Need help with setup guys

[fabricator]

Ok I think it's time to graduate to a 4 channel so I got a great planes flatout, yeah I know it might be a big step but I'm prepared for the worst:o anyway I would like to set it up mild to start out so I need ideas on where to set my radio expo's and such, I have a futaba 6EXAP and have no idea what the expos should look like if I want to start out easy with little in the way of 3D type control untill I am comfortable just flying around in a relatively relaxed manner for a few years:rolleyes: any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[tashley]

I would start out with moderate throws and about 30 to 40 percent expo on low rate and max out the throws and expo on high rate. Fly the model on high rates only at altitude until you get used to it and dial out the expo a little at a time as you become more confident with the plane's habits. Then you can work up to flying low and close in on high rates.

[fabricator]

Ok thanks much tashley, that is exactly what I needed to see in writing, I had a guy at the LHS tell me something like that but it really helps to see it in black and white.:)

[Wolfewind]

I would say it is very likely you have taken too big a step if a flatout is your first 4 channel airplane.

Your best shot will be to SEVERELY limit your throws using your dual rates. Go for about 1/4 in travel on elevator and ailerons on the low rates and about 1/2" travel on your high rates. I would not set your high rates at 100% under any circumstances. Rudder I would set at about 1/2" travel on low rates and 1" high rates

Keep your Expo down to about 20% at first on both rates. Expo can get you in trouble and cause you to overreact until you get used to it.

This plane is not going to self correct at all. In order to turn it you will need to bank it over using ailerons and then use up elevator to turn it. When you are done with the turn you will need to turn it back to level. It won't level out by itself.

Good Luck. Go real soft on the sticks.

[tashley]

Using less expo would mean that the sticks near the neutral point would be more sensitive, not less sensitive. Most of the flat foamy designs are very forgiving and honest if flown with prudent throttle use and set up with a quarter inch of travel is just too limiting imh and experienced opinion.

[fabricator]

I would say it is very likely you have taken too big a step if a flatout is your first 4 channel airplane.

Your best shot will be to SEVERELY limit your throws using your dual rates. Go for about 1/4 in travel on elevator and ailerons on the low rates and about 1/2" travel on your high rates. I would not set your high rates at 100% under any circumstances. Rudder I would set at about 1/2" travel on low rates and 1" high rates

Keep your Expo down to about 20% at first on both rates. Expo can get you in trouble and cause you to overreact until you get used to it.

This plane is not going to self correct at all. In order to turn it you will need to bank it over using ailerons and then use up elevator to turn it. When you are done with the turn you will need to turn it back to level. It won't level out by itself.



Good Luck. Go real soft on the sticks.

As it turns out you are right, After talking to the saturday morning group at the LHS I put the flatout away and am not even going to put it together yet, they talked me into a mountain models magpie with the aileron wing for my first 4 channel plane, I think this was a better way to go, the magpie will take a lot more abuse than the flatout, so thanks for the replies folks, now I just need to go over to the magpie build thread and I'll be all set.:)

[Wolfewind]

You made an excellent decision to go with the Magpie. I have one of those I am using to teach my adult kids to fly. It has taken a few good hits with relatively little damage.

We started out with a GWS 350 C-gearing and 2s lipos batteries on her.
After they got used to flying her on the 3 channel wing, we switched to the 4 channel sport wing and went with a HiMax 2812-1080 outrunner and a 1900 mah 3s lipo. She is a most excellent flyer with this set up.

One of the nice things about the Magpie is that it is pretty large, so you can fly her up pretty high and still see what you are doing quite well. Altitude is really your friend when you are still learning.

This plane can grow with your skills all the way up to a brushless power house and she will fly well through the whole transition.

Again - excellent choice - I don't think you could have made a better one - Good Luck.

[fabricator]

Thanks Wolfewind.:)