What do channels on a rc helicopter mean?

Question

what do the different channels do and how do they work?

Answer 1

well usually theres 3 or 4 channels all it is is like the radio wave its running on so if your going to play with it and its not working thats because its on channel 2 3 or 4 thats really all it is usally the toy will run on 1 channel more than the other but it can change

Answer 2

A 2 channel heli is typically throttle (up and down) and yaw (rotate left and right).  Forward motion is controlled by balancing the heli to always fly forward.

A 3 channel heli adds pitch, which lets you control forward and backward flight.

A 4 channel heli adds roll, which lets you control left and right flight (sometimes called 'crabbing')

Next up is a 6 channel heli.  Called 6 channel because they are typically put on to a 6 channel transmitter.  Channel 6 is usually main rotor pitch control, allowing for full 3D flight.  Channel 5 is often unused, but is available for remote gain control of the on board gyro.

If you are considering getting an RC heli, read up on the dedicated RC heli forums:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Helicopt...

http://rcgroups.com/forums/forumdisplay....

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/forumdisp...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Electric...

Good luck!