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What are dual rates, how do they work and how do I configure them?

Applies To

RealFlight G2
RealFlight Deluxe
RealFlight Classic

Summary

An explanation of the dual rate functions.

Resolution

On an actual R/C transmitter, a dual rate switch is used to alter the rate of servo travel. This makes the controls more or less sensitive. The aileron and elevator control channels are the most common channels that utilize this feature. Some transmitters, however, also offer a dual rate switch for the rudder channel.

Selecting low rates will make it easier to control an over-responsive model. Dual rates also come in handy for entry-level modelers. Since beginners tend to over-control the model, low rates can also tame their models, making them easier to fly for the novice.

In RealFlight, any of the four main controls (aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle) can be set up with dual rates. The switch to change from low to high rate can be assigned to a switch on the radio or a key on the keyboard. However, it is not recommended to assign it to keyboard input as this is not realistic to model airplane flight and will make control of the aircraft much more difficult.

Please note that dual rates must be configured separately for each individual aircraft. This is the same as configuring a real R/C transmitter to function differently for each model.

RealFlight Classic and Deluxe

1. Make a copy of an aircraft and then click on the Edit Plane button.

2. Access the Radio Setup tab. This will bring up the radio setup for your simulator. The initial setting is to adjust the dual rates for servo 1 which controls the ailerons of your aircraft. This is easily verified by referencing the Servo Choice, Servo# box.

3. Select the switch which will control the dual rate settings for your ailerons. To do so, click on the down arrow in the dialog box located next to the low rates value. Please refer to the information below to assist you in this selection. 
   Note: This is the upper box which currently displays Always. The lower box controls the activation of your exponential.

Switches:

Switch 1 On - low rates will be active when switch 1, located on the front of the transmitter, is in the ON position.

Switch 1 Off - low rates will be active when switch 1, located on the front of the transmitter, is in the OFF position.

Switch 2 On/Off - same as switch 1, however, switch 2 is located on the top right side of the transmitter. Note: If your transmitter serial number, located on the bottom of the transmitter, begins with "7", switch 2 is NOT active. Therefore, do not select switch 2 as the activation switch for your dual rates. Instead, select switch 4.

Switch 3 On/Off - same as switches 1 and 2 however, this is located on the top left side of the transmitter.

Switch 4 On/Off - same as switches 1-3. This switch is only active for RealFlight controllers with a "7" as the first digit of their serial number and that have been set up using the "4 axis", "4 button" selections.

Keyboard:

Although it is possible, setting up the dual rates to a keyboard input is not recommended as this is not realistic to model airplane flight and will make control of the airplane much more difficult.

4. Click on the Low Rates box located in the lower left portion of the screen and adjust the low rates for your ailerons accordingly. Generally, 50% is a good starting point for a low rate setting. If you are running RealFlight version 1.00.86 or higher, there are two ways to change the rates. You may either manually enter the desired value and click OK, or you can simply use the mouse and click on the up/down arrow located next to the current value. If you are running version 1.00.78 or lower, you may only adjust the value by clicking on the up/down arrow next to the current value.

5. If you wish to set up the dual rates for either your elevator or rudder follow the same procedures as described above, however, change the Servo Choice, Servo # accordingly. The elevator is controlled by servo 2; the rudder is servo 3. To change the Servo #, simply click on the down arrow located to the right of the dialog box and highlight the appropriate channel.

To test the effects of your input at any time, simply move the appropriate control surface to its full deflection and flip the respective switch which activates/inhibits the low rates settings for this channel.
Note: Most pilots generally set up their dual rates so that they are activated by different switches.

RealFlight Generation 2

1. Prior to modifying the rates, it is necessary to make a copy of your current aircraft. The RealFlight software will not allow modifications to the standard or default aircraft. Click on the Select Aircraft… option in the Aircraft menu. When you see the Aircraft Selection page, select the aircraft you want to edit, and then click the Edit button. You will be prompted to make a copy of the selected aircraft. Please click Yes and rename the copy accordingly.

2. Under the Radio Type click the Edit Now button to access the Radio Setup tab. This will bring up the radio setup for your simulator. The initial setting is to adjust the dual rates for servo 1 which controls the ailerons of your aircraft. This may be verified by referencing the Channel Values information found in the Options menu under Controller.

3. To select the switch which will control the dual rate settings for your ailerons click on the down arrow in the dialog box located next to the low rates value. Please refer to the information below to assist you in this selection.

Note: This is the upper box which currently displays Switch 1. The lower box controls the activation of your exponential.

Switches:

Switch 1 On - low rates will be active when switch 1, located on the front of the transmitter, is in the ON position.

Switch 1 Off - low rates will be active when switch 1, located on the front of the transmitter, is in the OFF position.

Switch 2 On/Off - same as switch 1, however, switch 2 is located on the top right side of the transmitter.

If using RealFlight Generation 2 with the InterLink controller, you will also have the option to use the 3-position switch for dual rates.

• InterLink 3 Position Switch UP

• InterLink 3 Position Switch MIDDLE

• InterLink 3 Position Switch DOWN

Keyboard:

Although it is possible to do so, setting up the dual rates to a keyboard input is not recommended as this is not realistic to model airplane flight and will make control of the airplane much more difficult.

4. Click on the Low Rates box located in the lower left portion of the screen and adjust the low rates for your ailerons accordingly. Generally, 50% is a good starting point for a low rate setting. You may manually enter the desired value and click OK, or you can simply use the mouse and click on the up/down arrow located next to the current value.

5. If you wish to set up the dual rates for either your elevator or rudder follow the same procedures as described above, however, change the Channel Choice, Channel # accordingly. The elevator is controlled by servo 2; the rudder is servo 3. To change the Channel #, simply click on the down arrow located to the right of the dialog box and highlight the appropriate channel.

To test the effects of your input at any time, simply move the appropriate control surface to its full deflection and flip the respective switch which activates/inhibits the low rates settings for this channel.

Note: Most pilots generally set up their dual rates so that each rate is activated by different switches. That is, they do not set up their radios to control more than one dual rate from a single switch or input.

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