what is the purpose of the 3rd channel in 3 ch radio?

[heinzeman]

sorry if this is a silly question, but much new 2.4ghz radio is 3 channel. Apsrt from steering and throttle, what is the idea behind the 3 rd channel?

[erkan]

trimplanes on a boat or brake mixing if you have a separate brake servo.. some people use it to start a fuel engine or control lights on like driftcars

[Col]

Personal transponders is the most common use in 1/10.

[big p]

if you had a rock crawler you can use it for the rear steering.

[ianhaye]

also used for reverse on some nitros

[Angel]

can be assigned to perform desired functionality e.g. activate a comedy car horn or perhaps radio jamming against your race opponents.

[dom-dogger]

Originally Posted by Angel

can be assigned to perform desired functionality e.g. activate a comedy car horn or perhaps radio jamming against your race opponents.

Or a big hammer or axe, like in Robot-Wars

[SlowOne]

Has its origins in gliders. Originally the radios we used (back in the 1970s) were aircraft ones, and the best ones at the lowest price were 3-channel units used on gliders. The third channel was used for releasing tow hooks, flight trim, etc. For cars they've been used for the things named above, because it was there!

Third channel is not used for PTs, as they are not controlled by the Tx. We use that slot in the receiver just to save having a Y harness for the BEC/booster/receiver pack and the PT together when running 1S. If you're running 2S, then you don't need the extra slot in the receiver either. HTH

[daz]

Col uses his third channel for changing up his vibrating butt plug

[Col]

True.
Can I get it back soon? You've had it ages!!