Originally Posted by LLRCFlyer

PNW Tim,

Since it appears you are more into the larger size complex planes (.60 and up with retracts, flaps, etc.), I would suggest that you get at least an eight channel radio and preferably a 10 channel radio. Horizon Hobby just had a $100 off sale on their NX-10 radio last week, so I ordered one on Monday and it arrived on Wednesday. It was quick to set up and I transferred my models from my Spektrum DX-8 Gen 2 to the NX-10 (using an SD card) and only had to rebind my models to the new transmitter. Simple and quick and and the NX-10 works fine. I have had very good service from my DX-8 Gen 0, DX-8 Gen 2, DXS and now the NX-10, The reason for multiple channels is to be able to mix a channel with another unused channel to have enough servo sockets so as to not have to use servo splitter cables on larger servos, or to be able to fully use the channel mixing capability such as for flaperons or elevons.. Remember, the JR/Futaba/Hitec plugs are only rated for a total of 5 amps. Thhis type plug for the battery connection can easily be over taxed when using multiple larger servos. Two larger digital servos on a splitter can pull more than that. For example, if I am using two large aileron servos, I will run one from the aileron channel (Ch 2) and mix the aileron channel to an unused channel (Ch 7) to drive the second servo. If you are building larger models (30cc and larger), I also suggest either buying a high power receiver to get the battery connectors large enough for the expected amperage, or by a power expander board (Smart Fly Competition 12 Plus) which will run multiple servos safely on a single channel and also allows use of redundant flight batteries and switches over to the second battery if one fails. I also recommend receivers that have satellite receiver capability. For my larger gassers, I always use a receiver plus two or three satellite receivers for redundancy. With my Spektrum DX-* Gen 2 transmitter and my Spektrum AR10100T 10 Channel receiver with two satellite receivers, I typically get 15 minute flights with only two or three frame losses. Since each frame lasts 11 milliseconds, my total combined signal loss for the entire flight is is less than a blink of an eye. I consider this to be a rock solid RF link. Also, if you get a Spektrum radio, you have access to expert technical advice for Spektrum products here on RC Universe and RC Groups from BaracudaHockey who is an engineer for Spektrum.

For flight pack batteries, the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have a couple of advantages over nickel metal hydride batteries. 1), they can be fully charged in less than an hour (versus overnight) and 2) they will hold a charge for a long time (months) between charges.

As for engines, I know glow fuel is running $28 to $30 per gallon here in Tennessee, so I run gassers for anything that needs over 2 HP. I have no experience with the NGH-GT17, but I do have RCGS Stinger 15RE, 20RE and 26RE , DLE-55RA and Brison BA32 engines that all run fine.

Additional tools that you may find useful are a Monokote iron, and air brush, a soldering iron, Stay-Brite silver solder, and if you can find on on ebay, a Wilcro razorblade planer.