E-powered Glider with flaps -> HELP needed!

Hi guys,

I just got my first ever glider.
It has an electric powered motor, ailerons and separate flaps.

I have absolutely no clue how to program the flaps, but two ideas how I want to use them:

1. Normal Flaps with 3 different positions (for example 25% / 50% / 100%) –> Switched by the Mix-Switch on the radio
2. Crow / Butterfly position (both ailerons move up / both flaps move down) –> Switched by the Gear switch on the radio

So the first question is how to connect the servos to the receiver?
Every aileron and flap has its own servo and I have an 8 CH receiver, so it would be possible to connect each servo to a separate channel.
But personally I would prefer an Y-connector for the ailerons.

And the second question: How do I have to program the mixers?

Radio = Devo 10
Protocol = DSMX

Sorry, if this may appear kinda stupid, but I have only programmed simple 4-CH planes in the past and really don’t know how to proceed in this special case.

Thank you very much in advance!

Hello kubus, im not an Expert but i try to help a litte bit.

on Butterfly you can not use a Y Kable for Aileron.

the Connection of the Servos is not to hard.
1to 4 is written on the RX
1 Thr -> free for Motor
2 Ail -> 1. Aileron
3 Elev -> Elevator
4 Rud -> Ruder

the next Connectors ,you can Plug what you want but note it on paper
may be this:
5 Gear -> here we use 2. Aileron
6 Aux1 -> here 1. Flap
7 Aux2 -> here 2. Flap

ok then we are ready to program it.
drop a note if you are ready and connected all

Hello Alexandro,

thanks a lot for your help!

Ok, connections to the receiver are clear now.

Throttle, Rudder and Elevator aren't a problem, these functions I can program on my own.

But if you could support me with the flaps and ailerons, it would be great!

1. Can I use my normal aileron settings, which I have already used for other models with Y-cable, on Channel 2 (Aile 1) and 5 (Aile 2) and reverse one of the both channels?

2. Still no idea for the flaps....

Hello kubus,
i do not use any Programm from Template.
There i have to adjust to manny Servo, so i use a clean new Programm and doing it step by step from Source.

if Your normal Programm works with 2 ail , why not use it.

ok, now program all Servos on its setting to work the normal way on the Stick.
2 to 5 ( use 1 for a Battery on Testing )

then we begin with 6 and 7 , The Flaps

Channel 6 and 7 we use the Mix 0,1,2
set the mix on 6 and 7 to complex 3 pages ( mixer )
on 6 page 1 of the mix:
src mix0 , scale 100 , mux replace

page2
src mix1 , scale 0 , mux add

page3
src mix2, scale -100, mux add


same on channel 7

here you can adjust the ways with the scale numbers to your 25, 100 or 50, 100
the 3rd point you can not use, here we have to use a 2nd switch.

get the mix 0 to the normal Flap with 0 Way at the wing ( for normal flight ), use the linkage and the mid point of the servos to get it set right.
if it is to way out the use the mix0 scale for the rest ( with linkage and mid point you save the other way to get it to max flap down for landing )
then adjust mix 1 to get the Way for ( thermal or slow flight 25 % )
and the rest at mix 2 for landing ( flap full down )

sorry for wrong 1 st i was at Taranis

Thanks again, Alexandro!
Great job!

Here is what we have until now:

name=GLIDER
mixermode=Advanced
type=plane
[radio]
protocol=DSMX
num_channels=7
fixed_id=123456
tx_power=10mW

[protocol_opts]
Telemetry=Off

[channel1]
safetysw=Virt1
safetyval=-125
template=simple
[mixer]
src=THR
dest=Ch1

[channel2]
template=expo_dr
[mixer]
src=RUD
dest=Ch2
scalar=40
curvetype=expo
points=30,30
[mixer]
src=RUD
dest=Ch2
switch=FMODE1
scalar=55
curvetype=expo
points=50,50
[mixer]
src=RUD
dest=Ch2
switch=FMODE2
curvetype=expo
points=50,50

[channel3]
template=expo_dr
[mixer]
src=ELE
dest=Ch3
scalar=35
curvetype=expo
points=30,30
[mixer]
src=ELE
dest=Ch3
switch=FMODE1
scalar=60
curvetype=expo
points=30,30
[mixer]
src=ELE
dest=Ch3
switch=FMODE2
curvetype=expo
points=30,30

[channel4]
template=expo_dr
[mixer]
src=AIL
dest=Ch4
scalar=45
curvetype=expo
points=30,30
[mixer]
src=AIL
dest=Ch4
switch=FMODE1
scalar=65
curvetype=expo
points=30,30
[mixer]
src=AIL
dest=Ch4
switch=FMODE2
curvetype=expo
points=30,30

[channel5]
reverse=1
template=expo_dr
[mixer]
src=RUD
dest=Ch5
scalar=40
curvetype=expo
points=30,30
[mixer]
src=RUD
dest=Ch5
switch=FMODE1
scalar=55
curvetype=expo
points=50,50
[mixer]
src=RUD
dest=Ch5
switch=FMODE2
curvetype=expo
points=50,50

[channel6]
template=complex
[mixer]
src=MIX0
dest=Ch6
usetrim=0
curvetype=expo
points=0,0
[mixer]
src=MIX1
dest=Ch6
scalar=0
usetrim=0
muxtype=add
curvetype=expo
points=0,0
[mixer]
src=MIX2
dest=Ch6
scalar=-100
usetrim=0
muxtype=add
curvetype=expo
points=0,0
[channel7]
template=complex
[mixer]
src=MIX0
dest=Ch7
usetrim=0
curvetype=expo
points=0,0
[mixer]
src=MIX1
dest=Ch7
scalar=0
usetrim=0
muxtype=add
curvetype=expo
points=0,0
[mixer]
src=MIX2
dest=Ch7
scalar=-100
usetrim=0
muxtype=add
curvetype=expo
points=0,0
[virtchan1]
name=T HOLD
template=complex
[mixer]
src=Virt1
dest=Virt1
usetrim=0
curvetype=min/max
points=0
[mixer]
src=THR
dest=Virt1
offset=-1
usetrim=0
muxtype=add
[mixer]
src=AIL
dest=Virt1
switch=RUD DR0
usetrim=0
curvetype=fixed

[trim1]
src=LEFT_V
pos=TRIMLV+
neg=TRIMLV-
[trim2]
src=RIGHT_V
pos=TRIMRV+
neg=TRIMRV-
[trim3]
src=LEFT_H
pos=TRIMLH+
neg=TRIMLH-
[trim4]
src=RIGHT_H
pos=TRIMRH+
neg=TRIMRH-
[timer1]
src=THR
[timer2]
type=countdown
src=THR
time=300
[datalog]
switch=None
rate=1 sec
[safety]
Auto=min
[gui-128x64]
V-trim=59,10,1
H-trim=5,59,3
V-trim=65,10,2
H-trim=74,59,4
Small-box=2,22,Ch1
Small-box=2,31,Timer1
Small-box=2,39,Timer2
Model=75,20
Battery=102,1
Toggle=4,10,0,3,0,RUD DR
Toggle=13,10,0,5,0,ELE DR
Toggle=22,10,0,4,0,AIL DR
Toggle=31,10,0,0,0,None
Toggle=40,10,0,0,0,None
TxPower=102,7
quickpage1=Telemetry monitor

ok, loaded it on my 8s and it look ok
are the Aileron on the right Stick for you ? it shows booth on the Ruder input and the ruder on the aileron ( if it works for you it is ok )
-> may be you have the wrong Stick mode selected ( 1+3 and 2+4 are the changed Aileron with Ruder Version)

ok, now we make the Butterfly with Elevator mixed to the right way ( around 20% deep for full flap down )
we use the Gear Switch

got to the Elevator mixer and switch to complex, then ad mixer page 4
here use the gear switch and dial the scale to the 20 % deepElevator on gear switch , mux add

page4
src gear0, curve 3 point (1 -20 ,2 -10, 3 0 ), scale -100 ,Mux add <- here at the 3 point mix curve you can adjust the Elevator for full Flap down, it should go into a light nose down on butterfly

next we go to the Aileron channel ( may be your named Ruder Channels , but it is only a name on the mixer. if it works for you it is ok !)
there we add a new mixer page, same like the Elevator and adjust it with the 3 point curve for the deflection and with the scale for the right way of deflection ( if the ground point ( gear0 ) is out of the neutral, then turn the curve numbers arround ( 1 -100 ,2 -50, 3 0 to 1 0, 2-50, 3-100 ) to get the neutral position right for the Ailerons .
-> do not forget to use always add at the Mux
-> you can use at Curve 0 , 0 ,-100 <- here on the 2 pos Switch we do not have a mid Point

then we go to the flaps.
here the same like the Ailerons.

i get my Devo 10 next days and my 4 flap test plane on weekend ( by snail post )
try the Butterfly on higher Altitude to get the Elevator down right.

this version ( if it works ) is a bit quick and Dirty programmed , there are some ways to get a slower moving to end points of butterfly with delay.
And some tweaks to get the butterfly working on the Throttle Stick ( switching off the Motor with activating the Butterfly save switch )

may be some Pro comes up and post a complete Model memory with all the fine tuning.

feel free to ask again

greetings Alex

Hi Alex,

I fly helicopters with mode 2 and planes with mode 4. Since I use the Devo for both planes and helicopters, I chose mode 2 for the radio and have to switch rudder and ailerons in the programs for my planes. That's why the code may look kinda weird to you.

I have to try the butterfly code tomorrow. I'll let you know if it works.

Thank you so much for your assistance! It's really outstanding and if we should ever meet in real life, I will treat you to a beer!

Hi Alex,

I couldn't wait til tomorrow...

I attached my model.ini file. Could you have a look at it?
Wasn't sure if I had to set the scale for flaps and ailerons to -100, too. So I didn't.

found 1 error

on Channel 2

Mixer Page 4, 3 Point Curve from -100,-50,0 to 100,50,0 <- this moves booth Aileron up on Gear Switch

all other looks good

if you want booth Ailerons added to the Flaps ( Thermal ) then add the mix1 ( 25 % ) to the Aileron servos <- if you want a save value for anti tip Stall then use only 1/3 of the Flap way on the Aileron
-> on modern Planes i use max 5 mm Flap down and 2 to 3 mm Aileron Down on circling on Thermal, this makes the response of the Ruder better and reduce the Tipstall tendency.

1. ini your Glider with corrected Aileron
2. ini Glider with added Aileron on Mix switch ( i added 10% to the Aileron on Mix1 for slower Thermal Circle Flying )

lets see if it works for You, do not forget to bring booth Flaps to neutral Position . Most Flaps go only down on the Hinge ! Doent Smoke Your Flap Servos ( best is to open the Linkage to get the Servos to neutral without to overheat the Servos and then with Linkage to get the fine adjust )

greetings Alex

-> a Beer if the Programm brings a Smile on your Face at flying Side then my Bill is payed !

I can't thank you enough, Alex!

Not only, that I have my configs now, but even more for understanding some things regarding the deviation programming much better.
Hopefully I will be able to help someone else like you helped me some time.

Let's hope for good weather at the weekend. I will keep you updated if everythings works.

Thank you very, very much again!

@other Users (IMPORTANT!): Please do not take these files without checking the output power of the antenna and the settings for dual rate and expo. I have to adjust some of the settings for the glider, the current settings are from another plane, which hasn't much in common with a glider.
Once all the settings are done and tested for the glider, I will provide the model.ini here.

While I don't have any aircraft with flaps (haven't found one that I could both afford and thought was appealing), I'd like to offer two observations.

1) The flaps probably ought to be on one channel with a Y cable. Or is there some situation where you'd want them to have different settings?

2) From watching Bruce Simpson on RCModel reviews, rather than having a switch to control the flaps, you'd want them on one of the two AUX knobs on the 10. Unless those knobs are just to hard to get to for flaps. Haven't been for the things I use them for.

Hey mwm!

Thanks for joining the discussion.

1. You're right, an Y-cable would be also possible. But since I have enough free slots at the receiver and the code is written, I don't want to change it at the moment.
2. I thought about it, too. Many pilots use the potentiometers to controll their flaps. But I have no experience in using flaps and I think for me as a beginner it would be easier to use a switch for the first few flights.

Could probably be possible to use both switch AND pot; set the pot in the middle first, set your switch to get it's desired results, then make up a mix which uses the pot as a "tweaker", allowing you to modify your flap up or down a bit on the fly? Then when you find the final values you want (take note on the channel mixer after the flight, with the pot in it's "best" position) you can re-program the switch to give a more ideal value (and keep the pot mixing in just for the hell of it)

[runs away after releasing the feline amongst the avians...]

Yup, that combination is certainly possible. I've done similar with my gimbal controls: the channel is adjusted to go from looking straight down to looking up at about 15°, the mix switch gives me straight forward, down at 45° and the knob. That way I have for "easy" positions (the two endpoints and the two switch positions) and the ability to adjust it anywhere.

It's raining here all day long....
I wanted to maiden today, hopefully tomorrow will be better weather.

I just got my first e-glider, too. It's the radian pro. I only have a Devo 7e and I wonder if I can use this template or if someone with more experience could help me with changing it so I can fly the plane. I fly mode 2.

Hello Gutlieger, did you ever get a model file for your radian pro? I have a fellow flyer that is looking for one.

Thanks in advance!