What Is CPS Mixing?

CPS Mixing is a programmable radio function that links two or more channels or control inputs together to create a customized response from the vehicle. In most RC car applications, CPS Mixing is used to adjust steering, throttle, gyro gain or brake behavior automatically based on another control input.

The exact meaning of CPS can vary depending on the radio manufacturer, but in RC car radio systems it is commonly associated with customizable programmable mixing functions that allow the driver to create advanced interaction between channels.

For example, CPS Mixing may allow:
• Steering input to automatically reduce throttle output
• Throttle input to adjust gyro sensitivity
• Brake input to activate rear steering
• Steering angle to influence traction control systems
• Different channel responses based on switch positions

Instead of manually controlling every adjustment while driving, CPS Mixing automates the process through the transmitter software.

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How Does CPS Mixing Affect Your Car?

CPS Mixing can dramatically change how an RC vehicle feels on the track. Because it modifies how different systems interact, even small adjustments can noticeably affect handling, stability and responsiveness.

Improved Corner Stability
One common use of CPS Mixing is reducing throttle as steering angle increases. This helps prevent traction rolling or spinning out in high-grip conditions.

Benefits include:
• Smoother corner entry
• Reduced wheelspin
• Better control in tight corners
• Easier driving on slippery surfaces

More Predictable Steering
CPS Mixing can be used to soften aggressive steering response at high speed. This makes the vehicle feel calmer and easier to drive consistently.

Enhanced Drifting Performance
Drift racers often use CPS Mixing to coordinate steering, throttle and gyro settings together.

This can help:
• Maintain smoother drift angles
• Improve transition consistency
• Reduce overcorrection
• Make the car easier to balance during long slides

Better Traction on Loose Surfaces
Off-road racers may use CPS Mixing to automatically reduce throttle during sharp steering input. This can improve traction on:
• Loose dirt
• Clay tracks
• Sand
• Gravel

More Consistent Lap Times
Because CPS Mixing automates certain corrections, the vehicle may become easier to drive consistently over long runs.

This can reduce:
• Driver fatigue
• Overdriving mistakes
• Sudden traction loss
• Inconsistent steering feel

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How Do You Change CPS Mixing?

The exact process depends on the transmitter brand, but most modern radios follow a similar setup procedure.

Step 1: Open the Mixing Menu
Navigate to the programmable mixing section in your transmitter.

Common menu names include:
• CPS Mixing
• Program Mixing
• Custom Mix
• PMIX
• Function Mix

Step 2: Select the Master Channel
The master channel controls when the mix activates.

Examples include:
• Steering
• Throttle
• Brake
• AUX channels
• Gyro channel

Step 3: Select the Slave Channel
The slave channel receives the adjustment from the mix.

Examples include:
• Throttle reduction
• Rear steering
• Gyro gain
• ESC timing
• Brake bias

Step 4: Set the Mix Rate
Adjust how strongly the channels interact. Higher mix percentages create more aggressive changes.

Typical starting points:
• Touring car stability mix: 5% to 10%
• Drift gyro mix: 10% to 20%
• Off-road traction mix: 3% to 8%

Step 5: Assign a Switch (Optional)
Many radios allow you to activate or deactivate CPS Mixing using a switch.

This is useful for:
• Testing changes quickly
• Different track sections
• Wet versus dry conditions
• Practice versus racing

Step 6: Test and Fine Tune
Drive the vehicle and carefully evaluate how the mix changes handling. Small adjustments often make a large difference.

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When To Change CPS Mixing

CPS Mixing is usually adjusted when the driver wants to improve handling characteristics without physically modifying the chassis.

Change CPS Mixing When:
• The car feels too aggressive entering corners
• Steering feels overly sensitive at high speed
• The rear end becomes unstable during acceleration
• The vehicle spins out under combined throttle and steering
• Drift transitions feel inconsistent
• Traction changes throughout the day
• You want smoother throttle application

Avoid Excessive CPS Mixing
Too much CPS Mixing can create problems:
• Delayed steering feel
• Sluggish acceleration
• Unnatural handling
• Reduced driver connection
• Inconsistent cornering behavior

Most competitive racers use very small adjustments.

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What to Check After Changing CPS Mixing

Whenever you adjust CPS Mixing, inspect other related settings to make sure the vehicle remains balanced and predictable.

Steering End Points
Verify steering travel is still correct and not binding.

Dual Rate
Changes in CPS Mixing can alter overall steering feel. Dual Rate may need adjustment afterward.

Steering Curve (Expo)
You may need to refine steering smoothness after changing CPS Mixing.

Gyro Gain
If using a gyro, CPS Mixing can interact with stabilization settings.

ESC Settings
Throttle-based CPS Mixing may require ESC tuning changes.

Check:
• Punch
• Drag brake
• Brake frequency
• Initial throttle response

Mechanical Setup
Do not use CPS Mixing to compensate for poor chassis setup.

Always verify:
• Camber
• Toe
• Ride height
• Shock settings
• Tire condition

Driver Feel
The most important check is whether the car feels natural and predictable to drive consistently.

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Basic CPS Mixing vs Advanced Settings

Basic CPS Mixing Settings
Basic CPS Mixing is designed to make the vehicle easier to drive without heavily altering vehicle behavior.

Common beginner uses include:
• Slight throttle reduction during steering
• Mild gyro gain adjustment
• Small steering sensitivity reduction

Typical characteristics:
• Easy to drive
• Safer handling
• Minimal electronic intervention
• Good for beginners and club racers

Recommended starting range:
• 3% to 8% mix rate

Advanced CPS Mixing Settings
Advanced drivers often create multiple programmable mixes for specific track conditions or driving styles.

Advanced applications include:
• Multi-stage steering/throttle interaction
• Speed-sensitive steering reduction
• Drift transition tuning
• Rear steering activation
• Surface-specific traction compensation
• Switch-based racing profiles

Advanced CPS Mixing requires careful tuning because excessive settings can make the car unpredictable.

Typical advanced settings:
• Multiple mixes active simultaneously
• Adjustable switch profiles
• Track-specific tuning
• Fine percentage adjustments under 1%

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FAQ

Q: Is CPS Mixing necessary for RC racing?
A: No. Many racers never use CPS Mixing. However, advanced drivers may use it to fine tune handling and improve consistency.

Q: Does CPS Mixing make the car easier to drive?
A: In many cases, yes. Properly adjusted CPS Mixing can smooth out aggressive handling and improve stability.

Q: Can CPS Mixing replace chassis tuning?
A: No. CPS Mixing should complement a proper chassis setup, not replace it.

Q: Is CPS Mixing useful for beginners?
A: Beginners can benefit from mild CPS Mixing settings, especially for reducing steering sensitivity or smoothing throttle response.

Q: Can CPS Mixing improve drifting?
A: Yes. Drift drivers often use CPS Mixing to coordinate steering, throttle and gyro behavior for smoother slides and transitions.

Q: Does every radio system support CPS Mixing?
A: No. Advanced programmable mixing functions are usually found on mid-range and high-end transmitters.

Q: What happens if CPS Mixing is set too high?
A: Too much CPS Mixing can make the car feel delayed, sluggish or unnatural to drive.

Back to the RC Transmitter Settings Guide.