What Is Program Mixing?

Program Mixing is a customizable radio function that links one control input to another output channel. In simple terms, it allows one channel to automatically influence another channel based on driver input.

Instead of controlling every function independently, Program Mixing lets the transmitter combine actions together automatically.

For example:
• Steering input could activate rear steering
• Throttle input could adjust gyro gain
• Brake input could trigger active rear brake systems
• A switch could activate multiple functions at once

Unlike fixed mixing features built into some radios, Program Mixing is user-defined. The driver chooses:
• Which channels are linked
• How much influence one channel has over another
• When the mix activates
• The direction of the mix
• Whether the mix is always active or tied to a switch

High-end radios such as the Futaba 10PX, Sanwa M17 and Spektrum DX6 Rugged offer extensive Program Mixing capabilities.

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How Does Program Mixing Affect Your Car?

Program Mixing can dramatically change how an RC car behaves. Depending on the setup, it can improve stability, cornering, traction, steering response or ease of driving.

The biggest advantage is automation. Instead of manually adjusting multiple controls while driving, the radio handles certain functions automatically.

Steering Response
Some drivers use Program Mixing to link steering with gyro gain or rear steering. This can improve stability at high speed while maintaining tight cornering performance.

For example:
• More steering angle may reduce gyro assistance
• Rear steering may activate only after a certain steering input
• Steering corrections can become smoother and more predictable

This is especially common in RC drifting and rock crawling.

Throttle Control
Program Mixing can also influence throttle behavior.

Examples include:
• Reducing throttle during hard steering input
• Activating traction systems
• Controlling dual ESC setups
• Managing wheelspin on loose surfaces

This can make powerful vehicles easier to drive and improve consistency on technical tracks.

Brake Performance
Some racers use Program Mixing to control brake bias or trigger secondary braking functions. On larger or more advanced vehicles, this can improve corner entry and chassis balance.

Program Mixing may also help:
• Reduce rear instability during braking
• Smooth out aggressive brake response
• Synchronize multiple braking systems

Vehicle Stability
One of the most overlooked benefits of Program Mixing is stability.

A properly configured mix can:
• Reduce overcorrection
• Improve drivability
• Make the car feel calmer
• Help inexperienced drivers maintain control

However, poor Program Mixing settings can make the vehicle unpredictable or overly complicated. That is why small adjustments are usually best.

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How Do You Change Program Mixing?

The exact steps vary depending on the radio system, but most modern radios follow a similar process.

Step 1: Open the Program Mixing Menu
Navigate to the transmitter’s:
• Mixing menu
• Program Mix menu
• P-Mix menu
• Custom Mix menu

This area is usually found inside advanced radio settings.

Step 2: Select the Master Channel
The master channel is the input that controls the mix.

Common master channels include:
• Steering
• Throttle
• Brake
• AUX switches

For example:
• Steering could become the master channel for rear steering
• Throttle could become the master channel for traction control

Step 3: Select the Slave Channel
The slave channel is the output being controlled.

Examples include:
• Rear steering servo
• Gyro gain channel
• Secondary ESC (some dual-motor setups)
• Brake servo (nitro or gas vehicles)
• Winch servo

Step 4: Set the Mix Rate
The mix rate determines how much influence the master channel has over the slave channel.

Small percentages create subtle effects. Large percentages create aggressive reactions.

Start small (10-15%) and adjust from there.

Step 5: Assign Activation Conditions
Many radios allow you to choose when Program Mixing becomes active.

You may be able to:
• Assign the mix to a switch
• Enable the mix only at certain throttle positions
• Activate only during steering input
• Create multiple mix profiles

This gives advanced drivers enormous flexibility.

Step 6: Test the Vehicle
After setting Program Mixing:
• Lift the car off the ground
• Check servo movement
• Confirm channel direction
• Verify endpoints
• Test slowly before full-speed driving

Never assume a new mix is correct without testing it first.

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When To Change Program Mixing

Program Mixing adjustments are usually made when a driver wants to improve vehicle behavior or add advanced functionality.

Change Program Mixing When:
The Car Feels Difficult To Control
A properly tuned mix can smooth out aggressive handling and make the vehicle easier to drive.

You Add New Electronics
Many advanced components rely on Program Mixing, including:
• Gyros
• Rear steering systems
• Dual ESC setups
• Brake servos
• Winches

New electronics often require custom channel interaction.

You Need More Stability
Drift cars, crawlers and high-speed vehicles often benefit from carefully tuned Program Mixing settings.

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What to Check After Changing Program Mixing

Program Mixing can affect multiple systems at once, so it is important to verify the entire vehicle after making changes.

Servo Direction
Make sure all linked servos move in the correct direction. Reversed movement can create dangerous handling problems.

End Point Adjustment (EPA)
Program Mixing can push servos beyond safe travel limits.

Check:
• Steering throw
• Brake movement
• Rear steering travel
• Servo binding

Adjust EPA if necessary.

Subtrim
Sometimes a new mix changes neutral positions.

Verify:
• Steering center
• Throttle neutral
• Rear steering alignment

Gyro Settings
If the mix interacts with a gyro, confirm:
• Gain levels
• Direction correction
• Stability performance

Too much gyro interaction can create unwanted oscillation.

Dual Rate and Exponential
Program Mixing can change steering feel.

You may need to revisit:
• Dual Rate
• Exponential
• Steering speed settings

ESC Behavior
Throttle-related Program Mixing can affect ESC response.

Check:
• Acceleration smoothness
• Brake consistency
• Reverse activation
• Drag brake performance

Vehicle Balance
Drive the vehicle slowly and evaluate:
• Corner entry
• Mid-corner balance
• Stability
• Steering feel
• Throttle predictability

Small changes often produce the best results.

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Basic Program Mixing vs Advanced Settings

Understanding the difference between simple and advanced Program Mixing setups can help drivers avoid unnecessary complexity.

Basic Program Mixing
Basic Program Mixing is ideal for:
• Beginners
• Crawlers
• Simple rear steering setups
• Gyro control
• Winch control

These mixes usually involve:
• One master channel
• One slave channel
• A fixed mix rate

They are easy to understand and generally safe to tune.

Advanced Program Mixing
Advanced Program Mixing is commonly used by experienced racers and technical drivers.

Advanced setups may include:
• Multiple linked channels
• Different rates for left and right steering
• Throttle-position activation
• Switch-controlled profiles
• Multi-stage rear steering
• Dynamic gyro control

While powerful, advanced mixing can create confusing handling if not carefully tested.

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FAQ

Q: What does Program Mixing do in RC cars?
A: Program Mixing allows one radio channel to automatically influence another channel. This helps automate vehicle functions and improve control.

Q: Is Program Mixing necessary?
A: No. Most RC vehicles work perfectly without it. However, advanced vehicles and competitive setups can benefit greatly from Program Mixing.

Q: Can Program Mixing improve handling?
A: Yes. Properly tuned Program Mixing can improve stability, steering response and throttle control.

Q: Is Program Mixing difficult to set up?
A: Basic Program Mixing is fairly simple. Advanced setups require more testing and experience.

Q: What RC vehicles use Program Mixing most often?
A: Program Mixing is commonly used in:
• Drift cars
• Crawlers
• Large-scale vehicles
• Dual ESC vehicles
• Competitive race cars

Q: Can Program Mixing damage servos?
A: Improper settings can cause servo binding or overtravel. Always check End Point Adjustment (EPA) after changing Program Mixing.

Q: Should beginners use Program Mixing?
A: Beginners should start with simple mixes only. Complex setups can make the vehicle difficult to tune and troubleshoot.

Q: Can Program Mixing work with gyros?
A: Yes. Many drivers use Program Mixing to control gyro gain dynamically based on steering or throttle input.

Back to the RC Transmitter Settings Guide.