Controller response curves Robinson R44

Hi there!

OK...some things to note: 

First thing is that you are right in blaming the controls for the bad handling; The Warthog A10 and Saitek pedals are good controls, but they are deigned and intended for fixed-wing aircraft.

In a fixed wing aircraft, during flight, the aerodynamic forces put pressure of the controls (directly or artificially via the controls system). The result is self-centering forces of the stick and pedals.

Helicopter controls, on the other hand, are free to move, without any self-centering resistance (Imagine trying to hold a long stick, vertically, by fixing its lower end on your finger. You are constantly moving your hand to set the stick into vertical position. Now, try to do so with constant forces on your hand, trying to get it into "center" without any considerations regarding the stick attitude. You will be fighting the stick and also the forces...resulting in poor control over this "trick".

Same goes with your controllers. Some Fixed wing joysticks allows to neutralize the centering spring, or to weaken the resistance. Some can't provide this...

So...with time, you will get used to it, although it will be very hard in hovering and precision taxi...in these situations, you will need the "stick" free of additional forces other than your own. (similar with the pedals).

Response curves - If your case is indeed fighting a centering spring, I would try to set the responsiveness with a LOWER curve around the center, so you would have to use *more* stick movement around the center for a given input. This way, you will cause the centering force to "stay out" a bit...since the most difficult position in the center (by force).

For most users, the default curves (no curves) should be fine as well, but a learning curve of coping with the centering spring is required in any ways...

Let know if this is your situation indeed or if you have additional questions!