Basics - Transmitters

Basics for Cadet Pilots 01 - Basic Transmitter Control

Before you switch on at the flying field!

Don't forget to have your transmitter checked before you use it at the flying field!

Ask an experienced member of the club for advice first before you attempt to fly. If you are recieving basic instruction - make sure that your instructor knows that your transmitter has not been checked!

BEFORE YOU SWITCH ON at the field - place your channel number on the PEG board - BEFORE SWITCHING ON!

Even if you are not intending to fly! Even if you are just running in an engine or checking model controls!

Before you go out and buy a transmitter - check with some of the members in the club. They may have a transmitter suitable for training and early RC days. Spend your hard earned cash once you are qualified. A 2.4 GHz is more reliable and offer many more possibilities! Seek expert advice before buying your first transmitter. It is very important to buy the correct model for your intended r/c flying. You will have to ask yourself a couple of basic questions. Will you need a 35 Mhz or 2.4 Ghz? Is it to control Helis or fixed wing aircraft?

Checks Before Each Flight
Obtain frequency clearance. Exactly what you do will depend on the rules of the site but be sure you understand exactly what you are doing and do not forget this step.

At KLAMC - YOU MUST PLACE YOUR PEG WITH CHANNEL NUMBER CLEARLY DISPLAYED ON THE PEG BOARD AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE FLYING FIELD.

1. Switch transmitter ON then receiver ON.

2. Check that all controls operate freely and do not bind or stick at any point in their movement.

3. Check that all controls move in the correct sense. For conventional models, stand behind the model and look

Elevator stick back – Elevator comes up.
Aileron stick right – Right hand aileron comes up.
Rudder stick right – Rudder moves to the right.

4. Check that all control surfaces are in their correct positions with the transmitter trims at neutral.

5. Look for any minor radio malfunctions such as slow or ‘jittery’ servos, glitches etc. If in doubt, DO NOT FLY.

6. With i/c models, after starting the engine and allowing it to warm up, check that the pick-up from idle to full power is satisfactory. Hold the model with its nose pointing upwards at a steep climbing angle for ten or fifteen seconds and check engine operation at full power. If the engine falters or cuts it is usually set too lean and must be re-tuned. Repeat the test until the engine runs correctly in the noseup attitude.

7. With the aircraft held securely on the ground, open up again to full power and re-check all flying controls again.

8. Just before you go out to fly, DOUBLE CHECK that all transmitter trims, rate switches, mixers etc. are in their correct positions and that the transmitter meter is ‘in the green’ or that you have the correct model selected and that your aerial is extended.

Be S.M.A.R.T. with your transmitter.

S... Switch on

M...Model selected is correct / Meter in the Green

A... Aerial secure / extended

R... Rate switches all in correct positions

T... Transmitter voltage good and Trims all in correct positions

Checks After Each Flight

1. Receiver OFF then transmitter OFF.

2. Clear the frequency control system.

3. Clean the aircraft down.

4. Check propeller, airframe, undercarriage, wing fixing etc. for security of fastening and for possible flight or landing damage.

REMEMBER - Never fly with a damaged aircraft or propeller, or with any possible radio problem.

No responsibility can be accepted by KLAMC for the information given.

All the above information is given in good faith.

Kings Lynn Aero Modelling Club

Fly High! Enjoy Life! Fly KLAMC!

Before you switch on at the flying field!