Hello all,

so I am furiously reading various threads here on SuperStar EP, etc. As I said, still in the info gathering stage. Found an instructor at the local field, but of course NOW we got rain here in the Bay Area. Sigh.

Here's is my current "knowledge" - feel free to correct/chime in.

- radio: if I can swing it, should go with a computer 5/6 channel. leaves room to grow, and lets me store settings for different planes. Futaba seems to be a well-loved brand, and the one I am looking at (6EXAS) gets glowing reviews from owners. The kit comes with 4 standard servos, for 179 at towerhobbies.

- servos: after confusing myself with the various specs, it seems that 2 criteria determine choice: size and torque. For a trainer, the 44 oz/in at 4.8V of the standard servos are more than enough. I still haven't found any post/site that details how to determine just what kind of torque you need for what kind of plane. Looking at SSEP hopups, noone mentioned having to change out servos, so I am assuming that with a power train upgrade the plane is still fine with those basic servos. When looking at the difference in speeds between servos, and whether I need digital or not, the answer seems to be that when starting out, I don't really care about the precision or fast attack speed of a servo. Maybe when I am ready to fly jets or acrobatics, I'd need faster servos - not for now. So, getting basic servos is A-OK.

- from various posts I get the feeling that simple powertrain improvements for ~50 bucks make the SSEP FLY - note to self: if the wallet is not empty, get the endo 16, different prop, gearbox, pinion.

- plane: The more I look, the more I see (in the forums here) stunning feedback on the SSEP. Well built, ARF, complete kit, docile qualities, room to grow (hopups) seem to make this almost the ideal choice, no? How about the Duraplane Aerobat? I'd have to convert it to electric because I am stuck on "No glow" for now. I love the fact that the Aerobat is nearly indestructible. Doing the math: kit $60; motor ~ 50, ESC 30-50, battery 50-80 - that puts it beyond the SSEP kit (109). And I learned one thing from the people here (and watching the videos - see that one with a guy trowing his ducted Jet into the ground?): I'll only attempt to fly with a buddy who knows his/her stuff. So maybe the SSEP is just fine for me.

- sims: I admit: I like sims. I also understand that they're only a mediocre proxy for the real thing. If nothing else, a sim will help teach me how to operate the controls, especially when the plane is coming at me. Since I am ona budget, I won't be able to swing the 200$ for the RealFlight sim. Luckily there is FMS and others (http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html). I can even build or buy a PIC-Serial cable to hook up my radio as a "joystick".

So my tentative shopping list is:
- Hobbico Superstar EP/ailerons (109)
- Futaba 6EXAS + servos (179)
- charger???
- extra props, and ??? (what am I missing?)

Here some questions I am still digging for answers on:
- replacing the NiCD 2100mah 7 cell stock pack with a LiPo 2cell pack seems to yield 7.4V whereas stock brings 8.4V. What does this mean in terms of getting full engine power? Didn't see anyone having problems, but I am curious.
- chargers - how to by the right charger? Does it make sense to go with a lowend 6/7 cell cahrger for starters, and when I know I want to go with LiPo etc, then upgrade? Decent chargers seem to clock in at 100$ plus. Insight appreciated.
- anyone have experience with the TowerHobby 6ch computer radio (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1p?&I=LZ2242**)? At 50 bucks less, I wonder whether I should seriously look into that.
- Confusion about the Futabas:
1. they have the 6YG and the 6EXAS with 4 S3004 servos each. My brain is till numb - can't tell what I am getting for the extra $30 with the 6EXAS
2. The 6EXAS comes with 2 servo pack choices - 3 micros, or 4 standard. A review on SportAviator.com (http://www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp...&ID=65&index=3) argues for weight reduction to gain performance. The micros are half the weight and would save 1.5oz... sigh.

That's all for now -
later.
sven