Newbie electric flight questions

The speed control (esc) is plugged into the throttle channel on the Rx. The battery that powers the motor also powers the servos. The rudder and elevator servos are plugged into their respectives slots in the Rx. Usually, the esc is not armed (powered) until the throttle stick is set to the lowest position. Set throttle to the middle, plug in your battery pack, then move to the lowest position to arm the esc. Moving it up again will power the motor (prop).

John VB

As an added bit of info, some ESC's require the throttle to be reversed at the TX. If it isn't working, try flipping the servo reversing switch on the TX.

David

On my hitec 555's that I use with a futaba tx the order is this: ch1=ailerons ch2=elevator ch3=throttle ch4=rudder ch5=gear

You would plug the servos in just as you would with a glow engine plane but plug the speed controller into channel 3 as you would a throttle servo. If the speed controller has a BEC (battery eliminator circuit) that throttle lead also powers the rx. What the BEC does is make sure that the motor is cut off when the voltage drops too low so as to maintain power for the rx.

| I have just acquired a 2nd hand, excellent condition, electric "old timer" | style aircraft from a very experienced flyer. The aircraft came without a | receiver and I'm told my current TX/RX are fine (Hitec Flash 5X and Super | Slim 7 channel RX).

It's also possible that it doesn't have a throttle control at all -- some electrics just run until the battery dies.

| So, can anyone explain where the magical 3rd throttle channel comes from and | how I should connect everything to my RX? Ah Hah! Just noticed that the | speed controller may double as the RX power supply lead. Can this be | connected to any of the RX channels (I've remember hearing comments this is | possible)?

Sounds like you do have a speed controller, and if so, then yes, it goes into the throttle channel. Which may vary from radio to radio.

But that's ok -- it's easy to figure out via trial and error.

| I won't try this until others confirm it, for fear of smoking the | RX.

As long as you don't reverse the polarity on the ESC plug, you'll be ok. You can plug any servo into any channel without damage, but if you get the polarity of the ESC plug (which also provides power) backwards you may fry something. Red -> +, Black -> -, and the remaining wire is the signal. Depending on the plug, you may not be able to put it on reversed at all, but it's best to be sure before you apply power (lest you risk releasing the magic smoke.)

To figure out which channel is what is easy. Remove the prop -- you don't want it biting you. Plug the ESC into channel 1, and your two servos into ch 2 and ch 3. Wiggle your sticks, see what moves. Adjust things until the right control surfaces move when you move a given stick.

Once you've done that, you'll also have the ESC in the right plug (it can provide power on any slot, but only one will have the right stick control it.) The motor may not go, however (but it might -- which is why the prop is off.) If it's not going, put the throttle to the minimum setting and disconnect and reconnect the plane battery. If it still doesn't work, reverse that channel, and disconnect/reconnect the battery again, making sure it's still set to zero throttle. If things still don't work, check that the battery is fully charged.

On 5/8/2004 7:49 AM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

The receiver configuration for Futaba/HiTec is as follows:

1. Ailerons
2. Elevator
3. Throttle
4. Rudder
5. Retractable landing gear
6. Flaps
7. Assigned by user

Now that we have that part down, on electrics NORMALLY USING 10 CELLS OR LESS, the ESC (Electronic Speed Control) has a built in circuit called the BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit). This is wired into the connection that goes into channel 3 (Throttle, and the end looks exactly like the end on one of the servos). If the BEC is wired in, you will see 3 wires in the plug. Check them to make sure one has not been cut or disconnected. The third wire provides a regulated power to the receiver.

Before you attempt to fly the plane, be sure none of your servos are reversed. If they are, you can reverse them with the transmitter.

One other thing, if it is a 3 channel plane (rudder, elevator and throttle), and MOST Old Timers are, plug the rudder servo into channel 1 (ailerons).

You said 2 servos. And a speed controller.

OK.

IF using futaba transmitter reverse the throttle channel on the TX.

Put rudder or ailerons (whichever you have) into channel 1 put elevator into channel 2. Put speed control into channel 3. Switch TX on with throttle LOW Connect battery. If there is a switch, switch it on

Servos shold now do their stuff, and throttle should do its stuff also. Some ESC's want you to start low throttle, go high till they beep, then go low agaian. Then they work.

Check servo direction and neutrals and adjust if necessaary.

Open throttle and fly the baby!

Thankyou all for the answers. I had it pretty much figured out but thought it best to check with those who have been there done that.

To quote Chuck Yeager as I look out the window "It's a great day for flying". My local experts are on their way over now so we can charge up and go flying.