MIXES: the backbone of nearly every function
Mixes are special programs within the radio that command one or more channels to act together with input from only one
source, such as a stick, switch or knob.
There are a variety of types of mixes.
Types:
• Linear: Most mixes are linear. A 100% linear mix tells the slave servo to do exactly what the master servo is doing,
using 100% of the slave channel's range to do so. An example is FLAPERON. When aileron stick is moved, the flap
servo is told to move exactly the same amount. A 50% linear mix would tell the slave servo, for example, to move to
50% of its range when the master's control is moved 100%.
• Offset:AnOFFSET mix is a special type of linear mix. When the mix is turned on (usually a flip of a switch), the slave
servo is moved a set percent of its range. An example of this is AIRBRAKE --- moving flaps, flaperons, and elevator all
to a set position at the flip of a switch. (see p. 52.)
Essentially every feature in the radio's programming is really a mix, with all assignments/programming set up and ready
to use. Additionally, the7C ACRO and HELI programs provide 3 linear fully-programmable mixes that allow you to
set up special mixes to resolve flight difficulties, activate additional functions, etc.
Let's look quickly at a few examples that are features we've already covered. This may help to clarify the mix types and
the importance of mixes.
Additional examples:
• Exponential is a preprogrammed curve mix that makes the servosí response more (+) or less (-) sensitive around center
stick (works in conjunction with dual rate, a linear mix that adjusts the total range). see D/R,EXP,p.34.
• THR-CUT is an OFFSET pre-programmed mix. This tells the throttle servo, when below a certain point, to move toward
idle an additional set percentage to help close the carburetor. See p. 33.
• ELEV-TO-FLAP mixing is a pre-programmed linear mix to move the flaps proportionally to elevator control, helping the
model loop even tighter than it can on elevator alone. (see p. 49.)
Next, we'll get an in-depth look at some pre-programmed mixes (mixes whose channels are predefined by Futaba for
simplicity) we've not covered yet, and last, look at the fully-programmable mix types.
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