I have been doing this via Open TX on all my models for years, ever since the Eagle Tree days, and I love it. I prefer a dial over a slider because it gives a monitor flyer like myself a better visual reference, but the important thing is to be able to find the neutral point easily. So if you don't have a distinct midpoint notch, set up a voice feedback, or use an override switch to neutralize your climb control. Happy flying!
Yah, Baby. Was thinking about this last flight. Been doing a lot of flying where I launch and then climb immediately at a fairly constant rate, trying to be as efficient as possible and not blow off amps. This will be super handy for playing with that. Thanks, Darren! You just freed up a hand for holding a drink or a smoke!
No problem Jim. The essential part is making sure it only works in cruise mode. I’ll be making a follow up video with more options for doing that. Including with the INAV Fixed Wing Group pro model.
Careful with this! If your Cruise mode switch is set to Cruise but another switch is on POSHOLD, this climb and descent rate will also apply in POSHOLD. I think the switch should be more restricted. At least in the OTX variant of that.
Yes 100%, which is why I also have put the iNav version. If you can’t guarantee the cruise mode trigger is only selecting cruise, the iNav version should be used. The switch position is just an example. A logical switch detecting channel position, or another method could be used to more precisely detect the cruise position. I’ll make a follow on video to show more options for picking out the cruise mode.
This is really helpful! Quick question - instead of using the left slider, can I program that 'up elevator' to be activated by a switch, so I can use it as an 'assist' when launching the plane manually, in ANGLE mode? Thus, I ARM the plane, raise throttle, flick 'up elevator ' switch and then throw plane.... (assuming I don't want to use auto-launch).
Great work Darren,could you do a video on how you set up the 5 flight modes and arm using 1 channel please,I looked at the post on your site but got a bit lost im afraid.
I don't have any videos on this. To be honest, I don't use this anymore, as I found it was useful to be able to change modes regardless of the arming state.
I’m sending arm on channel 5 and modes on channel 6. I’m also sending auto level and auto tune on channel 5, but they don’t interfere with the arming. I’m still mostly using this transmitter layout. Only with iNav 4 I’ve removed auto trim and replaced it with auto level. I’ve also made some changed for how I activate auto launch and LEDs. www.mrd-rc.com/tutorials-tools-and-testing/opentx-tutorials/my-transmitter-setup-a-simple-guide-to-a-great-model/
No problem Mark. I’ve not checked that page or video in a while. So I’ll make an update for my current setup. It’s a bit more complex for some things. But for others, its just modes that have changed.
This is effectively what is happening. Cruise is based on Angle, but has heading and altitude lock. By commanding the up elevator, you are commanding an up angle, not a rate. So this is really what is happening.
I have been doing this via Open TX on all my models for years, ever since the Eagle Tree days, and I love it. I prefer a dial over a slider because it gives a monitor flyer like myself a better visual reference, but the important thing is to be able to find the neutral point easily. So if you don't have a distinct midpoint notch, set up a voice feedback, or use an override switch to neutralize your climb control. Happy flying!
Oh 100%. Having a good detent in the pot or slider is pretty essential. I have this on a pot on my setup too.
Yah, Baby. Was thinking about this last flight. Been doing a lot of flying where I launch and then climb immediately at a fairly constant rate, trying to be as efficient as possible and not blow off amps. This will be super handy for playing with that. Thanks, Darren! You just freed up a hand for holding a drink or a smoke!
No problem Jim. The essential part is making sure it only works in cruise mode. I’ll be making a follow up video with more options for doing that. Including with the INAV Fixed Wing Group pro model.
@4:28, you could setup as a custom curve to do the differential up and down
Yep, you could. That would give you full control. I’m making a follow up video, so I’ll add that to it. 🤣
Until today I never imagined I would need this function. But now I want it :) Thanks.
No problem. Enjoy 👍🏻
Great information! Have a great day!
Thank man. Hope you have a great day too.
Careful with this!
If your Cruise mode switch is set to Cruise but another switch is on POSHOLD, this climb and descent rate will also apply in POSHOLD. I think the switch should be more restricted. At least in the OTX variant of that.
Yes 100%, which is why I also have put the iNav version. If you can’t guarantee the cruise mode trigger is only selecting cruise, the iNav version should be used.
The switch position is just an example. A logical switch detecting channel position, or another method could be used to more precisely detect the cruise position. I’ll make a follow on video to show more options for picking out the cruise mode.
Beautiful
Thank you
This is really helpful! Quick question - instead of using the left slider, can I program that 'up elevator' to be activated by a switch, so I can use it as an 'assist' when launching the plane manually, in ANGLE mode? Thus, I ARM the plane, raise throttle, flick 'up elevator ' switch and then throw plane.... (assuming I don't want to use auto-launch).
Sure. I know some folks do this.
Great work Darren,could you do a video on how you set up the 5 flight modes and arm using 1 channel please,I looked at the post on your site but got a bit lost im afraid.
I don't have any videos on this. To be honest, I don't use this anymore, as I found it was useful to be able to change modes regardless of the arming state.
@@MrD so how are you doing it now Darren
I’m sending arm on channel 5 and modes on channel 6. I’m also sending auto level and auto tune on channel 5, but they don’t interfere with the arming.
I’m still mostly using this transmitter layout. Only with iNav 4 I’ve removed auto trim and replaced it with auto level. I’ve also made some changed for how I activate auto launch and LEDs. www.mrd-rc.com/tutorials-tools-and-testing/opentx-tutorials/my-transmitter-setup-a-simple-guide-to-a-great-model/
Thanks heaps Darren.
No problem Mark. I’ve not checked that page or video in a while. So I’ll make an update for my current setup. It’s a bit more complex for some things. But for others, its just modes that have changed.
great advice, i fly with spektrum ix12 . how can that be done on spektrum radio , since its so different than open tx .
?
Sorry, I wouldn’t know where to start with Spektrum. I don’t use that system.
awesome
Thanks Jack 👍🏻
It would be much better to set a fixed(slideable) pitch angle which the plane(FC, Inav) will hold while climbing. Tricking the angle mode somehow.
This is effectively what is happening. Cruise is based on Angle, but has heading and altitude lock. By commanding the up elevator, you are commanding an up angle, not a rate. So this is really what is happening.