Author Topic: To handle or not is the question (Read 1269 times)

john vlna · « **on:** August 21, 2014, 05:17:05 PM »

I have flown electrics and some glow with servo throttle for 4-5 years now for sport, scale and carrier. My handles have been everything from homemade with integrated electronics(sort of a standard 3 line clone) to a radio strapped on my belt. Lately I have settled on flying with the radio in the left hand and plane in the right. I like the feel of the regular CL handle better than any thing else, and I think I have more control of the plane. The only problem would be on a heavier fast Class I or II where two handle might be a good idea. Certainly for lighter planes there is no problem.

I am using car radios mostly for throttle and slider release for sport and carrier. I have found a radio which I can operate with one hand for both functions easily.

I was wondering what other flyers are finding. Certainly leaving the radio stock and not converting it to a CL handle saves some time.

Paul Smith · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2014, 05:49:31 PM »

I just use a car controller in the left and and a stunt handle in the right. No modifications required. And - I can rev the engine while I'm walking out to the handle. The BIG plus is not subjecting the J. Roberts bellcrank and handle to gonzo pull tests.

If you need two hands to fly high speed you can rubber-band the throttle trigger and hang the controller around your neck or put it on the ground.

bill bischoff · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2014, 07:42:37 PM »

OR, set up your fail safe to full throttle. Turn off the TX and set it on the ground (or better yet, use some sort of neck strap), fly high speed with both hands, then turn the transmitter back on and regain throttle control.

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2014, 11:33:38 AM »

I fly with the transmitter on my hip for CL scale with large models. I have used the Bill Young handle that has the throttle trigger like the old 3-line handle. but is also had toggle switches for flaps and other features. When ever I reached up to flip the toggle I would jiggle the handle which would affect the level flight of the model. And because you working the trigger with one finger you only have 3 fingers to grip the handle. Then I started flying with the transmitter on the hip, this meant that one hand had to handle the pull, but you can get a better grip on the handle because you can use all 4 fingers.

The 13 lb B-29 that I fly pulls really hard (40 - 50 lbs) and I can still hang on. I find that I get a smoother flight when the flying portion and the throttle control portion are separated.

The other thing I don't like about the trigger built into the handle is that you can't adjust the throttle unless you bring the handle back to the model. With the transmitter I can just bring it with me, set the throttle and then walk out to the handle with the transmitter.

Also the newer transmitters have model memory which means you can set the end point adjustment and other settings it remembers the settings for each model. I fly 5 models with one transmitter, they just use a different model memory. The only thing I need for a new model is a receiver and set of lines.

I also have a set of lines and handle for each model, this means I set the neutral for the elevator and never have to adjust when I get to the field.

Also the RC car transmitters sometimes do not have the end point adjustment which I really need for electric power.

But in the end use what you like best!

Fred

Author Topic: To handle or not is the question (Read 1269 times)

john vlna

To handle or not is the question

Paul Smith

Re: To handle or not is the question

bill bischoff

Re: To handle or not is the question

Fred Cronenwett

Re: To handle or not is the question