Eric A
Full Member
It's an obsession not an investment!
Posts: 223
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Post by Eric A on Apr 7, 2011 9:30:08 GMT -5
Hi all,
I know Jeff and so many of you here fly and I need some help. The guys at my local r/c club really want me to start flying planes. Even though I have an ongoing war with my blade cx3 heli (still can't get the d**n thing to fly) I am thinking about taking the jump to planes. What do you all think would be a good first plane/ trainer? Also I was looking at a spektrum DX6i controller for my heli and to use with my new plane. However I have come to learn that they are on permeant back order. I guess they were making planes fall out of the air. So any suggestions on radios? Thank you in advance.
Eric A
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Post by Jeff Troy on Apr 7, 2011 14:05:31 GMT -5
Hi, Eric,
DX6i does not and never did make airplanes fall out of the air. The reason for the status is that Horizon (Spektrum) has introduced their newer DSMX technology to replace the systems with DSM2.
I have Spektrum DX5e, DX6i, DX7 and a JR 12X, all with DSM2 and the operate flawlessly. The only condition where a problem is possible is in a tight area with something like 20 or 30 aircraft up at once. I wouldn't give it a second thought.
As for a trainer, you'll have to tell me whether you want glow or electric power. Electric is a lot less trouble these day, and far superior for ease of entry and reliability.
ARF lets you select the power and RC options, BNF lets you choose a JR or Spektrum transmitter and everything else is in the box (including receiver, servos, battery and charger), and RTF has everything included.
I'd suggest an inexpensive electric-powered RTF trainer, then go for intermediate stuff after you've learned the basics. There's no EDF (Emotional Debt Factor) in an RTF, so you won't be pissed if you get disoriented and dump it a few times.
Warmest...
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Eric A
Full Member
It's an obsession not an investment!
Posts: 223
|
Post by Eric A on Apr 7, 2011 16:47:39 GMT -5
Hi Jeff
I was thinking cheap electric also for the same fear of crashing issue. Is there a size that is too small or a good default size to start with? The hobby shop here in town has a small trainer for $99 RTF and the guy said it is great to fly but followed later by saying he only flies heilo's and has never flown fixed wing. They have a larger version for $179. The airfield is very close to the beach and there is always wind. Thank you for your advice!
Eric A
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Post by centralvalleygter on Apr 7, 2011 21:20:21 GMT -5
Hello Eric,
As you may recall from my previous posts, I am getting back into R/C planes after being out for 10+ years. Major progress in electric flight and computer radios in that time. A good percentage of our club members fly electric (the biggest percentage fly 50+cc gasoline powered models with 6¡¯-8¡¯ wingspans). Planes are much less attention intensive than helos, but still much more difficult than 2D models (cars & boats). The little $100 RTF's (electric with basic radio) can be useful to start acquiring the basic skills, but they are very susceptible to wind. I have flown one of these that my brother got for his daughters, very fun in calm weather. My own experience has found that .25cc size planes (48¡±-50¡± wingspans) are the minimum which can handle reasonable wind, which, interestingly enough seems to be the most popular size for electric planes.
I still use the old ¡°dumb terminal¡± radio¡¯s that only have the ability to servo direction reverse. However, my brother has given me an Airtronics Stylus PCM computer radio, which is convertible to 2.4G for about $70, so I may be venturing down the path of programmable radios soon. Just my 2c worth.
Warmest,
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