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

Hi Scuba Steve,
not a pro,only have 20+ years in flying,welcome to the greatest hobby/sport in the world. Your train of thought is normal,hope that doesn't ruin your day. My advice to all new comers is to find a flying club, meet some of the members,see what they are flying,and talk to some of the instructors,if your new radio doesn't buddy box with there's then that might be a little problem,also lots of clubs have planes and instructors to start ,some are even free the first time or two,might save you a.05 or two,
Check the water first,John

Ditto, (although I DO like the turbo-powered generator) FInd a local club and get first hand advice as to they type of radio you should get.

And that is that where I live, there are no clubs. There are no instructors. There are no planes. Hard to believe? Well, one assumption has to be made -- i'm going to have to teach myself to fly. I am prepared for crash after crash, but thats why i'm starting out with a trainer that can take a beating. What did you folks think of the solar power/dynamo ideas? Anyone ever tried it? Also, after I build and learn to fly the trainer, i'm going to begin scratch-building. I know its a huge jump, but i'm stubborn and one of the types of people who learn from doing, not by seeing. Is there a Scratch building (especially Foam) For Dummies tutorial/site out there? I'm confident I'll catch on quick -- just need some encouraging words and advice...

so if you can, please do!

AMA has 31 registered flying fields in Maryland,if interested, addresses and all, are on the web.

I am not so sure that your idea that a trainer will withstand a beating is correct. Yes it will withstand a some rough landing with minor damage (so will most other planes) but once you get that thing 10 or more feet off of the ground and you turn one wing over and it nose dives into the ground there may not be much left of the plane (the radio and engine will probably survive). I would advise as the others did to find a club, even if you have to drive a few hours to get there. Several sessions with an instructor may save you several planes.

If you totally insist on learning without an instructor (which I do not recommend!!), then I would suggest two things, get a simulator and practice with that alot and second don't buy a trainer, learn how to build a spad plane. These can be built for less than $20 each (excluding radio, hardware and engine) and build very quickly. That way if you crash you have only waisted $20 and a few hours rather than $100+ and 20hours. There is a website with all of the SPAD info. Just do a search on this site on SPAD and you will find it.

As far at the video camera, etc, others have tried, some have succeeded to some extent at least and others have failed. Either way, you need to learn how to fly first and then there will be much more to learn as you move toward putting a camera on the plane.

Good luck

Look for a hobby shop in your area (phone book) that caters to R/C planes. Ask them where the nearest club is. Many times there is a club in your area that you don't know about due to the fact that we tend to go off the beaten path to fly.

Let's get you in the air first then we will talk about alternatives to charging the plane and aerodynamics with a cameras strapped to a plane that tilts and swivels not to mention the balance offset when something on your plane moves.
Glad to here your interested in flying but you said something about topics jumping from beginner to above novice. Sounds like your wanting to do the same thing.
Advice: Learn to fly first. Then experiment

maybe try a two meter glider with a pod... I learned by myself on a Spohisticated Lady

Listen to these folks! I am brandy new to this hobby as well. I have an instructor (INVALUABLE HELP), working with a club (MORE HELP)I joined AMA (INSURANCE & MORE HELP)and you found RC Universe (HELP,HELP,HELP & MORE HELP). I can not beleive all the stuff I never thought about that I have learned since I began. The biggest surprises were all the stuff I didn't even know I didn't know!

Cracking up planes is going to be depressing. So having someone to share your anguish with is a good thing. If you have noticed one think I have learned so far, we all need HELP in this hobby. Not only info from a magazine or forum, but from folks who have been through it.

Even at 51 and deep into a second career, I get to be the FNG again.

Good luck with which ever way you go. Just don't get bummed when stuff happens and you don't know why.

Al

If your really going to teach yourself the first thing you need to buy is Real Flight G2 or download the free RC sim FMS.

i was actually thinking of powering my plane using solar panels. i had located some panels but they only produce half a volt @ 3 a
( as i was told - - i m no electric guy ) so i needed to connect something like 15 panels to power a motor.
was also told by the panel seller that these don't produce enough electricity in the shade ( no sun ) . so i have hung up the project for the time being.

i think what you are thinking is very much possible.

but first of all is to learn how to fly and you can keep your plans going.

bobi

You can check out Spads at http://www.spadtothebone.com and also check out the free FMS R/C simulator that is listed on the home page. Down load it and start flying R/C on your computer in a few minutes. Follow these guys advice and join a club. One afternoon at a club flying field is worth a year of time trying to figure it all out on your own. Oh yeah...never forget your ideas and ambitions...if you want it bad enough...ANYTHING is possible.

FMS r/C sim can be found here:
http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/

DONT TRY TO LEARN ON YOUR OWN!!!! It's hard enough to learn with an instructor. Things you might have not thought about....
1. Breaking in an Engine
2. Tuning an engine
3. Servo placement/pushrods
4. Receiver placement

These things sound easy when you read them on the boards, but trying to figure them out on your own is quite a task. I still spend several hours adjusting pushrods, and I've been doing this for 10 years! I agree with the above posters. Even if it's a bit of a drive, try to hit a couple of flying fields just so people can take a look over your plane. The equipment that you are thinking of buying are great, I believe you will be happy, and definatly room to grow.

BTW, I've been SCUBA diving since '92 as well.....my other "way too expensive" hobby