyder.