The advanced mixes available in the Futaba 9C software can be put to good use, even in a simple "beginner" sailplane with only rudder and elevator servos. The mixes suggested below can be used to improve launches, enhance upwind thermal searches, and to optimize the efficiency of turns in difficult lift.

NOTES: The suggested switches are for the airplane version of the transmitter; those with the helicopter layout will have the spring-loaded (F) and start/normal/speed switch (G) in different locations. These mixes assume that the elevator servo is plugged into receiver channel two and the rudder servo in plugged into channel four. Be sure to turn the LINK variable to ON in each of these mixes if you are using the V-TAIL mix.

PMIX-1: Aileron to Rudder Mix.

This mix allows the use of either the right or left stick to control the rudder. Both can be used simultaneously. I like to use the right stick by itself during launches and landings. I use the left stick to control the rudder during difficult thermal turns; this avoids small accidental movements of the elevator that are common during right stick rudder input.

PMIX-2: Elevator Microtrim.

This mix allows the use of the right-hand slider, VR-E to make very small changes in the elevator. I set this up so that the direction of the slider is the same as the right elevator stick. Adjust the rate so that full down slider is the correct amount of up elevator needed for the sailplane’s tightest thermal turn. Put this on an unused switch (B) so you can turn it off when you let someone unfamiliar with the sliders fly the model (they always accidentally bump them.) You will need to always check that the slider is centered before launching if you use this mix.

PMIX-3: Up Elevator on the Spring-Loaded Switch:

This mix is used during the last part of high-start launches to stretch out the rubber and gain a bit of additional altitude. Adjust the rate to give the highest launch without stalling. If it takes more than 10% you might try moving the tow hook back about 1/16".

PMIX-4: Rudder Offset during Launch.

Unless your wing and rudder are absolutely true, there will be a need for some slight rudder correction to achieve a perfectly straight "hands off" launch. Put the needed offset on the 3-positions switch that it is on in the START condition.

START and SPEED mixes:

These are on the 3-position switch (G). Use them to introduce an appropriate elevator adjustment for best launch and best high-speed thermal search or upwind return. Note that on the Futaba 9C the elevator trim adjusts each of these mixes while they are active. In the newly released 9C "super" versions, this feature is switch selectable, but the default is OFF; activate it so you can adjust speed and start elevator trim during flight rather than landing and going through the menus.

Dual Rates and Exponential:

I suggest putting these on a single switch; I prefer SW-D. Use lower rates and more negative exponential when making turns in difficult lift.

Landing with the "Hula Maneuver."

Even without spoilers, you can bleed off energy and lose altitude by rotating the right stick rapidly in a one-inch circle with your thumb; use about two rotations per second. This "waves" both tail surfaces and significantly increases drag. Practice this at a safe altitude before using it to set up a landing.

Besides enhancing your two-servo sailplane flying, these schemes will familiarize you with some more advanced programming techniques that will be useful with models that are more complex. Pilots with other brands of computer radios can easily adapt these methods to their own equipment.