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| Title: | Welcome To The Radio Control Conference |
| Notice: | dir's in 11, who's who in 4, sales in 6, auctions 19 |
| Moderator: | VMSSG::FRIEDRICHS |
|
| Created: | Tue Jan 13 1987 |
| Last Modified: | Thu Jun 05 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 1706 |
| Total number of notes: | 27193 |
315.0. "transmitter handling, straps, trays, and mittens" by GHANI::CASEYA (THE DESERT RAT RC-AV8R) Thu Sep 24 1987 12:25
John/Chris,
Funny you should mention different ways of grasping the stick(s).
I believe most R/C pilots do fly by placing the ball of the thumb(s)
atop the stick...you'll notice that most radio manufacturers even
knurl or, in some manner, "rough-up" the top of the stick to enhance
the thumb-to-stick "grip."
[MY "PERSONAL" OPINION:] I've always felt that the thumb is the
least nimble, indeed, the most awkward digit on the human hand and,
were it not for the unique fact that it can "oppose" the other fingers,
would serve little purpose at all. So WHY, I've always wondered,
would we use this clumsy appendage to try to make precisely measured
stick movements when controlling our R/C ships?? Therefore, I've
always actually "held" the ail/elev stick between the thumb and
index finger of my right hand with the second finger curled beneath
such that the nail rests gently against the backside of the stick.
(Experiment with a pencil/pen and I think you'll see what I'm trying
to describe.)
This gives me a more positive "feel" of the stick and is more "secure"
to boot. I've witnessed many instances where planes were lost or
badly damaged `cause the pilot's thumb momentarily slipped off the
stick. Oddly enough, I "do" operate the throttle/rud stick with
my left thumb. The only thing I can rationalize here is that the
thumb can move faster, more comfortably, in the side-to-side axis
than in the front-to-back axis so it feels "natural" making quick
rudder inputs during takeoff and landing and, of course, finesse
is not a prime requisite on throttle so nothing's lost in that de-
partment.
Also, I've used a neck-strap since day-1 and recommend it's use
highly to all R/C'ers, newcomers and oldtimers alike. I use a light
weight saxaphone strap purchased from the music store and prefer
it to the heavier/fancier variety provided with most radio systems
today. In any case, the strap, again, provides a little more security
so you can concentrate on flying the model, not on holding the trans-
mitter.
The only drawback (if you can call it one) to the sax-strap is that,
after a flying session, when we're cooling off at the local "watering-
hole," recounting the day's flying action, some barmaid, cowboy,
redneck or whatever will invariably ask if I'm a musician. I reply,
"Yep, I play guitar" (which I do) and the inquisitive one walks
away mumbling to himself (Hah!).
Adios, Al
| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 315.1 | | CLOSUS::TAVARES | John--Stay low, keep moving | Thu Sep 24 1987 19:27 | 19 |
| RE: .41 Yes, that's exactly the way he showed me to hold it,
except that he didn't mention the stabilizing finger. I'm going
to try it. The reasons were just as you stated: that for fine
motor control the thumb is not as steady as using the thumb and
forefinger. For some reason I've had a problem with gentle
turns, I can stand the plane on its wing and whip it around, but
gentle turns have been much harder. This method of holding the
stick improved things 100%. Since this fellow is a bang-up
pattern and ducted fan flyer, he must know how to hold a stick
steady.
Been meaning to try that sax strap, as soon as I'm on my own.
I'd kind of get all choked up handing over the transmitter now.
RE: .40 About 3 1/2 years...counting the time I wasted trying to
learn on my own design slope glider with my own design radio. I
definitely advise against such foolishness. Lost last summer
because of a new house, and about 3 months of this year because
of the flaky fuel tank/engine problems.
|
| 315.2 | | SPKALI::THOMAS | | Fri Sep 25 1987 10:46 | 9 |
|
I agree with you Al. I to use the finger method but on both
sticks. I also use a neck strap but leave it attached to the
radio. I then simple slip the strap over my head. I leave it
attached to the radio because I once saw a strap on a flyers neck
swing out as the flyer was adjusting the engine. Thank God he
wasn't hurt.
Tom
|
| 315.3 | STUFF IT...THE STRAP, THAT IS !! | GHANI::CASEYA | THE DESERT RAT RC-AV8R | Fri Sep 25 1987 11:20 | 11 |
| Tom,
Yeah! I hear ya' about the safety consideration(s) of wearing a
neck-strap. I tried your method of leaving the strap attached to
the Tx but got bummed-out at having to worry it over my sombrero
(or remove same) every time I was ready to fly. Consequently, I
simply keep the strap tucked inside my shirt. I see other guys
hook it in a button-hole ar stuff the end into their shirt poc-
ket...any means to a safe end, right?
Adios, Al
|
| 315.4 | All thingers and fumbs | THESUN::DAY | Just playing with my chopper.... | Fri Sep 25 1987 21:02 | 23 |
|
I used to fly with just thumbs until I started with
the heli. I find finger and thumb gives much more precise
movement. Now I fly planes that way as well, thumbs feels
insecure..
I do find it's more difficult to put large inputs to
just one axis of the stick with the finger and thumb method....
Win some lose some......
I do use a strap, but normally find that I'm so wrapped up
the heli that I end up holding the Tx anyway.... Also
don't you find that in the early stages it's a bit difficult
to hand the Tx back to your instructor if it's on a strap....
bob
|
| 315.5 | attached to my strap also | LEDS::WATT | | Mon Sep 28 1987 11:30 | 8 |
| I too have become attached to my strap. I wasn't aware how much
more secure I felt with it until I forgot to hook it up one flight.
I had to come around and land so that I could hook it up. I have
also felt unsecure flying a friend's plane for him without the strap.
(so I could hand him the box) An added benefit is the ability to
let go with one hand to flip dual rate / coupling switches or to
swat a pesky fly while flying without the risk of dropping the box.
|