How To Set Up Buddy Boxing for RC Radios

What is Buddy Boxing?

Buddy boxing or buddy box refers to a training system where two RC aircraft radio systems are joined together so an experienced pilot teaches a beginner pilot how to fly their aircraft.

Buddy boxing is accomplished by joining the Student and Master transmitters via cable or wireless. The instructor gives the student control of the aircraft via a switch (or button) on most transmitters. At the same time, in case the student has problems piloting, the instructor can regain control by pressing the switch.

How Do You Setup Buddy Boxing?

Setting up your radio transmitters and plane for buddy boxing is actually pretty easy! All you need are two RC radios, a cable, and of course your RC airplane with a master receiver. In this example, we’ll go over how to buddy box using OrangeRX radios.

Before You Get Started

  • Decide which radio will be used as the Master and which one will be the Student radio
  • Bind the Master radio to the trainer plane that you are going to be buddy boxing
  • Perform a Range Test and preflight check on the Master radio
  • Have a quick flight using your Master radio to ensure your plane is properly trimmed

Set up Your Radios for Buddy Boxing

Here are the steps to set up your Master and Student radios for buddy boxing:

Set up Your Master Radio

  • Turn on the Master radio. Press and hold the scroll wheel until you get to the Main Menu
  • Then, scroll down to System Setup and press the scroll wheel
  • Scroll down to System Setup and press the scroll wheel
  • Scroll down to Trainer Mode and press the scroll wheel.
  • Scroll down to Trainer Mode and press the scroll wheel
  • Once in Trainer Mode, set the Mode ON and set the switch you’d like to use to engage the Student radio. Switch 8 (Sw8) is commonly used.
  • Set the Mode ON. Set the switch you’d like to use to engage the student radio.
  • Confirm that the switch is active by pulling and releasing the switch and checking that the radio states Active or Inactive correctly.
  • Confirm that the switch is active by pulling & releasing the switch and checking that the radio states Active or Inactive correctly
  • Press and hold the scroll wheel to save the data. Your Master Radio is ready.

Set up Your Master Radio

  • Turn on the Student radio. Press and hold the scroll wheel until you get to the Main Menu
  • Scroll down to System Setup and press the scroll wheel.
  • Scroll down to System Setup and press the scroll wheel.
  • Scroll down to Student Mode and press the scroll wheel.
  • Scroll down to Student Mode and press the scroll wheel.
  • Press the scroll wheel to enter OK.
  • Press the scroll wheel to enter OK.
  • Scroll to “Yes” and press the scroll wheel.
  • Scroll to “Yes” and press the scroll wheel.
  • Connect the cable between the radios.
  • Confirm that the Master radio controls the model when the switch on the Master radio is NOT held.
  • Confirm that the Student radio controls the model when the switch on the Master radio is held.

You should now be able to switch between the radios with the flick of the switch! It’s that easy!

Here's a video of tips and tricks to set up buddy boxing using OrangeRX radios along with recommended beginner RC planes and how to find RC instructors:

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