What Are Dual Rates and Expo in RC Airplane Transmitters?

Comments · 2 Views

Dual Rates and Expo are indispensable tools for any RC pilot, whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an expert perfecting advanced maneuvers.

As an RC enthusiast with over 15 years of experience, I’ve come to understand the critical role that Dual Rates and Expo play in improving control and enhancing the flight experience. These features are particularly vital when flying high-performance RC planes like those from Dynam. In this article, I’ll explain these concepts, provide practical tips, and share my personal experience using the Detrum GAVIN-8C 8 Channel 2.4GHz RC Transmitter Set with Dynam aircraft.

Detrum GAVIN-8C 8 Channel 2.4Ghz RC Transmitter Set with 8ch Receiver (TX+RXC8)


What Are Dual Rates?

Dual Rates allow you to adjust the servo throw on your RC airplane. In simpler terms, it controls how sensitive your transmitter inputs are to your airplane’s control surfaces.

Benefits of Dual Rates:

  1. Beginner-Friendly: Reduced sensitivity makes the airplane more forgiving for new pilots.
  2. Precision for Experts: Experienced pilots can switch to higher sensitivity for aerobatic maneuvers.
  3. Adaptability: You can change rates mid-flight to match different flying conditions or maneuvers.

For example, planes like the Dynam T-28 Trojan V2 or the Dynam B-26 Marauder benefit immensely from Dual Rates. Whether you're cruising or performing aerobatics, this feature helps tailor the airplane's responsiveness.


What Is Expo?

Expo, short for exponential, smooths out the stick inputs by making them less sensitive around the center of the transmitter stick while retaining full control at the extremes.

Benefits of Expo:

  • Precision for Small Movements: Perfect for delicate tasks like landings or hovering.
  • Prevents Overreacting: Especially helpful for planes with high agility.
  • Improves Control Feel: Planes like the Dynam Focke Wulf FW-190 V3 benefit greatly, as Expo ensures they remain stable yet responsive.

Using Dual Rates and Expo in Practice

When flying with my Detrum GAVIN-8C, I’ve found that these features greatly enhance the versatility of Dynam models. For instance, during my maiden flight with the Dynam Stearman PT-17, I set low Dual Rates and moderate Expo. This provided smooth control and allowed me to familiarize myself with the model’s behavior.

On the other hand, for advanced aerobatics with the Dynam Cessna 188 Crop Duster V2, I switched to higher Dual Rates and reduced Expo, enabling more aggressive rolls and loops. These customizable settings cater to different flying styles and skill levels.


How to Set Dual Rates and Expo

  1. Analyze Flight Behavior: Observe how your plane responds to control inputs.
  2. Set Dual Rates:
    • Low Rates (50–70%): For gentle control.
    • High Rates (100–120%): For more responsive maneuvers.
  3. Adjust Expo:
    • Start with +20% for smoother control.
    • Gradually increase until you achieve your desired feel.
  4. Test Flights: Fine-tune your settings based on how the plane handles in the air.

Recommended Dual Rates and Expo for Dynam Planes

ModelSuggested Dual RatesSuggested Expo
Dynam T-28 Trojan V270% (Low) / 100% (High)+30%
Dynam Stearman PT-1760% (Low) / 90% (High)+20%
Dynam Focke Wulf FW-190 V380% (Low) / 120% (High)+35%
Dynam Cessna 188 Crop Duster75% (Low) / 110% (High)+25%

FAQs About Dual Rates and Expo

1. Are Dual Rates and Expo essential for beginners?

Yes, Dual Rates especially help beginners avoid over-controlling their planes, making flights smoother and more enjoyable.

2. Can I change settings mid-flight?

Yes, the Detrum GAVIN-8C allows you to switch between low and high Dual Rates mid-flight, offering maximum flexibility.

3. Do all planes require Expo?

Expo is most beneficial for agile planes. While trainers may not require Expo as much, it can still make control inputs feel smoother.


My Personal Experience with the Detrum GAVIN-8C

Using the Detrum GAVIN-8C rc airplane transmitter with Dynam models has been a game-changer in my RC flying journey. The transmitter’s intuitive interface and reliable performance make adjusting Dual Rates and Expo a breeze. During one of my flights with the Dynam B-26 Marauder, I experimented with different rates and was impressed by how seamlessly the plane transitioned from smooth cruising to aerobatic maneuvers.

The Detrum GAVIN-8C is especially versatile for pilots flying various models, as it adapts to everything from gentle trainers to high-performance warbirds like the Dynam Focke Wulf FW-190 V3.


Final Thoughts

Dual Rates and Expo are indispensable tools for any RC pilot, whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an expert perfecting advanced maneuvers. With Dynam’s extensive range of planes and the reliability of the Detrum GAVIN-8C, you can unlock the full potential of your RC flying experience.

Take control, fine-tune your settings, and enjoy the skies with confidence—your next great flight awaits!

Comments