What is Throttle Cut? RC Basics

What is Throttle Cut? RC Basics
In this video I will go over the "throttle cut" feature that is included in most computer RC transmitters. In short, What is throttle cut? RC basics. Throttle cut is a key part of RC aircraft safety, and should be used by all RC pilots.
A key danger to flying electric RC model aircraft, whether fixed wing, helo or drones is an unexpected electric motor start up. Our brushless motor systems are so reliable these days that when your plane is powered up with the battery, if the throttle is accidentally advanced out of idle the motor can quickly and unexpectedly come to life. The normal reaction is to put your hand out to stop the model and this can cause personal injury.
Throttle cut is a neat software feature built into the transmitter. By activating the throttle cut feature and assigning it to a switch on your transmitter, the motor is safely off until your are in takeoff position on the runway and ready to go.
Pronto RC airplane: • Build the Pronto RC Ai...
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Overview
01:28 - Inadvertent throttle
02:27 - Throttle cut discussion
04:55 - Throttle cut demonstration
06:00 - Programming the Spektrum DX6

[@wwjoesr]

Nice video. I totally agree with you!

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks for watching!

[@mgbnet]

One thing you didn't mention, but I think is highly valuable and worth calling out, is that when you are playing with setups like this in your shop, take the prop off! If I'm doing any setup or maintenance involving the throttle channel, I always take the prop off just to be extra sure I'm not going to lose a finger...

[@TimMcKay56]

Excellent advice! Tim

[@Theintruder100]

Done this a couple of times, good advice

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks for tuning in! Tim

[@chipwright6193]

This is great advice! I set it up on day one, but sometimes I still forget to flip the switch. I've bumped the throttle several times and it's never good to have the prop spin when you're not ready for it.

[@TimMcKay56]

Chip: Great, thanks for this update! Tim

[@MrGaborseres]

I don't build power just gliders but lately I've been thinking about adding electric start to my gliders to eliminate high starts and winch.... That is a awesome safety feature Tim 👍🙂

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks! Tim

[@mikenadler7118]

Not being aware of the throttle cut switch, I've adapted a rubber "0" ring on a string that holds the throttle lever down so that it doesn't get bumped on.
Good information.
Thank you

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻😊 Tim

[@Tammy-un3ql]

I'm impressed

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks!

[@txkflier]

I use A for retracts, B for dual rates, D for flaps, and H for throttle cut. I sometimes put the gyro control channel on switch C if I want it separated from my rate switch. Since I mostly fly with my right hand, my left hand is free to flip switches while I'm in the air. I don't flip switches with my right hand while flying, so there's no chance I'm going to cut the throttle accidentally. The newer firmware versions add a "Req. Stick Low?" option in throttle cut that will prevent the motor from running until you lower the throttle to idle and then advance it. I highly recommend updating the firmware and setting it to "Yes" on electric planes.

[@TimMcKay56]

Great points, many thanks! Tim

[@German_Rc_noob]

Nice video

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks for checking in! Tim

[@woutersmith7616]

Hi Tim. I am building a low wing Davis DA-2 V-tail with nose wheel. Can you give advise how to do the control rods setup?

[@TimMcKay56]

Wouter: Not sure on this one. Tim

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

I'm not familiar with Spektrum radios but most others remain inoperative and warn you when you turn them on if the throttle stick is not fully down or any of the switches are not in the UP position. So if you set your Throttle Cut Switch to be UP for Throttle Disabled you have a failsafe start at switch-on. Thus making the switch down position to be Throttle Disabled would seem to be quite brainless. Most people also add an extra layer of proof to arm the throttle for safety reasons, but retain the simple 1 switch movement to disarm the throttle. Fairly easy with an OpenTX/EdgeTX radio.

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks for this update! Tim

[@reworkfpv7359]

What is this opentx radio you speak of?

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@reworkfpv7359 Lots of different brands. Look up Radiomaster TX16S Mk11 for about the current top of the heap. Plenty cheaper models with not much reduced capabilities running on the Multi Protocol Module or ELRS.

[@gordonmckay4523]

@@jerrysullivan2001 Good idea! Tim

[@asommer518]

Thats exactly how I do it on my Radiomaster.