Jonriley56

Hi there,

I am just getting into the RC sport. I have joined the AMA and will also be joining a local club. I would appreciate some basic pointers on radios and receivers. I am afraid that most of the dialog on PCM vs PPM and digital vs analog is lost on me at this point.

My intent is to buy a good radio, likley 6 channel or more so that I can "grow" into it.

Any comments or referrals to some "tutorial" sites would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks !

jon

majortom-RCU

My Feedback: (40)

The radio is an important choice, but the most crucial ingredient for early success is connecting with an instructor. When you find your instructor, ask him what his recommendation for a radio would be. There are a lot of fine points to a transmitter, especially if you're prepared to invest in a 6 channel digital. It helps a lot to be on the same brand of equipment as your instructor, so he can help you to set up your model and answer your questions about ATV, expo, throttle set-up, etc. If you have the luxury of visiting more than one club or flying field, try to chat up a few instructors, see if you can't find one you have good chemistry with. If your choices are limited, then just present yourself and make the best of what's available. Every club I know of has a core of veterans who like to see new flyers succeed.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Three questions:

What kind of flying do you think you want to do?

Glow? Electric? Sailplanes? Helis? Don't know? All?

What is your budget for the Radio, receiver, servos? $100, $200, $300 $more

Do you have a plane or flying experience now?


I look forward to your response, but will provide some info now. These two articles will help introduce you to RC radio systems. They are written toward sailplane pilots, but ignore that. The info generally applies to all fixed wing pilots.

Radio Systems Part 1 - Standard Radios
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=44

Radio Systems Part 2 - Computer Radios - The right choice for almost everyone
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65

Part one helps you understand the components of radio systems, but part 2 talks about the kind of radio that most people should buy. Read them and you will understand why. If your radio system budget is at least $160, you can be into a computer radio system.

Jonriley56

Hi,

Thanks for the response !!!

My intent is to stay with fixed wing at this point (although I do have a small electric Heli with its own 4 channel radio). I currently have a j3 Cub from Parkzone which runs on a 3 channel radio. I have been playing with it for a couple of months and am getting better as I go. (I also bought the Great Planes Flight Simulator whcih has helped a lot)

I would like to stay with electric if possible, it seems cleaner and quieter to me. I am not really clear however on what a logical next step would be in planes. I clearly want to go to 4 channel, but don't know if I should try to convert a glow plane or if there is a good 4 channel electric out there.

As to my budget for the radio, I would probably like to stay under $300 if I can, hopefully getting the TX. RX, charger etc. I will take a look at the Ezine links you sent me.

Thanks Again

Jon

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

There are very good radio packages available for $300 or less. The issue will be whether you want to buy a package. Most come with standard servos which will be too big for most electrics. Read the article on intro radios for more on this.

As for next planes, htere are well over 100 EXCELLENT next electric planes for you to consider. Here are a few.

MORE ADVANCED PLANES

After you master a starter plane, you can move on to one of these more
aerobatic and 3D flying electrics. Here are a few planes that would be lots
of fun and would represent a real challenge. Most have videos associated with
their links.


3Ch Aerobatic planes

F27-Stryker - RTF
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=PKZ1200
Video
http://rc-galaxy.com/Video/F-27_Stry...ris_7-9-04.wmv
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=392

Sky Scooter RTF - Also available ARF - 3 Channel
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/sky_scooter_pro_2.html
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/sky_s...o_2_vid_1.html
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/sky_s...o_2_vid_2.html

Viper Twin - ARF
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/viper.html
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/trailervid.html
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/smoothvid.html

Multiplex Space Scooter
ARF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZV4&P=7
RTF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZV5&P=7

Multiplex Microjet - ARF
http://www.multiplexusa.com/product_fs.htm

Zagi XS - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=...&products_id=1

Zagi XT - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=...&products_id=5


IFO Can be 3 Channel or 4 Channel

IFO Demo at the 2000 Tournament of Champions
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/movies/toc2000.mpg
Flying Combat in a gym
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/movies/mk3combat.mpg

A bunch of IFO Flight videos including one inside a 15X25' office
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/flightvideos.html


4 Channel Aerobatic
>

Shockflyers
http://www.shockflyer.com/

>Pitts Special Biplane - I really like this one
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pitts.htm

>Crazy Sparrow
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/crazysp.htm
>
>three-d - ARF built up wood
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/threedee.htm
>
>Firecat - ARF - wood built up
http://www.espritmodel.com/l_firecat.html
>
>Eagle 3D Foam ARF Aerobatic plane - This one looks like a lot of fun
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/eagle.htm

>
>Tipsy Nipper - Foam ARF
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/nipper.htm

>The Cobra - 3 D Foam Flyer ARF
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/cobra.htm

Pigi - 3D Foam Flyer ARF
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pigi.htm

Mini GeeBee - 3D Depron Flyer
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/minigeebee.htm

Capirol foam ARF
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/capriol.htm

Switchback - Built up wood Kit
http://www.mountainmodels.com/switchback.php

Tantrum - Built up wood Kit
http://www.mountainmodels.com/tantrum.php


Many can fly so slowly you can jog next to them and some are so fast you can
lose sight of them very quickly.

locoworks

buy the best you can afford.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

I suggest you look at the Hitec Flash 5SX, Hitec Optic 6, Futaba 6EXA, Futaba 7C and the JR 6102 as good candidates that can be had with receiver/servos, etc for under $300.

However be aware that if you are flying electrics, especially in the parkflyer class, most of the servos/receivers that come in the packages are "standard" size which means large and heavy to an electric guy. So you buy a package and can't use the components.

You might be best served buying a transmitter and a flight pack.

For example you could get the Futaba 7C for $149 and hitec flight pack that includes electron 6 receiver, HS-55 servos and light weight components for about $110 for a total of $260. It would all be appropriate to your kind of flying.

www.servocity.com

Similar packages based on the Hitec Micro 555 receiver and/or HS-81 servos would also be appropriate.

A Hitec Flash 5SX and micro 555 receiver with HS-81 servos, designated as the "glider" package, runs about $180. Again appropriate for electric pilots.

I have Hitec and Futaba radios. I use all Hitec receivers and mostly Hitec servos, so I know these best.

I am sure there are similar combinations for Airtronics and JR.

Gringo Flyer

My Feedback: (18)

In the $300 range you cant beat the Futaba 7C.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

BTW, if you are just looking at $300 for a transmitter alone, the Futaba 9C is an outstanding choice! ( I bought one! )

ptgarcia

My Feedback: (36)

Take a look at the Futaba 7c, Futaba 9c, JR 6102, JR 8103, Hitec Eclipse, Airtronics RD 6000 and Airtronics RD 8000. All are very capable computer radios which can take you a long way in this hobby. If your not sure what your next plane is going to be buy a setup that includes the Tx (transmitter) and Rx (receiver) only (it will include a wall charger). Whole systems include a battery, a switch, and a handful of servos (usually 4), but they are general use type of equipment. They may not be the most desireable servos and battery for your application, especially if you buy another electric plane. The Futaba 9c and JR 8103 will probably cost you more than $300 but they are stellar radios. Good luck with your search!

spokman

My Feedback: (2)

You might end up using standard servos in your electric plane. I saw a video of a LT25 that was electric powered going like crazy. It uses standard servos.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

There are many electrics that can take standard servos, but they are not in the parkflyer class, say under 30 ounces, which is the vast majority of electrics.

lwien

You can get the 7c for $150 at either of these two sites:

http://www.allerc.com
http://www.servocity.com

Just make sure that wherever you purchase it from, ask them to check out the unit for the throttle/timer bug before they ship it to you...........Much better to take care of this BEFORE you purchase it rather than after........believe me.
Great radio though........

Iceman30

My Feedback: (14)

9C, if you fly any 3d you will want all of the mixes and yep...I learned the hard way ...having to break down and buy one, have 6xa now..ok, but all dual rates on one switch, so all mild, or all wild..plus throttle curve for gassers .... a guy here on the market has them for 250$ with module for channel your on...can't beat it..email me and I can send you a link to one for 289.00 that has some other stuff with it..

MO_Radio_Tech

If you want a good starter radio, that you can grow with for a while and you want accessories to fly electric, look into the JR 6102 Ultra lite package. It comes with the R610 micro receiver and 3 micro servos. The transmitter itself, the JR 6102 is incredible. The radio is easy to use and can fly most anything you will fly for several years. The other radios JR, Futaba, Hitec others mentioned are all excellent, but I suspect this would be a good option for you. For a good price, check out Chief Aircraft. Buying form Horizon directly is expensive.

I have a Parkzone Cub by the way, and I really like it. The radio is nice too. I lot of bang for the buck for $150.

Like many Cub models, it has a tendecy to "porpoise" and stall. Not bad once you get the hang of it.

I crashed it really bad, on the rebuild I reloaded with a JR R700, JR 241 servos, and a GWS speed controller and motor. I fly it with a JR 6102.

rhd-RCU

My Feedback: (36)

Dido on the JR 6102 Ultra lite. Its a great radio for the electrics. You won't go wrong. Its $239, within your budget.