TX/RX question
05-05-2014, 08:10 AM
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TX/RX question
Good morning,
I'm new to the forum so here's a little introduction.......
I'm a recently retired police officer and have more time to pursue the RC hobby. 8-10 years ago i got into RC with a high wing Kadet & glow engine, I trained on the buddy box and was able to solo and then flew only a few times after that due to work, life, and other circumstances.
I very excited to get back in the hobby but want to go electric only. I still have my like new Futaba 6XA FM/PCM TX (channel 55) and a few different size RXs and servos.
My questions are:
1. What is a good intro electric ARF/RTF?
2. Can I still use my Futaba or is it obsolete & more cost effective to buy a package with TX/RX included?
3. It seems like the electric RC crowd has really grown since I have been out of the hobby, your thoughts?
Thanks for your time
Bob
I'm new to the forum so here's a little introduction.......
I'm a recently retired police officer and have more time to pursue the RC hobby. 8-10 years ago i got into RC with a high wing Kadet & glow engine, I trained on the buddy box and was able to solo and then flew only a few times after that due to work, life, and other circumstances.
I very excited to get back in the hobby but want to go electric only. I still have my like new Futaba 6XA FM/PCM TX (channel 55) and a few different size RXs and servos.
My questions are:
1. What is a good intro electric ARF/RTF?
2. Can I still use my Futaba or is it obsolete & more cost effective to buy a package with TX/RX included?
3. It seems like the electric RC crowd has really grown since I have been out of the hobby, your thoughts?
Thanks for your time
Bob
05-05-2014, 10:10 AM
#2
Electric has really taken off 
over the past few years with batteries becoming more powerful, lighter, and more affordable. But there is nothing wrong with glow and nothing wrong with using the radio you have. Use it until you decide on some features that you wish you had, and you can get a new radio that suits your personal preferences.
Do you still have the Cadet? Your experience with the high wing Sig makes me think a low wing 'trainer' would be a good airplane, assuming you think you're beyond another high wing trainer. My first low wing was the Phoenix Dolphin and it was a lot of fun to fly. For electric, I am thinking something like the Escapade (similar to what I flew but two size options and setup for electric option):
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXVXN8&P=ML
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXAMXN&P=ML
Here is an electric trainer that comes Reciever ready
There are of course other plane suggestions, there are many out there. I like going with the big suppliers (especially early on) so you can get quick service, replacement parts, etc.
If you want another high wing plane, I flew a friend's Alpha 40 and thought it was a lot of fun and a great step between a first high wing trainer and a low wing plane. It was a bit sportier than the Nexstar I had been flying.
http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Def...ProdID=HAN2460
Most people are using 2.4ghz radios today which needs no channel crystal. The nice thing for you is that it's unlikely anyone else will be flying your channel.
over the past few years with batteries becoming more powerful, lighter, and more affordable. But there is nothing wrong with glow and nothing wrong with using the radio you have. Use it until you decide on some features that you wish you had, and you can get a new radio that suits your personal preferences.Do you still have the Cadet? Your experience with the high wing Sig makes me think a low wing 'trainer' would be a good airplane, assuming you think you're beyond another high wing trainer. My first low wing was the Phoenix Dolphin and it was a lot of fun to fly. For electric, I am thinking something like the Escapade (similar to what I flew but two size options and setup for electric option):
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXVXN8&P=ML
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXAMXN&P=ML
Here is an electric trainer that comes Reciever ready
There are of course other plane suggestions, there are many out there. I like going with the big suppliers (especially early on) so you can get quick service, replacement parts, etc.
If you want another high wing plane, I flew a friend's Alpha 40 and thought it was a lot of fun and a great step between a first high wing trainer and a low wing plane. It was a bit sportier than the Nexstar I had been flying.
http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Def...ProdID=HAN2460
Most people are using 2.4ghz radios today which needs no channel crystal. The nice thing for you is that it's unlikely anyone else will be flying your channel.
05-20-2014, 04:30 AM
#3
Good morning,
I'm new to the forum so here's a little introduction.......
I'm a recently retired police officer and have more time to pursue the RC hobby. 8-10 years ago i got into RC with a high wing Kadet & glow engine, I trained on the buddy box and was able to solo and then flew only a few times after that due to work, life, and other circumstances.
I very excited to get back in the hobby but want to go electric only. I still have my like new Futaba 6XA FM/PCM TX (channel 55) and a few different size RXs and servos.
My questions are:
1. What is a good intro electric ARF/RTF?
2. Can I still use my Futaba or is it obsolete & more cost effective to buy a package with TX/RX included?
3. It seems like the electric RC crowd has really grown since I have been out of the hobby, your thoughts?
Thanks for your time
Bob
I'm new to the forum so here's a little introduction.......
I'm a recently retired police officer and have more time to pursue the RC hobby. 8-10 years ago i got into RC with a high wing Kadet & glow engine, I trained on the buddy box and was able to solo and then flew only a few times after that due to work, life, and other circumstances.
I very excited to get back in the hobby but want to go electric only. I still have my like new Futaba 6XA FM/PCM TX (channel 55) and a few different size RXs and servos.
My questions are:
1. What is a good intro electric ARF/RTF?
2. Can I still use my Futaba or is it obsolete & more cost effective to buy a package with TX/RX included?
3. It seems like the electric RC crowd has really grown since I have been out of the hobby, your thoughts?
Thanks for your time
Bob
Your Futaba, on 72 MHz, is just fine and can be used. But you may still find that buying an RTF with an included radio may be a simpler return to the hobby. Or get a PnP or receiver ready aircraft and add your own receiver, battery and charger. There are dozens to choose from.
A budget would help and some idea of your flying area.
And, of course there are kits. Some enjoy the build as much as the flying.
As far as I can tell, electric has taken over and now outsells glow and gas. Personally I fly gliders most of the time. Many of my gliders have electric motors which are only used for launching, then the motor is shut off and the prop folds.
Possible options:
A slow flyer that you can fly in front of the house - the Ember:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...-2-rtf-PKZ3400
The Apprentice would be somewhat similar to your glow trainer but perhaps smaller
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...nology-EFL3100
Glasair
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...an-rtf-HBZ7600
Sensei
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXCKWL&P=ML
If you would like to try thermal soaring, the Radian is one of my favorites:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/radian-rtf-PKZ4700
Plug and Play is a format where you use your radio and receiver:
T-28 Trojan might be a good choice - very popular as a second plane
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...an-pnp-PKZ4475
Radian Pro
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...ro-pnp-PKZ5475
A collection of receiver ready options
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...eady&search=Go
