MAKE Belinda Kilby, Getting Started

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one channel to control the aircraft’s flight mode setting. Another
common channel requirement is for a feature called Return to
Home (RTH). Both of those channels are assigned to and con-
trolled by a switch. We will discuss RTH and flight modes in
greater detail later in the book; for now, let’s look more deeply at
the channels controlled by your two main sticks (see Figures
1-4
and 1-5 ).
Figure 1-4. RC transmitter left and right stick command move-
ments for Mode 2.
The controller descriptions here are for Mode 2
radios used in the United States. Other countries
may use Mode 1 radios, which simply reverses the
movements controlled by each stick. Many modern
radios can use either mode, but some are config-
ured one way only at the factory when they are built.
Throttle
Forward/backward motion of the left stick controls the throttle
of your aircraft. The throttle essentially acts as the gas pedal for
your aircraft, just as its name implies. In most cases, the higher
the throttle value, the faster your motors will spin. Of course
there are exceptions to that, and we will talk about those in ref-
erence to autopilot and autonomous flight. In order for your air-
craft to hover above the ground, the throttle must generate
enough lift to counter the effects of Weight . During forward
flight, the throttle must counter both drag and weight.
10 Make: Getting Started with Drones