View Poll Results: What method do you use to hold the Tx?
Pinch




115
29.72%
Thumbs




217
56.07%
I can use both




55
14.21%
Voters: 387. You may not vote on this poll
Do you pinch or use your thumbs
#1

I'm very curious as to how many people use their thumbs rather than the pinch method for controlling their heli.
I use thumbs but have tried the pinch method and just can't do it that way.
I use thumbs but have tried the pinch method and just can't do it that way.
#6
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: West Grove Pa
Posts: 51

I learned years ago to hold the sticks like you would a pen or a paintbrush. This allowed, for me, a more fluid motion. I have tried to switch since the ergonomics of the TX are oriented to thumb use, but I always revert back to the pinch method.
I don't fly choppers, but most fixed wing flyers seem to lack a smoothness in their control which I attribute to the lack of fine motor control in our (human beings) thumbs.
or
Perhaps I have really lousy thumbs (dumb thumbs?):p
Great poll BTW
I don't fly choppers, but most fixed wing flyers seem to lack a smoothness in their control which I attribute to the lack of fine motor control in our (human beings) thumbs.
or
Perhaps I have really lousy thumbs (dumb thumbs?):p
Great poll BTW
#9
#10

Well now there goes the neighborhood, qban has come out and admitted to being Bi-Gimbal
Flying heli's I find myself using thumbs, because your always moving the sticks around in a rapid cyclic motion (a heli never sits still) Where flying a plane I pinch for the fluid control of an airplane. especially float planes. I think scale flight is better using the pinch method (fixed wing)
So there you have it.. Bert I am Bi-gimbal too
I don't fly planes near as much as heli though. Sorry to repost, I just started thinking about how I fly a plane as opose to a heli.
Take care,
Jay

Flying heli's I find myself using thumbs, because your always moving the sticks around in a rapid cyclic motion (a heli never sits still) Where flying a plane I pinch for the fluid control of an airplane. especially float planes. I think scale flight is better using the pinch method (fixed wing)
So there you have it.. Bert I am Bi-gimbal too

Take care,
Jay
#12
Think I can fix it?
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Rio Rancho, NM
Posts: 766

I pinch the throttle/rudder, and thumb the ailerons/elevator. For some reason, my left thumb sometimes shake. It's usually nerves. Like during a maiden, or after a near crash. I may try to learn pinching the right stick as well. I agree that pinching seems to help throttle and rudder more smoothly than thumbing.
Steve
Steve
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
#15

We are happy to have you here qban!! have you got your little helicopter yet? I am intrested if you find the same thing as me. Using your thumbs more with the heli. Mine should be here tom. or the next day
Take care,
Jay

Take care,
Jay
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a


I also ordered a DX-6 radio, but that one won't be in until late December.

#18
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 56

I learned on my thumbs and switched to the "pinch" when I played with RFG2 by laying my tx on the desk. Really liked it so I purchased a tray and have found that I'm more steady and can really hold everything steady. I still fly with my thumbs if I don't have my tray.
#19
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: West Grove Pa
Posts: 51


15 years ago...... all right 25 years ago, I did mostly slope soaring off the mountains around Penn State. On a good lift day the turbulence was nonstop and violent. My buddy took a movie (no video back then) of my finger movements on the stick and it was fascinating to see the constant motion of my fingers (pinch). Really, the whole idea of neutral centered sticks didn’t matter much, you where flying the plane not flying the sticks. This is how I learned to fly smoothly. I can’t imagine using my thumbs under these circumstances.

If you get a chance try slope soaring it will teach you a lot. Perhaps I should try a Heli.
#20

I've always thought of the control "of the sticks" was easier by pinching. Most students have better control when moving thumb and forefinger in one motion. When trying to move with just the thumb resting on top of the stick, it would be more gittery-- uncontrolable movements and usually over controlled stick movement, then wilder flights. My two cent worth. BC
#23

I pinch very lightly with my finger. I would say 80% of force is with my thumbs, 20% fingers. I just kind of rest the finger on top of the stick. I guess it's what ever method you get used to using.
When I used to race boats, I would steer the wheel with my left hand and operate the throttle with my right. Not only is this backwards, but I'm right handed which would make my technique double backwards! It works great for me though. Jimmy Hendrix used to play his guitar backwards too!
Phillip
When I used to race boats, I would steer the wheel with my left hand and operate the throttle with my right. Not only is this backwards, but I'm right handed which would make my technique double backwards! It works great for me though. Jimmy Hendrix used to play his guitar backwards too!
Phillip