04
Waveform Tuning
Shape the flap stroke with ferocity, amplitude, frequency and glide angle to match your wing and airframe.
Explore the parameters live with the ferocity waveform explorer before touching the firmware — the same model drives the mixer.
Ferocity (stroke asymmetry)
Ferocity is the stroke/return asymmetry. At 0 the wave is a pure sine — equal time up and down. Raising down-ferocity makes the downstroke faster and the upstroke dwell longer (and vice-versa for up-ferocity). This shifts where thrust is produced: a fast downstroke + slow recovery mimics a real bird's power stroke and is the single most effective feel change.
Start at down 8, up 0 for a powerful downstroke, then blend up-ferocity in small steps. Too much asymmetry makes the wings snap at reversal — audible as a click and visible as servo heat.
Amplitude & frequency
Amplitude is not set directly; it emerges from frequency and stroke speed. Raising the flap frequency shortens the stroke for a given speed, lowering it lengthens the stroke. The kernel caps amplitude so the servo never leaves the 988–2012 µs envelope. Tune frequency for the airframe's natural flap resonance — a too-high frequency wastes energy, a too-low one drops below effective lift.
The shape mix slider blends the pure sine toward a trapezoid (more dwell at the reversal points). Higher mix = crisper reversals and more thrust at the extremes; lower mix = smoother, more efficient cruise.
Glide & flapping angle
Glide angle and flapping angle are both centre offsets (int8, ±15°), not amplitude. Glide sets the common wing angle when the throttle commands glide; flapping shifts the flap stroke's centre. They let you bias the wing for slow flight vs. fast cruise without touching the mechanical linkage.
Starting presets
| Preset | down / up | mix | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme | 8 / 0 | 100% | Hard power stroke, aggressive |
| Near-sine | 7 / 1 | 100% | Balanced, most natural |
| High dwell | 8 / 6 | 100% | Long reversal dwell, floaty |
| Mixed | 8 / 6 | 50% | Soft blend, cruise efficiency |
Begin with Near-sine, confirm stable flight, then move toward Extreme only if you want punch. Every airframe has a different sweet spot — change one parameter at a time.