Adjusting device for radio control transmitter

An adjusting device for a radio control transmitter capable of adjusting the amount of operation of a model with respect to the amount of operation of a stick of the radio control transmitter during controlling of the model by the transmitter while confirming operation of the model. An adjusting section of a first radio control transmitter for control of a model is connected through a cable to an adjusting section of a second radio control transmitter which adjusts the amount of operation of the model with respect to the amount of operation of a stick of the first transmitter, so that an adjusting operation by the adjusting section of the second transmitter leads to adjustment of the first transmitter which is controlling the model.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to an adjusting device for a radio control 
transmitter adapted to adjust the amount of operation of a model with 
respect to the amount of operation of a stick of the radio control 
transmitter, and more particularly to an adjusting device suitable for use 
for a radio control transmitter which is capable of adjusting a model 
while controlling it. 
Control of a model is generally carried out by operating a stick or a 
switch provided on a radio control transmitter. In the control, a 
relationship between the amount of operation of the stick and the amount 
of amount of operation of the model controlled by the radio control 
transmitter is varied not only depending on the model but every time when 
the control is carried out even if the same model is operated. Also, the 
amount of operation of the model is varied depending on an operator. 
In view of the above, a radio control transmitter which is constructed so 
as to permit the amount of operation of a model to be adjusted with 
respect to the amount of operation of a stick has been recently rendered 
commercially available. 
Also, development of a multifunctional radio control transmitter for 
controlling a model airplane or a model helicopter which is adapted to 
exhibit multiple function characteristics has been extensively carried 
out. The radio control transmitter is constructed so as to permit the 
amount of operation of a model to be adjusted with respect to the amount 
of operation of a stick for each of the functions. 
For example, in control of a model airplane, individual adjustment of an 
angle of each of ailerons of the model airplane leads to aileron 
differential for correcting a roll shaft, adjustment of the amount of 
aileron-rudder mixing for associating an operation of a rudder with an 
operation of the aileron, adjustment of the amount of rudder-aileron 
mixing for associating an operation of the aileron with an operation of 
the rudder, adjustment of the amount of elevator-flaperon mixing for 
associating an operation of flaperon with an operation of an elevator, 
adjustment of a throttle curve, and the like. 
A radio control transmitter for carrying out the above-described 
adjustments may be constructed, for example, in such a manner as shown in 
FIG. 6. 
More particularly, in FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 designates a transmitter 
body 1, which includes a display unit 2 such as, for example, an LCD for 
displaying an image through which a setting operation is carried out, soft 
keys 3 operated for carrying out the setting operation, a stick 4 for 
controlling a model, a rod antenna 5, a power supply switch 6 and a trim 7 
for adjusting the mount of trimming. 
Now, an adjusting operation by the radio control transmitter constructed as 
described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) in 
connection with adjustment of a throttle curve in control of a model 
helicopter by way of example. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show only the display 
unit 2 and the soft keys 3 arranged around the display unit 2 for the sake 
of brevity. 
First, an image of a helicopter condition menu shown in FIG. 7(a) is 
indicated on the display unit 2. Then, of the soft keys 3 arranged around 
the display unit 2, a key C is first pushed or operated and then a key I 
is operated. This results in an image which permits characteristics of a 
throttle curve TVC to be adjusted being selected, so that an image shown 
in FIG. 7(b) being indicated on the display unit 2. 
Then, a soft key B is operated and then soft keys Q and R are operated, so 
that a point desired to be set may be selected in the image thus 
indicated. The point selected is a point corresponding to the amount of 
operation of a stick indicated by an axis of abscissas in a throttle 
characteristic chart 3-1 displayed on the display unit 2. After the point 
to be set is selected, soft keys E to M are operated to set the point so 
that a rate of the point takes a desired value. An indication "RST" for 
the key E designates a key operated when the rate is returned to the 
original state. 
After setting of the selected point is completed, the next point is 
selected, resulting in a rate of each of the points being set so that a 
desired throttle curve may be obtained. After completion of the setting, 
an indication "END" for a key N is operated, so that an operation of 
adjusting the throttle curve in the radio control transmitter is 
completed. 
Adjustment of the radio control transmitter described above is generally 
carried out on the ground. Then, an operation of causing a model 
helicopter to fly in the air is carried out to confirm results of the 
adjustment. When readjustment is then required, the model helicopter is 
landed, resulting in the readjustment being executed. 
Thus, it is required to repeat flying and landing of the model helicopter 
many times depending on a way of executing adjustment of the radio control 
transmitter, therefore, the adjustment is highly troublesome and 
time-consuming. 
For the purpose of permitting adjustment of the radio control transmitter 
to be carried out in a short period of time, it would be considered to 
execute the adjustment while keeping the model helicopter flying. However, 
to this end, it is required that an additional person other than an 
operator who controls the model helicopter executes adjustment of the 
radio control transmitter, because the operator cannot loose his hold of 
the stick of the radio control transmitter. 
Unfortunately, the conventional radio control transmitter, as shown in FIG. 
6, is so constructed that the stick for control and the display unit are 
arranged in proximity to each other; therefore, the adjustment by the 
additional person while visually observing an image on the display unit 
interferes with the operator who is operating the stick, so that the 
operator fails to properly control the stick during the adjustment. Thus, 
the conventional radio control transmitter fails to permit the adjustment 
to be executed while keeping the model helicopter flying. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing disadvantage 
of the prior art. 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a radio 
control transmitter which is capable of permitting an operator to adjust 
the amount of operation of a model in relation to the amount of operation 
of a stick of the radio control transmitter without any control error 
while keeping the model operated or flying. 
In accordance with the present invention, an adjusting device for a radio 
control transmitter is provided. The adjusting device includes a connector 
provided on the radio control transmitter and a cable connected at one end 
thereof to the connector and at the other end thereof to a radio control 
device for adjusting the amount of operation of a model with respect to 
the amount of operation of a stick of the radio control transmitter, 
whereby the amount of operation of the model with respect to the amount of 
operation of the stick of the radio control transmitter during control of 
the model is adjusted by means of the radio control device. 
Also, in accordance with the present invention, an adjusting device for a 
radio control transmitter is provided. The adjusting device includes a 
display unit for indicating an adjustment setting image through which 
adjustment of the amount of operation of a model with respect to the 
amount of operation of a stick of the radio control transmitter is carried 
out and a setting section provided with an adjusting button means through 
which selection of an image indicated on the display unit and the 
above-described adjustment are carried out. The setting section is 
arranged so as to be detached from the radio control transmitter while 
keeping connected to the radio control transmitter. 
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the setting section and 
radio control transmitter are connected to each other by means of infrared 
rays. 
Further, in accordance with the present invention, an adjusting device for 
a radio control transmitter is provided. The adjusting device includes an 
infrared receiving section provided on the radio control transmitter, 
wherein the amount of operation of a model with respect to the amount of 
operation of a stick of the radio control transmitter during control of 
the model is adjusted by operating of an infrared remote control 
transmitter. 
In the present invention constructed as described above, the additional 
radio control device other than the radio control transmitter for 
controlling a model is used for adjusting the amount of operation of the 
model with respect to the amount of operation of the stick of the radio 
control transmitter. 
Also, the present invention permits the adjusting section of the radio 
control transmitter to be detachably mounted on a body of the radio 
control transmitter. The adjusting section may comprise the display unit 
and soft keys. 
Thus, the present invention permits adjustment of the amount of operation 
of the model with respect to the amount of operation of the stick to be 
accomplished with respect to the radio control transmitter which is 
controlling the model.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Now, an adjusting device for a radio control transmitter according to the 
present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 
to 5, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding 
parts throughout. 
Referring first to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of an adjusting device for a 
radio control transmitter according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 
reference numeral 1-1 designates a radio control transmitter for 
controlling a model, 1-2 is a radio control transmitter for adjusting the 
radio control transmitter 1-1, 2-1 and 2-2 each are a display unit 
arranged on each of the radio control transmitters 1-1 and 1-2 for 
displaying an image for adjustment, 3-1 and 3-2 each are soft keys 
arranged for carrying out operation of each of the display units 3-1 and 
3-2 and adjustment thereof, 10 is a cable for connecting an adjusting 
section of the radio control transmitter 1-1 and that of the radio control 
transmitter 1-2 to each other therethrough. 
In the illustrated embodiment constructed as described above, when the 
amount of operation of a model is to be adjusted in the midst of control 
of the model by means of the radio control transmitter 1-1, the cable 10 
is connected at one end thereof to a connector provided on a suitable 
portion of the radio control transmitter 1-1 such as a rear surface 
thereof and at the other end thereof to a connector provided on a suitable 
portion of the radio control transmitter 1-2 such as a rear surface 
thereof. The connectors each are drawn out of an adjusting section of each 
of the radio control transmitters 1-1 and 1-2. 
Then, soft keys 3-2 arranged around the display unit 2-2 of the radio 
control transmitter 1-2 are operated to permit a condition menu to be 
indicated on the display unit 2-2, followed by selection of a mode desired 
to be adjusted. 
Thereafter, the soft keys 2-2 are operated to carry out adjustment of the 
mode with reference to the image indicated on the display unit, so that 
data on the adjustment are transmitted through the cable 10 to the radio 
control transmitter 1-1. The data thus transmitted permit adjustment of 
the mode which has been executed in the radio control transmitter 1-2 to 
be likewise carried out in the radio control transmitter 1-1. 
After the adjustment is thus completed, the cable 10 is disconnected from 
the connectors, so that the illustrated embodiment is returned to the 
original state. 
The cable 10 may be typically formed of two core wires for a power supply 
and eight core wires for transmitting the data for adjustment. 
Alternatively, it may be a serial data bus which meets the RS-232C 
Standard. 
The above-described construction of the first embodiment permits the 
adjustment of operation of the model to be executed by means of the radio 
control transmitter 1-2 while controlling the model by means of the radio 
control transmitter 1-1, resulting in the adjustment being accomplished 
with ease and in a short period of time. 
Now, each of the radio control transmitters 1-1 and 1-2 will be described 
with reference to FIG. 2. 
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 designates a radio control transmitter which 
constitutes each of the transmitters 1-1 and 1-2, 2 is a display unit 
provided on the radio control transmitter 1 for indicating an image for 
adjustment or the like thereon, 3 designates soft keys through which 
operation of the display unit 2 and adjustment thereof are carried out, 
4-A is a variable resistor arranged so as to be operated in association 
with each of sticks, 5 is a rod antenna, 10 is a cable through which the 
radio control transmitter 1 and another radio control transmitter are 
connected to each other, 11 is a microprocessor (CPU) for carrying out 
operations such as encoding of the amount of operation of each of the 
variable resistors 4-A operated in association with each of the sticks to 
feed it to a high-frequency circuit 16, control of memories 12 and 13, 
display of data on the display unit 2 and the like. 
Further, the memory 12 comprises a random access memory (RAM) for storing 
therein data set by means of the soft keys 3 or the like and the memory 13 
comprises a read-only memory (ROM) in which a command or the like is 
stored. Reference numeral 14 is an interface which permits data 
transmitted through the cable 10 connected to a connector 15 to be 
introduced into the CPU 11 therethrough. The high-frequency circuit 16 
functions to modulate a signal encoded by the CPU 11. The modulated signal 
is then output in the form of a radio wave from the circuit 16. The cable 
10 connects the adjusting section of the radio control transmitter 1-1 and 
the adjusting section of the radio control transmitter 1-2 to each other 
therethrough. Reference numeral 20 designates such an adjusting section of 
each of the radio control transmitters. In the illustrated embodiment, the 
adjusting section may comprise the display unit 2 and the soft keys 3. 
Now, the manner of operation of the adjusting device of the illustrated 
embodiment constructed as described above will be described hereinafter 
with reference to FIG. 2. 
When data for adjusting the amount of operation of a model with respect to 
the amount of operation of each of the sticks 4 is fed from the additional 
radio control transmitter through the cable 10 to the radio control 
transmitter 1, the data are then introduced through the connector 15 and 
then the interface 14 into the CPU 11, resulting in the throttle curve 
described above being adjusted depending on the data thus transmitted. 
Data on the throttle curve thus adjusted are stored in the RAM 12. Then, 
supposing that the stick 4 for throttling is operated, the CPU 11 carries 
out encoding in correspondence to the amount of operation of the stick 4 
based on the data on the adjusted throttle curve which are stored in the 
RAM 12, to thereby apply a signal of the encoding to the high-frequency 
circuit 16. Then, the amount of operation of the stick 4 is modulate and 
output in the form of a radio wave through the rod antenna 5. The radio 
wave thus output is then received by a receiver arranged on the model to 
cause a throttle of an engine mounted on the model to be controlled along 
the throttle curve adjusted. 
When the additional radio control transmitter is to be adjusted by 
operating the radio control transmitter 1 connected through the cable 10 
thereto, an image of a mode to be adjusted is indicated on the display 
unit 2, so that desired adjustment is carried out through the soft keys 3 
in the mode displayed. This causes the data for adjustment to be 
transmitted through the cable 10 to the additional radio control 
transmitter, resulting in the data being introduced through the connector 
and interface of the additional radio control transmitter into the CPU 11, 
so that the CPU 11 operates in the same manner as described above so as to 
execute adjustment of the mode displayed on the display unit 2. 
Referring now to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of an adjusting device for a 
radio control transmitter is illustrated. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 
designates a radio control transmitter. 2 is a display unit which 
constitutes a part of an adjusting section 20 of the radio control 
transmitter 1 and is arranged for indicating an image for adjustment 
thereon. 3 designates soft keys which constitute the adjusting section 20 
in cooperation with the display unit 2 and are arranged around the display 
unit 2 so as to permit the adjustment to be carried out therethrough. 4 
designates sticks each arranged for operating a model. 5 is a rod antenna 
for outputting a radio wave therethrough, 6 is a switch for a power supply 
and 21 is a cable through which the radio control transmitter 1 and the 
adjusting section 20 are connected to each other. The adjusting section 20 
is detachably mounted on the radio control transmitter 1 for adjusting it. 
In FIG. 3, the adjusting section 20 is kept released from a body of the 
radio control transmitter 1. Fitting of the adjusting section 20 in a 
lower space defined in the body of the radio control transmitter permits 
the radio control transmitter 1 to have an outer configuration like that 
shown in FIG. 6. 
In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when the amount of operation of a 
model is to be adjusted in the midst of controlling the model by means of 
the radio control transmitter 1, an additional person who is to carry cut 
the adjustment other than an operator who is carrying out control of the 
model detaches the adjusting section 20 from the body of the radio control 
transmitter 1 as shown in FIG. 3 and then operates the soft keys 3 of the 
adjusting section 20 to display a condition menu on the display unit 2, 
followed by selection of a mode to be adjusted. 
Then, the soft keys 3 arranged around the display unit 2 are operated to 
adjust the amount of operation of the model. The adjustment can be carried 
out in the midst of controlling the model, so that the amount of operation 
of the model may be accomplished while confirming the adjustment. After 
completion of the adjustment, the adjusting section 20 is fittedly 
received in the body of the radio control transmitter 1, to thereby be 
returned to the original state. The cable 21 is adapted to be received or 
stored in the body of the radio control transmitter 1 when the section 20 
is received in the body. 
When the cable 21 in the second embodiment is described with reference to 
FIG. 2 showing the first embodiment, it is arranged so as to connect the 
CPU 11 of the radio control transmitter 1 to the adjusting section 20 
comprising the display unit 2 and soft keys 3. The cable 21 may be 
typically formed of ten core wires. Alternatively, transmission of data 
between the radio control transmitter 1 and the adjusting section 20 may 
be carried out by radio utilizing a radio wave, light beams or the like. 
In the latter case, transmission of the data for adjustment in the form of 
serial data permits a construction for the transmission to be simplified. 
FIG. 2 may be likewise applied to the second embodiment except the 
interface 14 and connector 15 are eliminated. 
Referring now to FIG. 4, a third embodiment of an adjusting device for a 
radio control transmitter according to the present invention is 
illustrated. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 designates a radio control 
transmitter, 2 is a display unit for indicating an image for adjustment 
through which the radio control transmitter 1 is adjusted, and 3 
designates soft keys for adjustment which are arranged around the display 
unit 2. 4 designates sticks for controlling a model, 5 is a rod antenna 
through which a radio wave is output, 6 is a switch for a power supply, 30 
is a light receptor for receiving infrared rays output from a remote 
control transmitter 31 for carrying out adjustment of the radio control 
transmitter 1, 32 designates plus and minus keys provided on the remote 
control transmitter 31, and 33 designates keys provided on the remote 
control transmitter 31 for selecting a mode to be adjusted. 
Now, the manner of operation of the third embodiment constructed as 
described above will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 4. 
When it is desired that the amount of operation of the model is adjusted 
in the midst of controlling the model while operating the sticks 4 by 
means of the radio control transmitter 1, an additional person who is to 
carry out adjustment other than an operator who is controlling the model 
operates the keys 33 of the remote control transmitter 31, so that the 
remote control transmitter 31 outputs infrared rays, which are then 
received by the light receptor 30 of the radio control transmitter 1. 
Then, when the keys 33 of the remote control transmitter 31 are operated to 
select a mode to be adjusted, the mode is indicated on the display unit 2 
of the radio control transmitter 1. Thereafter, the plus and minus keys 32 
of the remote control transmitter 31 are operated, so that an increase or 
decrease in the amount of adjustment of the radio control transmitter 1 is 
carried out, resulting in the amount of operation of the model being 
adjusted as desired. 
Thus, when the third embodiment is so constructed that the remote control 
transmitter 31 is provided with only the plus and minus keys 32 and mode 
selecting keys, the remote control transmitter 31 may be significantly 
simplified in construction. 
The radio control transmitter of the third embodiment is shown in more 
detail in FIG. 5. 
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 1 designates the radio control transmitter, 2 
is the display unit provided on the radio control transmitter 1 for 
displaying an image for adjustment or the like thereon, 3 designates the 
soft keys through which operation of the display unit 2 and adjustment 
thereof are carried out, 4-A is a variable resistor arranged so as to be 
operated in association with each of the sticks 4, 5 is the rod antenna, 
10 is a cable through which the radio control transmitter 1 and another 
radio control transmitter are connected to each other, 11 is a 
microprocessor (CPU) for carrying out operations such as encoding of the 
amount of operation of each of the variable resistors 4-A operated in 
association with each of the sticks 4 to feed it to a high-frequency 
circuit 16, control of memories 12 and 13, display of data on the display 
unit 2 and the like. 
Further, the memory 12 comprises a random access memory (RAM) for storing 
therein data set by means of the soft keys 3 or the like and the memory 13 
comprises a read-on memory (ROM) in which a command or the like is stored. 
Reference numeral 14 is an interface which permits data received by the 
light receptor 30 to be introduced into the CPU 11 therethrough. The 
high-frequency circuit 16 functions to modulate a signal encoded by the 
CPU 11, to thereby output the modulated signal in the form of a radio wave 
therefrom. The light receptor 30 functions to receive infrared ray data. 
Now, the manner of operation of the third embodiment constructed as 
described above will be described hereinafter. When, for example, data for 
adjusting the amount of operation of a throttle of a model with respect to 
the amount of operation of the sticks 4 are fed as infrared data from the 
remote control transmitter to the radio control transmitter 1, the 
infrared data are received by the light receptor 30 and then introduced 
through the interface 14 into the CPU 11, resulting in throttle 
characteristics being adjusted depending on the data thus transmitted. 
Data on the throttle characteristics thus adjusted are then stored in the 
RAM 12. Subsequently, when the stick 4 for throttling is operated, the CPU 
11 carries out encoding corresponding to the amount of operation of the 
stick 4 based on the data on the adjusted throttle characteristics stored 
in the RAM 12, to thereby apply a signal of the encoding to the 
high-frequency circuit 16. Then, the amount of operation of the stick 4 is 
modulated and then output in the form of a radio wave through the rod 
antenna 5. The radio wave is then received by a receiver provided on the 
model, resulting in a throttle of an engine mounted on the model being 
controlled depending on the adjusted throttle characteristics. 
As can be seen from the foregoing, the adjusting device of the present 
invention constructed as described above permits the amount of operation 
of a model to be adjusted while controlling the model by means of the 
radio control transmitter, so that the adjustment may be accomplished 
while confirming operation of the model. Thus, the present invention 
significantly reduces a period of time required for carrying out desired 
adjustment of operation of the model. 
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described with a 
certain degree of particularity with reference to the drawings, obvious 
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. 
It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended 
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically 
described.