Hey guys, just a few questions:

I haven't even bought my first plane yet, but I can already feel myself getting sucked in... Here's my plan: I am going to order a Tower 40 Trainer with a .46 ball bearing engine w/ ABC Schnuerle muffler. As for a radio, I plan to get a Tower Hobbies 6ch FM radio. Sound ok for a newbie? I know you're thinking, why would i need 6 channels? But I'd rather spend some extra money now and have something I can continue to use down the road... Anyway, I've read and read and read to try to educate myself about this, i understand the whole servo per channel thing, and i think i know pretty much what all the "beginner" articles contain (because i've read every last one of them!)... But it seems all the info goes from basic-beginner and then jumps to advanced. It's like there's no middleground, make sense? I guess it goes from people asking "What does a servo do" and then "Whats the best way to determine my CG on a split tail with no "throw" in the elevons?" (yes, i know that question made no sense). I guess the only way i'm gonna figure things out is from trial & error. Any advice?

Also, here's my project for after I learn to build and fly...

I want to build a model from scratch. I have found plans to dismantle the infamous "X10" camera, add a few parts here and there, and have a fully functional wireless video camera. I figured I'd combine it with a servo so I can pan/tilt from the ground. That part is the easy part, i guess, here's where it gets tricky. And i wonder if anyone else has had the idea... You are limited in flight time by two factors -- Fuel and Battery time. I'm guessing the batterytime is obviously longer since its only controlling certain functions (not like its an electric motor). Anyway, I'm researching how to extend this battery time indefinitely via a solar panel built into/on top of the wings. So far I know how solar power works, but I don't know how to calculate the load that my Rx, servos, etc.. are going to draw. Any advice on how I do this? I need a total # (maH?) so that I can optimize the size/weight of the solar panel, as they can get heavy... especially for an rc plane.

Second idea is this: Those "solar powered" radios that have the Dynamo crank that you can crank a few times and it runs for hours... well, what if you build that idea into an RC? Similar to (from what i've seen) a ducted fan design, build a model such that there is the same Dynamo crank, yet it is turned my a turbine (wind powered?) Or even if it was cranked by a servo, possibly the energy stored by the cranking will be enough to power the plane's electronics for a while. Sound crazy? I have seen these radios in person, adn they're not very heavy. I'm convinced its possible.

I've also found someone to write me a guidance program, as my ultimate goal is a solar powered (to an extent), video-capable UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) flown from my car using a TV (receiving the signal from the cameras transmitter), my radio, and a Palm Pilot. Whattaya think? I know I know, too much ambition, but i'm hooked already. And I'm a pretty smart guy, so I know I can do it, just wondering if anyone else has had the same idea(s)... Yawn, I'll be here all day, so lemme know what ya think.

Scuba Steve