I am relatively new to IMAC... I started competing flying mode 2. I since have changed to mode 4. I having a really hard time trying to stay committed to a mode as rolling elements are incredible easy in mode 4, but rudder adjustments while in a radius is really tough (loops)... Rolling elements (rollers...) are much tougher in mode 2 but setting up the airplane coming in and out of maneuvers is a lot easier... not easy, just easier than mode 4.... My question is where do you see IMAC progressing... do you think that rollers and rolling elements would be a dominant factor in the future? Like I said I am just starting and fly both modes just fine. I see guys like Moser and Luckett fly mode 2 and make it look easy... then the Quique's of the world fly mode 1 and make it look easy as well... Just looking for a general discussion as I get to practice and hopefully get to compete on a more regular basis.. Jamie

Jamie,

Bottom line is ya gotta pick one that works for you and stick with it. If you choose something other than mode 2 though, most other guys won't be able to help you when you'd like someone else's opinion of your airplane setup. A lot of times we'll let others fly the plane to see if they have any helpful hints (or things we didn't notice) about the airplane setup. If you're flying mode 1 or 4, almost no one else will be able to fly your plane.

Pete

Good point Pete,
I know what mode 1 and 2 are, but didn't know there was a mode 4. Can someone please explain what it is and how it works? Thanks.

There's four transmitter configurations, or modes:

Mode 1: Elev and Rudder on Left Stick, Throttle and Aileron on Right
Mode 2: Throttle and Rudder on Left Stick, Elevator and Aileron on Right (popular in USA)
Mode 3: Elevator and Aileron on Left Stick, Throttle and Rudder on Right
Mode 4: Throttle and Aileron on Left Stick, Elevator and Rudder on Right

Over here in France they've got some cool transmitters where you can flip a switch on the back of the TX, and it'll switch from Mode 2 to Mode 1. Even changes the springs on the gimbals so the throttle stick acts correctly.

Pete

Thanks...