Have you ever found yourself fascinated by remote-controlled helicopters and wondered how exactly they are controlled? In this article, we will explore the various types of controls used for operating RC helicopters. From the basic controls that beginners start with to the more advanced options for experienced pilots, we will unravel the mysteries behind maneuvering these incredible flying machines. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the different types of RC helicopter controls. So, buckle up and get ready to take flight!
1. Basic Controls
Throttle
The throttle control is responsible for controlling the engine or motor speed of the RC helicopter. By adjusting the throttle, you can make the helicopter ascend or descend. Increasing the throttle will make the helicopter gain altitude, while decreasing the throttle will make it descend. It’s important to find the right balance to maintain a stable flight.
Yaw
The yaw control allows you to rotate the RC helicopter around its vertical axis. This control is typically located on the left stick of the remote control. By moving the yaw control to the left or right, you can make the helicopter turn in the corresponding direction. Mastering the yaw control is crucial for controlling the direction of your helicopter during flight.
Pitch
The pitch control is responsible for controlling the forward and backward movement of the RC helicopter. By tilting the main rotor blades using the pitch control, you can make the helicopter move forward or backward. Pushing the control stick forward increases the pitch, causing the helicopter to move forward, while pulling it back decreases the pitch and makes the helicopter move backward.
Roll
The roll control allows you to control the side-to-side movement of the RC helicopter. This control is typically located on the right stick of the remote control. By moving the roll control stick to the left or right, you can make the helicopter tilt in the corresponding direction. Mastering the roll control is essential for executing smooth and precise maneuvers during flight.
2. Mode Controls
Mode 1
Mode 1 is commonly known as the “Mode 1 transmitter setup.” In this mode, the throttle and pitch controls are located on the right stick, while the yaw and roll controls are positioned on the left stick. This setup is often preferred by pilots who are more comfortable with the throttle and pitch being controlled by their dominant hand.
Mode 2
Mode 2, also known as the “Mode 2 transmitter setup,” is one of the most popular modes used by RC helicopter enthusiasts. In this mode, the throttle and pitch controls are located on the left stick, while the yaw and roll controls are positioned on the right stick. This setup allows for precise control over the helicopter’s movements and is preferred by many experienced pilots.
Mode 3
Mode 3 is a less common setup where the throttle and yaw controls are located on the left stick, while the pitch and roll controls are positioned on the right stick. This mode offers a unique configuration that may suit the preferences of individual pilots who find it more comfortable or intuitive.
Mode 4
Mode 4 is another less common setup where the throttle control is on the left stick, the yaw control is on the right stick, and the pitch and roll controls are on a separate handle or sliding lever. This configuration offers a different control arrangement that may appeal to certain pilots who prefer a distinct layout.
3. Single-Rotor Controls
Cyclic
The cyclic control is responsible for tilting the helicopter in various directions. By adjusting the cyclic control, the main rotor blades tilt, which causes the helicopter to move in the desired direction. Pushing the cyclic control forward or backward will make the helicopter move forward or backward, while moving it to the left or right will make the helicopter tilt in the corresponding direction.
Collective
The collective control is used to control the pitch angle of all the main rotor blades simultaneously. By adjusting the collective control, you can change the lift generated by the rotor blades, resulting in the helicopter ascending or descending. Increasing the collective control will increase the pitch angle and lift, causing the helicopter to gain altitude, while decreasing the collective control will decrease the pitch angle and lift, making the helicopter descend.
Tail Rotor
The tail rotor control is responsible for controlling the yaw or the rotational motion of the RC helicopter. By manipulating the tail rotor control, you can counteract the torque generated by the main rotor blades and control the orientation of the helicopter. Moving the tail rotor control to the left or right will make the helicopter rotate in the corresponding direction.
4. Coaxial Controls
Combined Cyclic
In coaxial controls, the combined cyclic control is responsible for tilting both sets of rotor blades simultaneously. This control allows for precise and coordinated movements of the helicopter. Pushing the combined cyclic control forward or backward will make the helicopter move forward or backward, while moving it to the left or right will make the helicopter tilt in the corresponding direction.
Combined Collective
The combined collective control is used to control the lift generated by both sets of rotor blades simultaneously. By adjusting the combined collective control, you can make the helicopter ascend or descend. Increasing the collective control will increase the lift and cause the helicopter to gain altitude, while decreasing the collective control will decrease the lift, making the helicopter descend.
5. Fixed-Pitch Controls
Servo-Driven Swashplate
In fixed-pitch controls, a servo-driven swashplate is used to control the pitch angle of the rotor blades. The swashplate is connected to servos, which are responsible for precisely adjusting the pitch of the rotor blades. This control mechanism allows for smooth and precise adjustments of the lift and influences the helicopter’s altitude.
6. Collective-Pitch Controls
Variable-Pitch Swashplate
In collective-pitch controls, a variable-pitch swashplate is used to control the pitch angle of the rotor blades. Unlike fixed-pitch controls, the pitch angle of each blade can be individually adjusted. By manipulating the collective-pitch control, you can change the pitch angle of all the rotor blades simultaneously, resulting in an increase or decrease in lift and controlling the helicopter’s altitude. This control mechanism provides more advanced control over the helicopter’s flight characteristics.
7. Flybar Controls
Flybar Paddle
Flybar controls are more common in older RC helicopter models. The flybar paddle is a component that extends from the main rotor blade assembly and provides stability and balance during flight. By adjusting the flybar paddle’s angle, you can influence the helicopter’s stability and responsiveness to control inputs.
Bell-Hiller Mixing
Bell-Hiller mixing is a control mechanism that uses a combination of mechanical linkages and swashplate controls to adjust the cyclic and collective pitch in helicopters with a flybar. By manipulating the bell-hiller mixing control, you can fine-tune the responsiveness and stability of the helicopter during flight. This control mechanism is often found in intermediate to advanced RC helicopter models.
8. Heading-Hold Controls
Gyroscopic Sensor
Heading-hold controls utilize gyroscopic sensors to maintain the desired heading of the RC helicopter. These sensors detect any changes in the helicopter’s orientation and make automatic adjustments to the tail rotor control to counteract any yaw induced by outside factors such as wind or changes in flight direction. This control mechanism helps to maintain a stable and consistent heading during flight.
9. Gyroscopic Controls
Heading Lock
Heading lock controls, also known as heading hold or gyroscopic heading hold, help keep the RC helicopter’s nose pointed in a specific direction. By activating the heading lock control, the gyroscopic sensor will hold the current heading, even if external factors try to change it. This control mechanism allows for more precise control over the helicopter’s direction.
Rate Mode
Rate mode controls, also referred to as rate gyro control, provide a more manual and responsive flight experience. In this mode, the gyroscopic sensor provides proportional control over the helicopter’s yaw rate, allowing the pilot to have direct control over the helicopter’s turning speed and responsiveness. Rate mode is often utilized by experienced pilots who prefer a more dynamic flight experience.
10. Flybarless Controls
Cyclic Servos
In flybarless controls, cyclic servos play a crucial role in adjusting the pitch of the rotor blades individually to control the helicopter’s movements. These servos are responsible for precisely adjusting the pitch of each rotor blade to achieve the desired control inputs and flight characteristics. This control mechanism provides enhanced stability and responsiveness during flight.
Gyroscopic Sensors
Flybarless controls also utilize gyroscopic sensors to detect any changes in the helicopter’s orientation and make automatic adjustments to maintain stability and control. These sensors provide real-time data to the control system, allowing for rapid adjustments to maintain stability and responsiveness during flight.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of RC helicopter controls is essential for anyone looking to become a skilled pilot. These controls, including throttle, yaw, pitch, and roll, along with different mode setups, single-rotor controls, coaxial controls, fixed-pitch controls, collective-pitch controls, flybar controls, heading-hold controls, gyroscopic controls, and flybarless controls, offer a range of options to suit pilots of all skill levels and preferences. Mastering these controls and their corresponding mechanisms will enable you to have a thrilling and enjoyable RC helicopter flying experience.
