STANDARD PROGRAMMABLE MIXER – Example: DOWN ELEVATOR AT IDLE
A-41
Perhaps the best way to describe a Programmable
Mixer is by example. The example below demonstrates
a program mix for an aircraft that pulls-out or pitches
towards the canopy when trying to fly a vertical down line
at idle. If a mix is set up to provide a couple of degrees of
down Elevator when at idle, the aircraft will track straight
down without input from the pilot. Once the throttle is
advanced above idle, the mixer is turned off and the down
Elevator is removed. The mixer can also be turned off so
the down Elevator input does not occur during landing.
This mixer uses the Throttle as the Master and the
Elevator as the Slave. The mix is turned on and off with
the GEAR switch in combination with the position of the
throttle stick – ON at idle and OFF above idle with the
GEAR switch ON. When the GEAR switch is OFF, the mixer
is turned off regardless of throttle setting.
The Mix parameters will be selected and set in the
following order: Program Mix number, Master, Slave,
Switch, Travel/Direction, and Offset. This is generally a
good sequence to follow when setting up Programmable
Mixers.
1. Program Mix Number. Highlight and select one of
the Standard Programmable Mixers (PROG.MIX3 -
PROG.MIX6) to obtain the first Programmable Mix
display. Then press ACT next to CLR or highlight
and select INH to obtain the main mix display. The
example is using PROG.MIX3.
2. Select Master. All Programmable Mixers default
to Throttle as both the Master and the Slave
(THROTHRO). The first THRO is the Master and
the 2nd THRO represents the Slave.
Highlight and select the first THRO to the left of the
arrow to obtain a list of channels that can be used as
the Master. Highlight and select the #THR channel as
the Master, bypassing any throttle curve settings. This
will cause the physical position of the throttle stick to
control the mixer.
3. Select Slave. Highlight and select THRO to the
right of the arrow to obtain a list of channels that can
be used as the Slave. Highlight and select ELEV as
the Slave.
4. Select Switch. Scroll down, highlight, and select
GER as the switch to be used to turn the mixer on and
off. The GER indicator should now be in the upper or
Pos1 position at the bottom of the display. Any of the
switches along the bottom of the display can be used
and multiple switches can be used if so desired. The
example is using only the Gear switch.
5. Select Switch Position. Move the Gear switch back
and forth while observing the number directly to the
right of the Program Mix Name in the upper left hand
corner of the display. The number will change from 0
to 1 as the switch is moved back and forth. When the
number is 0, the mixer is looking at the Pos0 values
(not programmed yet) and when it is a 1, it is looking
at the Pos1 values (also not programmed yet).
Put the switch in the position that is to turn the mixer
ON. Look at the number directly to the right of the
Program Mix Name. If it is 0, highlight and select
Pos0 on the display. If it is 1, highlight and select
Pos1 on the display. The example shows Pos0 as the
position to turn the mixer ON.
6. Travel and Direction. With the switch still in the
ON position, move the throttle stick to the full low
position and the lower value next to the selected
position should be highlighted. Set the lower position
parameter to a low positive value like +3%. This is the
amount of deflection of the Elevator (Slave channel)
that is to occur when the mixer is turned on and the
throttle is reduced to idle, or just enough to see a little
down elevator deflection.
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