Control Systems on a Remote Control Helicopter
Control Systems on a Remote Control Helicopter
To get the most from your first remote control helicopter it is not necessary to know every detail of how the control system works. Most entry level models are supplied ready to fly (RTF). However as you progress to more advanced rc helicopters you will definitely need to understand the finer points of how a control systems works and the various components that ensure the helicopter reacts as the pilot wants.
When people think of control systems they usually picture a "box" with an antenna and some dials. This is the transmitter (TX) , which is held by the "pilot". When you are selecting a remote control helicopter you will notice that they all come supplied with a TX and in reality there is very little difference in what they can do. You should not purchase a model with anything less than a 4 channel (TX). Toy helicopters are supplied with 2 channel transmitters but they are not considered "hobby grade"
4 Channel Transmitters : These transmitters have two control sticks that can move in two directions giving a total of 4 channels. When a control is moved a radio signal is transmitted to the receiver. The receiver is built into the body of the helicopter and will interpret the instructions it receives.
Modes : The transmitter for a remote control helicopter can be set up in one of any number of modes, however the two most common modes are 1 and 2. The mode setting determines the functions of each control stick. For example on a mode 2 TX forward and backward movement of the left hand stick will open or close the throttle. When it comes to selecting a mode there is no right or wrong answer but it would appear that mode 2 is more popular
Trims : Trims are regarded as "secondary" controls and are not essential. For more advanced enthusiasts they are great for maintaining the helicopter in balanced flight with very little input to the controls. The trims themselves can be analogue or digital, newer models been digital. However they both do the same job, that is make minor adjustments to the main controls.
Receivers (RX) : Getting a remote control helicopter to perform the manoeuvres you want takes a split second but involves a long sequence of events. All models are fitted with a receiver (RX). On entry level models the receiver is usually built into a mixer unit which also includes the gyro and ESC. The job of the receiver is to interpret the instructions sent through the TX and pass them onto the servos.
Servos : These are the actual physical links between the control system and the rotor blades. They ensure control inputs change the actual pitch and angle of the blades. There are usually 3-4 servos in a remote control helicopter depending on whether it is fixed pitch or collective pitch. Each individual servo performs a separate and very important function but it is vital that the overall movements of the servos are co-ordinated. This function is normally performed by an electronic cyclic / collective pitch mixer (eCCPM).
Gyros : Nearly every component of an rc helicopter control system is common across all types of models, whether they be cars, boats or planes. Gyros are an exception. They are unique to remote control helicopters. On fixed pitch and collective models there is a tail rotor, similar to a real helicopter. The purpose of the tail rotor is to stop the helicopter spinning in circles as the main rotor spins faster. The job of the gyro is to detect changes in the torque generated as the blades spin and adjust the pitch of the tail rotor to offset the changes.
Getting involved in the hobby of flying remote control helicopters is a decision very few people regret. Once you get started and master the basics you can spend hours perfecting more advanced manoeuvres. It is also a hobby that is very family orientated and is a super way of educating children in the theory of flight.
Featured Products
