Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / May 2004

The speed control (esc) is plugged into the throttle channel on the Rx.  The
battery that powers the motor also powers the servos.  The rudder and
elevator servos are plugged into their respectives slots in the Rx.
Usually, the esc is not armed (powered) until the throttle stick is set to
the lowest position.  Set throttle to the middle, plug in your battery pack,
then move to the lowest position to arm the esc.  Moving it up again will
power the motor (prop).

John VB

You would plug the servos in just as you would with a glow engine plane but
plug the speed controller into channel 3 as you would a throttle servo. If
the speed controller has a BEC (battery eliminator circuit) that throttle
lead also powers the rx. What the BEC does is make sure that the motor is
cut off when the voltage drops too low so as to maintain power for the rx.

It's also possible that it doesn't have a throttle control at all --
some electrics just run until the battery dies.

Sounds like you do have a speed controller, and if so, then yes, it
goes into the throttle channel.  Which may vary from radio to radio.

But that's ok -- it's easy to figure out via trial and error.

As long as you don't reverse the polarity on the ESC plug, you'll be
ok.  You can plug any servo into any channel without damage, but if
you get the polarity of the ESC plug (which also provides power)
backwards you may fry something.  Red -> +, Black -> -, and the
remaining wire is the signal.  Depending on the plug, you may not be
able to put it on reversed at all, but it's best to be sure before you
apply power (lest you risk releasing the magic smoke.)

To figure out which channel is what is easy.  Remove the prop -- you
don't want it biting you.  Plug the ESC into channel 1, and your two
servos into ch 2 and ch 3.  Wiggle your sticks, see what moves.
Adjust things until the right control surfaces move when you move a
given stick.

Once you've done that, you'll also have the ESC in the right plug (it
can provide power on any slot, but only one will have the right stick
control it.)  The motor may not go, however (but it might -- which is
why the prop is off.)  If it's not going, put the throttle to the
minimum setting and disconnect and reconnect the plane battery.  If it
still doesn't work, reverse that channel, and disconnect/reconnect the
battery again, making sure it's still set to zero throttle.  If things
still don't work, check that the battery is fully charged.

On 5/8/2004 7:49 AM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these great
(and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

The receiver configuration for Futaba/HiTec is as follows:

1.  Ailerons
2.  Elevator
3.  Throttle
4.  Rudder
5.  Retractable landing gear
6.  Flaps
7.  Assigned by user

Now that we have that part down, on electrics NORMALLY USING 10 CELLS OR
LESS, the ESC (Electronic Speed Control) has a built in circuit called
the BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit).  This is wired into the
connection that goes into channel 3 (Throttle, and the end looks exactly
like the end on one of the servos).  If the BEC is wired in, you will
see 3 wires in the plug.  Check them to make sure one has not been cut
or disconnected.  The third wire provides a regulated power to the receiver.

Before you attempt to fly the plane, be sure none of your servos are
reversed.  If they are, you can reverse them with the transmitter.

One other thing, if it is a 3 channel plane (rudder, elevator and
throttle), and MOST Old Timers are, plug the rudder servo into channel 1
(ailerons).

You said 2 servos.  And a speed controller.

OK.

IF using futaba transmitter reverse the throttle channel on the TX.

Put rudder or ailerons (whichever you have) into channel 1
put elevator into channel 2.
Put speed control into channel 3.
Switch TX on with throttle LOW
Connect battery.
If there is a switch, switch it on

Servos shold now do their stuff, and throttle should do its stuff also.
Some ESC's want you to start low throttle, go high till they beep, then
go low agaian. Then they work.

Check servo direction and neutrals and adjust if necessaary.

Open throttle and fly the baby!