Dumb idea...but maybe not...

[mefly2]

I have a question about aileron control, and maybe an easier way to help beginners learn to use "that other channel". Seems I've seen a lot of posts (not just here) lately that a new flyer is having trouble using the aileron channel, or completely avoiding buying a four chan. plane altogether because they are intimidated by ailerons.

My idea is this...would it be possible to use a 3 chan. plane, Tiger Moth for example, and add another plug to the rudder servo. I have no clue if this is even possible, or if feedback would occur, but I thought maybe you could attach one plug to the rudder chan., and one to the aileron chan....both running the same servo.

This way the person could get very used to flying the plane with the rud, but they could also use the aileron stick to control the rudder also...practice if you will. If they got into trouble and being accainted with the rudder stick, they could go back to what they are used to to get out of it...if this would work, I know it seems silly, but I also think it would give them the confidence to learn using the other thumb.

Sarcasm and flaming expected....;)

[NightSwan]

This would probably fry your RX.

Never connect two outputs in parallel!

What might be an option, is use mixing in your TX, e.g. 100% mixing from aileron to rudder

[mefly2]

This would probably fry your RX.

See, this is what I wasn't sure of....:o

[slammin]

If you bought one of the aftermarket mixers, and plugged it into the aileron and rudder channels of the rx, and then only hooked up one of the outputs to the rudder servo, this would give you a servo that responds to both channels.
I haven't tried this, so i don't know if it would work
You maximum travel on the servo might also be limited..

[Andy W]

If the newbie starts with a reasonable Tx, as is always recommended, they will have the ability to mix rudder to aileron (or aileron to rudder) and fly off either stick.
..a

[steve lewin]

I'd never realised that this was a problem. Doesn't everyone with rudder/elevator planes set the rudder up on the main turning control stick ? I.e. the one that would be aileron if you had a 4 channel plane.

I've always done it that way and I'm sure I didn't invent the idea myself. That's what is always recommended for 3-channel models isn't it ? That way turning works pretty much as usual and the only problem when switching to 4-channel is relearning rudder when it is absolutely necessary e.g. ground steering, crosswinds and stall turns ;)

Steve

[ChrisP]

That's certainly the way I have always flown Steve.

I fly Mode III, so this means left stick for rudder on 3 channel or for aileron on 4 channel. Right stick for rudder on 4 channel or without function on 3 channel.

The main problem I still have (after 39 years of R/C !) is proportionally actuating the airbrakes. I have an awful time on landing approaches operating the airbrakes on a slider or rotary and at the same time operating both sticks. Three hands would be very helpful !

[Pierre Audette]

The other option is to use a single servo to drive the ailerons and rudder. Torque rods on the ailerons and pull/pull on the rudder, all hooked up on the same control horn.

[Andy W]

Actually, I still get confused flying 3 and 4 channel models.. for example, my X250 uses rudder and aileron, and I steer it on the ground with the left stick. My cutie, on the other hand, has only rudder, but I have that on the right stick as it is primary roll control. When I go to takeoff, many times I'm moving the left stick trying to control it on the ground..
..a

[jrb]

A trick I've used for a 3 channel rudder trainer is to add another servo.

Though it works best with a nose wheel.

Run the rudder from the aileron stick (steering during flight) and the nose wheel from the rudder stick (steering on the ground).

Same could be done for a tail dragger.

[asperkins]

I have the opposite problem. I learned on 3 channels with the right stick controlling the rudder and steering. Now I find it difficult to steer with the left stick. Oh well, I guess that is what practice is for.


Originally posted by Andy W
Actually, I still get confused flying 3 and 4 channel models.. for example, my X250 uses rudder and aileron, and I steer it on the ground with the left stick. My cutie, on the other hand, has only rudder, but I have that on the right stick as it is primary roll control. When I go to takeoff, many times I'm moving the left stick trying to control it on the ground..
..a

[mefly2]

I also learned on the right stick, therefore steering with the rud. on three channels, now, please understand that I taught myself to fly, and without having other people around for examples, I guess I had always believed that the ailerons should be set up on the right stick, with the left controlling rud. on 4 channels...now that I think about it a bit more, I guess it really doesn't matter, unless you are going to fly a plane that you aren't familiar with (say a friends).

Also, being by myself, I did a lot of studying on the video, "One week to Solo", where it is said to use the right for ailerons, hence my idea of ailerons MUST be right stick. This is where this post generated from...when I started using ailerons, I ended up having to learn to get used to them, which wasn't hard...just "different", but at the same time, trying to switch rud onto the left stick, which was VERY difficult.

So, I guess my idea here really isn't relevant, and I realize that I should have looked at this with more of an open mind...:o .

Shows the power of having an experienced instructor...which wasn't available to me. Oh well...made a nice discussion...:p .

[mefly2]

Rereading Steve's post above...this is what I am talking about...

the only problem when switching to 4-channel is relearning rudder when it is absolutely necessary e.g. ground steering, crosswinds and stall turns

...I feel, myself for an example from when I started to learn, that this is very intimidating to a lot of new flyer's...sometimes it can be very scary to add that extra control that you aren't quite sure as to what is going to happen.

[mkirsch1]

The reason ailerons and elevator are on the right stick (Mode II) is because that's the way they are on full scale airplanes. There's nothing saying you can't put whatever control wherever you want, just don't expect someone else to be able to test fly your airplanes if you do anything weird.

Why is this an issue? A rudder plane rolls with rudder just like an aileron plane rolls with aileron. There's no difference in the actual flying of the airplane. People get so worked up over it, and it's no big deal. People constantly come up with complicated linkages or mixing arrangements to couple rudder and aileron, and it's not necessary!