Help understanding how a transmitter works

Can anyone point me to a good location with information on the basics of a transmitter. I need to understand channels, how they work, how to set them up, how to set up switches/knobs/etc. I look at the screens on my TX and all I see is gibberish (not really gibberish...just to indicate it means nothing to me...yet). Is there a Transmitters for Dummies?

I have a Spektrum DX8 and I see terms like Acro, Act, Inh (by inference, I believe this stands for inhibit), etc. None of these terms are defined, so clearly the manual was written for someone who already HAS knowledge of transmitters (in general). It also only addresses helos and airplanes...doesn't explain where multicopters fit into the mix...even though I know the TX will operate a multicopter...the manual doesn't want to make this easy. Before I can understand how to use my TX, it is apparent I need to get some more basic information/instruction. Unfortunately, I didn't grow up around RC, so I'm starting on the ground floor.

Hi Rob,

Now this is much better question I could help with.

Acro would mean acrobat mode, where the airframe is tuned to do the stunts. Ack would be acknowledge or activate. This would require mixing multiple control inputs from you and so the electronics/software in RC controller has mixer functions which are automatically chosen or manually chosen when triggered ( by one of the switchs ) assigned for that function.

All the RC that I use have only three flight models ( Aero- aeroplane , Sail plane, heli). Other than that there are many other settings in the software menu of Rc controller. Most important of all is modulation type ( older models use to have PPM, PCM, SPCM etc), newer generation of RC use 2.4 Ghz modules and the back end use PPM stream. Some long range RC (LR) use 435Mhz too. Newer generation models may have the quad model built in too but it is not necessary IMHO.

All the above are usually available in the manual of the RC controller. It is assumed that the purchaser of these controllers have some basic knowledge of RC to understand the terminology which are usually abbreviated( due to lack of memory and screen space).

I configure my RC in aeroplane mode and choose PPM ( I use 2.4 spectrum plug in module in JR radio) for configuring/flying a quad etc. Quad controller basically needs 4 control inputs from RC receiver( rx), these are elevator(pitch), rudder( yaw), ailerons( roll) , Throttle and one multi position switch( to choose mode) , so total of 5 channels is needed to control. These channels are hard coded to a function ( throttle or elevator or aileron etc) like in JR or they can be programmed to particular function( like in Futaba). The 4 basic channels are usually left alone.

Other than that you may use additional switchs to trigger stabilized mode, RTL etc.

It would be easier to explain by any local old timer who would be more than happy to show you the ropes. The best place to find any experienced RC model flyer would be local RC ground or club. Such person would also be happy to help/teach you fly using what is called buddy cable/mode. Two RC controllers are connected to each other using cable( custom), where you will hold one( slave) and other one with the person teaching you. His controller will have switch which when pressed will transfer controll to your controller. So when you get into trouble flying he can simply take control and recover from crash if done fast enough. Practicing in any simulators help a lot building your confidence level and investing in it is highly recommended. If your sim does not have quad then choose any heli model and practice few hours. Quad exhibits similar flying attitude to any Heli but much easier as Quad controller usually have stablizer which helps it to keep study. Regular heli are little more difficult to fly then any fixed wing planes and quads.

Hope the above helps you a little and to start. Good luck and cheers.

BTW: When I started 20 years ago, there was no one tell me what is what let alone help me learn using a buddy cable. I felt it wasn't that difficult if I had little guts and money to crash few times. Worst part was repairing after crash.

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Morli November 14, 2013 at 8:17am

Hi Rob,

Now this is much better question I could help with.

Acro would mean acrobat mode, where the airframe is tuned to do the stunts. Ack would be acknowledge or activate. This would require mixing multiple control inputs from you and so the electronics/software in RC controller has mixer functions which are automatically chosen or manually chosen when triggered ( by one of the switchs ) assigned for that function.

All the RC that I use have only three flight models ( Aero- aeroplane , Sail plane, heli). Other than that there are many other settings in the software menu of Rc controller. Most important of all is modulation type ( older models use to have PPM, PCM, SPCM etc), newer generation of RC use 2.4 Ghz modules and the back end use PPM stream. Some long range RC (LR) use 435Mhz too. Newer generation models may have the quad model built in too but it is not necessary IMHO.

All the above are usually available in the manual of the RC controller. It is assumed that the purchaser of these controllers have some basic knowledge of RC to understand the terminology which are usually abbreviated( due to lack of memory and screen space).

I configure my RC in aeroplane mode and choose PPM ( I use 2.4 spectrum plug in module in JR radio) for configuring/flying a quad etc. Quad controller basically needs 4 control inputs from RC receiver( rx), these are elevator(pitch), rudder( yaw), ailerons( roll) , Throttle and one multi position switch( to choose mode) , so total of 5 channels is needed to control. These channels are hard coded to a function ( throttle or elevator or aileron etc) like in JR or they can be programmed to particular function( like in Futaba). The 4 basic channels are usually left alone.

Other than that you may use additional switchs to trigger stabilized mode, RTL etc.

It would be easier to explain by any local old timer who would be more than happy to show you the ropes. The best place to find any experienced RC model flyer would be local RC ground or club. Such person would also be happy to help/teach you fly using what is called buddy cable/mode. Two RC controllers are connected to each other using cable( custom), where you will hold one( slave) and other one with the person teaching you. His controller will have switch which when pressed will transfer controll to your controller. So when you get into trouble flying he can simply take control and recover from crash if done fast enough. Practicing in any simulators help a lot building your confidence level and investing in it is highly recommended. If your sim does not have quad then choose any heli model and practice few hours. Quad exhibits similar flying attitude to any Heli but much easier as Quad controller usually have stablizer which helps it to keep study. Regular heli are little more difficult to fly then any fixed wing planes and quads.

Hope the above helps you a little and to start. Good luck and cheers.

BTW: When I started 20 years ago, there was no one tell me what is what let alone help me learn using a buddy cable. I felt it wasn't that difficult if I had little guts and money to crash few times. Worst part was repairing after crash.
Joe Breznai November 6, 2013 at 9:45am

Every radio is a bit different and the manual is the best thing to use, and most of the newer transmitters are way more complex than they were even a few years ago.. Here is a good place to start and just keep Googling !\

http://wiki.openpilot.org/display/Doc/RC+Transmitter,+Receiver+and+...

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Help understanding how a transmitter works

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