RaptorDude
Senior Heliman
Location: Madeira Island, Portugal
| 1. Adjust Spring Tension on Tx 2. PinchMalorie
I'm no doctor but it seems to me that your thumb muscles are just getting tired from being continuously contracted. That's quite normal, specially taking into account that women's hands are generally less muscled/strong than men's and I have a feeling that radios are designed by men for men.  
One possible remedy will involve a little tweaking of you radio sticks.
Try to loosen the springs tension.
I don’t know what’s your Tx, but it should be quite straightforward. Try looking at the manual.
I own a Futaba 9C and, with this one, it’s really very simple.
It just involves removing the back cover and adjusting the proper screws. The manual has a very clear drawing showing where and how to do it.
BTW, my radio came with a huge tension preset from factory. Even for me…(my fingers are not that flimsy)… I must have reduced the tension to about a half… and I’m still considering reducing it even further…. and I use the pinch method!
If your radio doesn’t have a provision for adjusting spring tension, it might still be possible to do it by a little tweaking (i.e. removing a couple of windings from the springs). If don’t feel comfortable with the idea, ask the usual handy-guy…
Another thing: if your sticks length is adjustable, try lengthening them a bit.
They work like a lever so, the longer they are, the less force it takes to maneuver them.
Downside is, if you have short fingers, you might be unable to work the full range. If you’re into some extreme 3D, this might be troublesome…
Anyway, always adjust and try/test in the sim before taking it to the field!
Other than that, I would suggest you try the pinch method…
When I got into the hobby, I used only my thumbs.
Then, I read somewhere someone advising the pinch method for improved control.
It took some time and effort to adapt using the sim.
I’m still able to use my thumbs only… but I must say that I never do it now… and I’ll never go back….
In the end, use what feels more comfortable. But try to persevere a little while and give the pinch method a good chance. Use your simulator. Begin by placing you thumb on the top of the stick, as usual. Then bring the index finger into play. Adapt yourself and, gradually, start placing your thumb a bit further aft. You’ll see that it turns out not to be that different . I’m talking from experience. That’s what I did.
And, IMHO, it’s worth the effort of the adaptation. You’ll get much more precise control for hovering and low speed circuits. And forget about expo… with the pinch method. You’ll get a linear and predictable response wherever your stick is.
Another thing: you’ll have to hold your radio a little different with the pinch method.
Here’s a good how-to resource: http://www.raptortechnique.com/radio_holding.htm
And, a BIG PLUS, it will put a definite end your Yips!!!
Have fun,
Louis |
