A great saftey idea for the pages of RC Re****t (8/2007)
THROTTLE LOCK FOR ELECTRICS
The complexity of the programming will depend on your transmitter and your
familiarity with its requirements.
Note that you must have a computer transmitter with a free mix available,
and the ability to assign the mix to the switch you want to use for the
throttle lock.
You must also be familiar with setting up a mix on your radio. During the
programming I recommend using a servo connected to the throttle channel
instead of an ESC, to make it easier and safer to see what's going on. I'm
using an Airtronics Infinity 660 and a Futaba 9CAP, and the only
difference
is in the mixing points.
First the mix should be throttle to throttle, and set the Rate to -100%
for
up and down stick.
Next, comes the mixing point, which is set to the fully closed throttle
stick setting. For Airtronics it's -100%, and for the Futaba it's 0%
offset.
This is usually set by pressing the input key with the throttle in the
fully
closed position.
Make sure the trim is zeroed.. With the 9CAP you have to hold down the
Dial
key for one second to input the value (Boy did I ever have to play around
to
learn that! Just try finding it in the manual!).
Now all that's left is to assign a switch of your choice. I use a switch
on
the left with its down position being "locked", and its up position being
"motor enabled".
You may choose to·set it up differently.
Now it should be easy to see the results with the servo on the throttle
channel. With the lock disabled the servo should move normally. Observe
the
servo arm location with the throttle stick fully closed. When the lock is
enabled
the servo should stay in (or go to) that position, regardless of throttle
stick movement.
In use I keep the switch in "lock" until I'm ready to hit the throttle. I
also use the same switch to start/stop the flight timer. I also switch to
"lock" the moment I land, reducing the chances of "surgical alterations"
of
body parts when picking up the plane.
I hope this works for you and your setup as well.
-Peter Forlenza Lyndonville, VT pilotpete2@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Scholefield
Safety Coordinator
AMA District V.
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