What mode do you fly ?  Mode 1 (Throttle on right) or Mode 2 (Throttle on left) ?

Do you pinch the sticks with two fingers (thumb and index fingers), or just use the thumb ?

Not to start a debate, but if you are planning on doing 3D flying with helis, mode 2 makes the stick movements much simpler as compared to mode 1. 

One of the common moves in 3D heli flying is something called a piro-flip, where the heli is rotating on its tail along with going from upright to inverted and back at the same time.  This move is very easy to do on mode 2, as compared to mode 1.  Just a pointer to someone getting started, especially in Helis.

Here is a sample video of a heli doing piro-flips.





And here is a video that shows the difference in stick movement between mode 1 and mode 2 while doing piro-flips.  In mode 2, the right stick just needs consistent rotation in one direction. In mode 1, the right stick needs a figure-of-eight like movement, which is tough to do consistently.

Used to fly Mode 2 Thumbs.  But literally forced myself to change to pinch mode.  This gives me much more authority and control over the sticks.  Thumbs only is easier but i felt it was not very accurate.  As i like to come real close to the ground on inverts and knifes, i cannot compromise on accuracy so adapted myself to pinch!!

Strange enough, I am currently trying to switch from Thumbs to Pinch !       I was going to post an update here as soon as I am done (currently practising on the sim with the pinch method as much as I can).

While doing significant 3D that requires continous precise movements, I realized that thumbs make it easier to take the sticks to any extremes faster, but does not offer the level of precision that I was looking for.  Pinch also felt more secure, in terms of the finger (thumb) slipping off the stick (especially on hot sweaty days). I have had it happen to me couple of time, that is when I started seriously considered moving to pinch.

I will change my vote when I am fully on pinch 

Some other threads where this is discussed are posted below.  In general, pinch in favored for precise control by most people (especially 3D heli fliers, even though heli 3D champions like Lukas Riva and Tareq AlSaadi are all thumbs!)

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=81523

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2772

Hey thats weird... even i had to work my a** off on a sim before i had got rid of the thumbs only mode!!  Took more than a month!! But now am fine!!

Chan

i am a mode 1 flyer and i used to pinch the stick...... 

I use Mode 3 with Thumbs.
Left stick - Elevator + Ailerons
Right stick  - Throttle / Rudder .
I learnt on an old Futaba that had the Throttle on the right, so sticking to it.
-Gaurav

That was a surprise 

Poll updated !

Hi,
I use Mode 2 and Pinch. However I also use a Tx Tray with a neck strap and belted to my waist.

i use mode 2 with pinch and look to continue it as i feel very comfortable with it kind of habituated

Mode 2 Pinch for me too

Bumping the topic for the sake of newcomers....  note that "Mode 2" has distinct advantages in heli flying, and "Pinch" gives you more precise control.

Please vote if you have not done so already.

+1 Chan .. having played for long on Force Feedback Game Pads (NFS eta all), I started with my  Futaba on thumbs (Mode 2, again more due to video games circa 1986 Atari 2600). But I agree to Chan that using thumbs I some time move the perpendicular axis a little while moving the stick. With pinch, though slower movements, but I don't touch the other axis. May be it is due to my thumb which is proportionally smaller than what normally people have (murderer's thumb).

Well its only SIM for me for the while. Desperately looking for place to start flying small foamies. Jakkur passes are miles away I fear.

I think in US mode 2 is common. When I got a mode 1 Airtronics RDS8000 2 years back I had a hard time to get help from my fellow club members..  because they all use mode 2.. Anyways after 2 months I got the Spektrum DX7.. and I love it

Mode I or II? Purely dependent on which mode your trainer flew/flies. Though Mode II seems a little more "like the real thing".

I feel "pinch" is certainly a better way but needs a tray and longer sticks. I had this set up many years ago, before hibernating. Have made a tray and some long sticks. Will send you pics when operational.

Mode 2, Thumb. Got used to mode 2 when playing f22 raptor game on my comp. I was using the arrow keys like the right stick of mode 2. Now I cant even think of mode 1 or pinch 

The vast majority on our field use "mode 2 pinch", they just extend the sticks a bit (supported by most standard radios these days). 

No trays used, although it is a bit kludgy how the radio is held (without the thumb and index fingers). Of course, almost everyone uses a neck strap.

I use mode 2 and thump that is the way you can easily control.
If someone are left handed may be mode1 will work for them

i used to fly mode 1 and thumb
i have a couple of futaba transmitters 7 chp and 4 EX both are mode 1
i am forced to mode 1
because i got these TX  before knowing about different modes 
anyway i m feeling very much comfortable in mode 1
 

You - or anyone for that matter - will feel comfortable in whatever mode you learnt to fly! And vice-versa

Here is a "mixed pinch and thumb" flier :

http://www.rcindia.org/helis/3d-flight-training-for-helicopters-some-resources/msg16550/#msg16550

All the guys on my field are mode 1 and we are all thumbs. Don't know if I'll need to change after some time or not. My Guru is also mode 1 and he is one of the good ones flying helis, and that too mode 1.

mode 2 pinch

Mode 2 and thumb...

BTW, I am not using a strap as the radio did not come with one. So the question is

1) is it required (any distinctive advantage)?
2) where does one get it?

Pankaj

A strap helps in taking the load of the transmitter off your hands making it easier for your "pinch" or "thumbs" to use.

A broad camera strap should work well.

I am a mode 2 thumb guy, When ever I take my heli for flying, even though I am confident hovering, my thumbs start to shake due to nervousness, and this shaky ness shows mostly on the throttle stick, pitch pumping the heli, this happens initially for a few mins and settles down. I noted that pinching on the stick reduces this.

So should I change to pinch? Is it worth all the effort to change? what do you guys have to say?

PS: I have tightened the throttle stick a little so that it does not move easily. still should I change to pinch? I have seen on the videos that most of the expert flyers are pinch.

I have had a plane crash because my thumb slipped.  I have been in the process of moving to pinch for a while now, but I tend to forget that many times.  When I remember it, I fly pinch, and that is my destination ! 

When you are moving to pinch, a harness on the radio really helps.

What harness? You mean a neck strap? Or some people make a whole platform to rest their hands like Rao has done.

Yes.  Harness or neck strap.  Unlike thumbs, pinch makes holding the TX a bit awkward, so the strap/harness helps.

The whole tray thing is pretty rare, although seems to be a bit more prevalent in Europe (based on Youtube videos!).

I use mode 2 and recently changed from thumb to pinch . I used to find the thumb easier , but i feel safer with pinch.

O yea, and a neckstrap really makes it comfortable to hold the tx if useing the pinch method.

Its really becoming pain for me to change from thumbs to pinch. I was not even able to hover my 450 using pinch. I think as the saying goes - Practice makes man perfect.

+1 !  Still "in between" thumb and pinch.  Lack of adequate sim time these days is a major factor.

From my earlier experience, pinch with extended sticks, gives you the best control. But this necessitates the use of a tray. It feels a bit strange, in the beginning, and - apparently - more sensitive. But once you get used to it, you are hooked!

I have made a few sticks for Futaba and am making a tray for my 9Z also.

 
 struggled with mode 1 for some time  .......then discovered mode 2 

 its all about conditioning....IMO M2 is better for beginners.

 for the strap.....just pick up a ID card tag. Costs 20/- and easily available at any stationary shop.

ID card tag presses on the neck after some time of use. Camera straps are way better. Believe me I have tried all. By the way Welcome to MODE 2 Club 

hey..guys..i want to go for a simulator..but i'm not sure whether to go for mode 1 or mode 2..since this is my first sim..i feel i can get used to either one but which would u say is more generally used in india?? and that i should practice on??..i feel mode 2 would be more convenient.. ..but open to suggestions..

Mode 2 would put you in the majority.  This helps when you need help from others with testing your stuff. Mode 2 is also more natural (also closer to real/fullscale planes).

i thought mode 1 was more popular in India?...

Not any more, it seems ?

Just look at the poll results above (as a sample) !

Mode 1.

Flying Plane & Heli's both on mode 1.

A heli flier on our field (from Lebanon) switched from Mode 1 to Mode 2 over the past couple of months.  He used to do 3D in mode 1, but struggled quite a bit the piro flip.  He says it is like being born again !  Crashed once also in the process.

"mixed pinch and thumb" on Mode 2
I use pinch for throttle and thumb for elevator

Heli 3D by japanese pilot Tooru  (Mode 1) Thumbs, like me 

Of course, it can be done... it us just quite a bit more difficult.  And combined with that, there are many maneuvers which start with the piro-flip, with minor stick variations, like piro-hurricanes, piro-tictocs etc. 

Why forcing mode 2? are all the people in kerala mode 2? 

Would about 85% in the world (and India) work better than all of Kerala ?

See the poll here : http://www.rcindia.org/chatter-zone/mode-1-or-mode-2-pinch-or-thumb/  (Please vote!)

And this : http://www.rcindia.org/chatter-zone/mode-1-or-mode-2-pinch-or-thumb/msg37343/#msg37343

Most of the old timers who does not report here are mode 1   I see more than 50% at jakkur and iisc Mode 1

Do a full survey on even a city like Bangalore (which is not just Jakkur), and you will know what is the current situation, and where the future is heading

And I am quite skeptical even about Jakkur.  If you consider the 3ch helis, then it is a washout !

Ya correct, all the NEW ones are entering mode 2. But still when I wanted to learn helis, there was only Rajesh who could help me out! I agree recommending sensible mode 

Another tidbit - all portable UAV control boxes are mode2 - this
is standardized.

The IAF teaches its uav pilots on mode2

Interesting... didn't know that !

BTW, requesting everyone to vote in this thread !

Mode 2 Pinch

mode one thumb

Mode 1 Holding with pinch. It helps to get precise controls.

I think choosing modes in Tx when starting to fly depends on the way our brain thinks. Some people have their brain's left hemisphere more powerful while others have the right one being more powerful. What do you people think? Its like some people use their right hand and some do left hand to perform certain works.

I read something....   http://www.metaphysics-for-life.com/brain-hemispheres.html

Please express your feelings about it.....  

There seems to be some confusion between a poll and a post. Please use the former for your "vote".

i m also using mode 1,as i learnt flying on mode1
some times i use pinch[ when necessary ]
now comfortable in mode 1
tried mode 2 on simulator but it confuse me while landing

Mode 2 thumb .Well i use my 9x for boat and hovercraft(no pistol radio ) 

Is RC heli flying easier than slow park-flyer ? I have some heli practice (novice actually) and now my first rc plane ...

I am planning to jump in to RC flying. What mode transmitter should I go for. My view is Mode 2 is better. What is the suggestion?

Merged into existing thread on same topic.  Please read this thread, should answer your question already.

look my friend. u may find a better way in pinching or using thumb. the best way u will get ..continue with which is more confortable for u

Personally I think Pinching (mode1/mode2 - doesn't matter) might actually be more precise with some serious practice but being a PS3 FPS gamer, I find mode 2 with thumb action as a natural progression.. Just my 2 cents.. I think this issue is more of a personal preference more than anything else..

Just for the complete noob - Any decent programmable radio will allow you to switch between mode1 and mode2.. Thumb or pinch is more of a personal preference from there onwards..

Mode 2 pinch

Mode 2 , pinch

Mode2 , Thumb .

@ppcruice, Many programmable radios allows you to change b/w stick modes . My Flysky FS-T6 has mode1 to 4, default being mode2   .

I have my own way of flying my quad. I use thumb on the left stick and pinch on the right stick (Mode 2).

-------

Mode 2 Pinch

mose 2 thumb, mode 1 pinch(still on sim)!!

Hi All,

Very Soon, I'll be starting my RC Hobby and will be getting my first RC Controller.
So, am very curious about which mode I should fly with MODE 1 or MODE 2.

I'll be getting JR XG8 and it comes with MODE 1 by default (for some good reason).

Also, I'll be flying planes and Gliders mostly, and that is where my interest are.

And as I am starting Clean, is there any suggestion which mode I should learn based on my flying requirement?

Regards,
Sapam

If you a Right hand person then you shall go with MODE 2 as all the precise movement of the aircraft (Aileron and elevator) are controlled from Right hand stick in mode 2 Controllers.  And Throttle and Rudder on Left which doesn't requires much input .

And Vice-Versa .
And good choice on the Radio 

@dhurva, thanks for the suggestion.
I am also thinking of taking the simulator kit along and maybe spend first few days on the Simulator and try to get accustom to the controller and also will check out both MODE 1 and MODE 2, and see which one I am comfortable with.

Not directly related to this Thread, Any suggestion on my first Plane? I want something I can abuse with, as for sure it'll definitely crash quite often while learning, so I don't want to spend on something expensive initially.

Regards

Few weeks on sim will be good .
I would say Skysurfer (Multiplex : Easystar) or J3 Piper is a good start.

Mode 4
I think as a beginner, it's easy for noobs who have less exposed to ailerons control