zachj1212

Hi i own the aerobird challenger, and i love it. For my next plane, i wanted to move away from RTF, to something i have to build, ARF. The radio i am considering


http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...odID=JRP6219**

is this one. it is a 6 channel, and comes with lots of things like servos, and a rieciver. My next questioin is weather to get into foam, or get a different kind of trainer. i would really like to know the advantages and disadvantages of these
also, if i have the radio kit and the plane, what else would i need?(radio ect.)

thank you

zach

Fastsky

The JR radio will give you more range than a park flyer radio but for small models I don't see much advantage of buying a 6 channel radio. The servos that come with the radio are probably too big for most park flyers airplanes. Need more info! Do you want to stick with electric power or do you want to move up to glow power planmes? Most glow powered planes are made of light plywood and balsa. This is stronger than foam and easier to repair if needed. Hope this helps. [8D]

bruce88123

Fastsky is correct is all he said. Question #1 is: GAS or ELECTRIC? We'll go from there. Is there a budget to work within, be realistic please?

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

I agree with Fatsky with the need for more info.

What are your objectives? What is your budget?

The radio you are considering is nice but is a bit limited in model memories. Also I believe those are standard size servos which will be too big for the electrics. Consider the Hitec Flash 5SX glider package that includes a micro receiver and micro servos. Or buy your radio alone and add the right sized receiver/servos according to your plane.

Hitec Flash 5SX -
http://www.servocity.com/html/5-ch_f...m_systems.html
5 Channel, 5 Model Memory, Ch 1/5 provide dual ailerons management for
Flapperons, Flaps on 3 way switch or Throttle Stick. Aileron-Rudder mix.
$156 with standard receiver/servos
$183 with micro receiver/servos that will work in electrics.
Or customize the package at ServoCity.

Futaba EXA -
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk55.html
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=82
6 channels, 6-model memory, Prop Flaps on chi 6, Flapperon using 1/6, 1 user
defined mix. Standard servos and receiver in package
$89 for the radio alone at www.brucknerhobbies.com
Then just get the other stuff that is right for your plane.


I started on an Aerobird myself. Great first plane! I now fly electrics and gliders. Having a ball!

I will let others suggest glow powered planes since I don't fly glow. If you are going to stay electric, here are some ARFs/Kits to consider:


ALMOST READY TO FLY and EASY TO BUILD KITS -


Below are ARF and kit planes. You will need to buy a radio if you don't have
one, so you might want to read these articles on radios. Radios. The
articles are written for sailplane beginners, but all the info applies to
electrics too.

Entry Level Radios - If you have to go cheap
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=44

Computer Radios - The recommended path for almost everyone
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65


ARF typically means you are not gluing balsa pieces together, then covering
with Monocote or some other shrink film. Below are ARFs and some are very
easy to build kits. In each case you must add your own radio, receiver,
servos, speed control, batteries and battery charger. They all come with a
motor.

Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Discussion Thread on Easy Star
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258656
Video - touch and gos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
Video - Testing the planes's behavior
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv

Slow stick
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze
Can also be flown indoors in a gym or similar space.
The RTF Slo-V above is essentially a copy of this plane.
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=GWS1040
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...hreadid=122951

Tiger Moth
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze
Can also be flown indoors in a gym or similar space.
Cool looking little plane.
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=GWS1020
Review
http://www.backyardflyer.com/BY/articles/tiger_moth.asp

Tipsey
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/tipsy.htm
Review
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pdf/gr6232.pdf
http://rcgroups.com/links/index.php?...at=198&id=3871

Magpie - Easy to build Foam kit
Has trainer wing AND an available sport wing
Master the first, then advance to the second.
http://www.mountainmodels.com/magpie.php
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/Magpie.wmv

Balsa Wood Kits - If you like to build with wood, these are highly
recommended.

Dandy
http://www.mountainmodels.com/dandy.php

Dust Stick
http://www.mountainmodels.com/duskstik.php


ELECTRIC GLIDERS

Have you considered an electic glider? Usually larger than the typical
parkflyer, they also tend to be quite stable and fly a bit slower, which makes
them easy to fly.

If you would like to try soaring with the birds, then an electric glider might
be a good choice. These planes are launched with an electric motor. They can
be flown around using the motor, like a parkflyer, or they can be flown to
height, then the motor is turned off and you hunt for thermals, just like the
birds.

They can do loops and simple aerobatics, but are really optomized for thermal
soaring. The Aerobird and the T-Hawk, which are often mentioned as first
parkflyers, glide and thermal pretty well, but they come with fixed props.
These planes include folding props which make the plane more streamlined and
so it can glide better than a fixed propeller plane.

With these planes you get a good first plane, a good first electric and a good
electric glider. It may not have been what you were thinking, but it may be
exactly what you were looking for.

Ascent - this is a park glider ARF
It can be flown as a parkflyer or a glider
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=EFL1075
Review
http://rcgroups.com/links/index.php?...at=237&id=4233

Spectra ARF -
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXADK2&P=7

Electra - 2M ARF
78" wing span - perhaps too large for a parkflyer, but a good first e-glider
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDJB2&P=7

If you are not familiar with soaring, it is a lot of fun. Flights can be as
short as parkflyer flights, or can last for hours, if you find lift.

This article may be helpful in understanding lift and the fun that e-gliders
offer to the electric flyer.

Finding Lift
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=57


The Foamies, like the Easy Star, are very rugged, and if you do break something, repairs typically take minutes and can be done at the field. Wood kits take a bit more time to build. While they sometimes fly better than the foamies, they also take more work and skill to fix if you take a serious hit. However these are good skills to develop and many people really enjoy buiding balsa kits.

Choice is great!

zachj1212

i want to stick to electic. I would like to have a minimum of 6 channel, and start with smaller airplanes. Do arf planes come with riecives and servoes?

zachj1212

after reading Aeja's article, i think that for my first ARF, or kit, either a fomie, and sailplane would be the best. Wood sounds fun, but i am sure that they are harder to build, and can't take crashes.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Sounds like an Easy Star to me!

Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Discussion Thread on Easy Star
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258656

zachj1212

oh yay. a budger. For the radio or transmitter, if would set a $200 dollar max, but exeptians can be made. (i would also like the raido to come with servoes and riecever, but it is not Nessasary)
The plane, i would like to be 100 or less, but again, exeptians can be made. (can i use the aerobird batterys on any other plane?) thank you alot!

zachj1212

the easy star. what is it exactly. does it have that rubbery prop. please tell me more about it! I would prefer a non-pusher, but its okay/. I would like to have a 4 channel(rudder, elevator throttle, and ailrons) Are there any 4 channel sail planes? |
Could you tell me your favorite foam plane, and then your favorite sail plane. of course, one that i could fly. I am kinda leaning tword sailplanes at the moment. i would prefer a non pusher

thank you! you have been a great help!

zachj1212

i am sorry for asking so many questions, but i want to know more about this hobby! Does ARF come with servoes, oro anything. what so they come with?

zachj1212

i

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

If you would just click on the links I provided you would have more information on the Easy Star than you could ever want.

It is a pusher. Didn't know that was an issue. Rubbery prop??????

There are hundreds of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 channel sailplanes.

My favoriate foam plane is my Zagi slope glider. It is made of EPP foam.

My favoriate sailplane is my Spirit 2M RES (Rudder/elevator/spoilers) I have a 6 channel full house sailplane and I am working on a 7 - 9 channel scale sailplane, but I just love the Spirit and recommend it often to new pilots. Available RTF, ARF or kit.

Finally, I have used my Aerobird batteries in several other planes. It is just a matter of size an shape of the pack.

zachj1212

thank you for everything that you are doing for me, but i am a very confused person at the moment![sm=confused.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=confused.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=bananahead.gif][sm=cool.gif][sm=eek.gif]
anyway, what i am looking for know, is a good 6 channel radio, that comes with servos for a park flyer or sailplane. Also, i want A 4(or 5) channel sailplane. (do sailplanes come in foam?) Or, a regular trainer, electric. Foam preferably. leaning tword a sailplane at the moment.

The field that i fly at is about 60-70yards by 130-150yards. is this big enough for a sailplane?

thank you so much for your help, i couldn't do it without u!

zachj1212

oh ya. the rubbery prop. i mean the ones that fold. on sail planes

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Oh sure ... I was gonna guess that one right. [X(]

Nope, no folding prop on the easy star.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Good 6 channel computer radio I can help you with. None of them come packaged with parkflyer sized servos. Buy the radio and get a flight pack that is right for your plane.

Yes, sailplanes come in foam, but the only therm foam planes I have seen are R/E trainers or 2 channel slope planes. Have not seen and 4-6 channel sailplanes in foam. Typically here you are talking built up balsa or foam core sheeted wings, or fiberglass.

The Easy Star is a Park Glider. Part Parkflyer, part e-glider/sailplane. All foam. That is why I said it sounded like a good fit. That would be3 channels.

What is the issue around 4-6 channels for the plane?

As to radios:

Here is a comparison of 4 computer radios with a 4 and 6 channel Hitec Laser standard radios.
These are US prices and include standard servos. All are radio/receivers with
over 1 mile, 1.6KM range.

All $$ are US and reflect prices and packaging from Tower Hobbies on 10/4/04

The Flash 5 SX computer radio and the Laser6 are virtually the same price, yet the Flash can do so
much more. The Futaba 6EXA is only $20 more. Why buy a standard radio?


Hitec Laser 4 4-Channel FM/4 HS-322 Servos $120
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXANT6**&P=ML

INCLUDES: One Transmitter w/ crystal installed
One Supreme 8 Receiver HRCL3500
One Black plastic pot adjusting screwdriver
One 4.8V flat 600mAh receiver battery HRCM7401
One 9.6V 650mAh transmitter battery HRCM8206
One Receiver Crystal HRCL01**
Four Servo horn packages (each with 4 rubber retangular grommets,
4 brass eyelets, 4 screws; 1 X, 1 straight and 1 adjustable horn)
One Frequency flag
One Switch Harness
One 12" Extension
One Charger (55mAh output) HRCP3025
Four HS-322 standard servos with horns HRCM1322


Hitec Laser 6 6-Channel FM/4 HS-325HB Servos $145
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXHGR3**&P=7


INCLUDES: One Transmitter
Four HS325 servos
One Supreme 8 ch Rx
One Receiver Crystal
One Switch w/charge cord No Number
One 12" servo extension, use HCAM2130
One Rx protector foam (5-3/4"x2-1/2") No Number
One servo horn/hardware HRCM6317
One 650mAh TX battery HRCM8206
One Rx/Tx Charger HRCP3025
One 600mAh Receiver Battery HRCM7401
One Frequency Flag/Number Set No Number
One Instruction Booklet w/Warranty Card No Number



Flash 5 SX System - $158
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXHBB4**&P=7
Flash 5 is a MUCH better way to go and the Flash includes They are
essentially the same price.

(1) Transmitter
(4) HS-325 Servos
(1) DC Receiver
(1) Standard Switch Harness
(1) Frequency Flag
(1) Transmitter Crystal
(1) Receiver Crystal
(1) 9.6V, 600mah Tx Battery
(1) 12" Servo Extension
(1) Tx/Rx Charger
(1) Neck Strap
(1) Manual




Futaba EXA Futaba 6EXA $179
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXCZR6**&P=ML

INCLUDES: One Futaba 6EXA Computer Radio system with:
R127DF FM Dual Conversion Receiver FUTL0702 (lo band) FUTL0703
(HI)
Four S3004 Ball bearing servos FUTM0004
One bag servo mounting harware
NR-4J Receiver battery FUTM1280
NT8F600B Transmitter battery FUTM1440
FBC-8B(4) Charger FUTM1800
SWH-13 Switch Harness FUTM4370
ANT-5 Transmitter Antenna FUTM5040
Servo Extension


Hitec Optic 6 - $209 -
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXGZW3**&P=ML

INCLUDES: One Optic 6ch transmitter,
Four HS-325BB Servos, HRCM1326
Supreme Receiver,
600mAh Receiver NiCd, HRCM7401
Charger,
Switch Harness,

Futaba 7CA $249.99
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXGAE9**&P=7

INCLUDES: One Futaba 7CAF 7-Channel Aircraft Radio with
Four S3004 Ball Bearing Servos, FUTM0004
R127DF FM receiver, FUTL0702, FUTL0703
600mAh NT8S600B TX battery, FUTM1457
600mAh NR-4J RX battery, FUTM1280
FBC-19B (4) Wall charger, FUTM1830
Servo accessory bag, frequency flag set, neck strap, on/off
switch,
and instruction manual


Any of these computer radios can take you well beyond the laser 4 or 6 channel
radios. The Flash 5SX is essentially the same price as the Laser 6.

There is not reason to go with a standard radio like the Laser 6 and for $40
you can skip the Laser 4 and go right to the computer radio. You could have 5
planes have them all set-up and their profiles stored in the radio. One
radio to fly them all!

For simple RES sailplanes a big plus will be to have spoiler/elevator
compensation set-up so when you deploy the spoilers the plane will have less
tendancy to pitch or balloon. Allows you to focus more on the plane during
landings.

For 4 channel aileron power planes, you can use the ailerons as flaps too.

There is no reason to go with a Standard Radio any longer.

zachj1212

so the 2 futoba radios have the wrong servoes for a park flier or sailplane?( what is the definition of a park plane) whati is a flight pack?

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Many beginner sailplanes are 2 meter in size and can take standard size servos and receivers, which is what most of the radios include in their packages. Planes like the Spirit, Gentle Lady, Sig Riser, the Gentle Foamy and the Defiant can all take standard size servos. These are pure sailplanes. I gave you a list of electic electric gliders earlier.

Parkflyers on the other hand are small electric planes. These need micro servos and micro receivers. Wing spand in the 30-60" range and typically 8 ounces to about 30 ounces in weight. I gave you a list of electic parkflyers earlier. If you put two standard servos at 1.6 oz each and a standard receiver of about the same weight into a 12 ounce fuselage, it would fly like a dog if it could even fly.

The Flash 5SX listed above is one of the few radios I have seen that can be had with micro receiver and servos. Packge is about $180.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

These are foam gliders, but they are intended for the slope, not thermal duration.

http://www.midwestslope.com/gliders/

Fastsky

From what I have been reading I still can't see what you want a 6 channel radio for?? The extra 2 channels are used for flaps and retracts. Unless you get into high performance electrics with very large battery packs you will probably never have use for the extra channels. Especially since most small e powered planes only use 3 channels! If you check out the review of the plane below at least this plane will get you into using 4 channels. Yes its made of balsa and ply but its more repairable than you might believe. If a wood piece gets broken you realign the pieces back together and use Ca glue to "weld" 2 broken pieces back together. If you really want to learn more about this hobby I would suggest you find a nearby RC club and go have a visit. One hour with an experienced pilot will teach you more than 6 months of reading on the box. http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4684[8D]

zachj1212

hears the deal with the radio. First, i am only 13, so coming around money isn't easy. I want to get a good 6 or 7 channel radio, so i won't have to buy a radio for some time. I didn't say i was going to do electric for my whole life, but atleast till i'm 16, and can afford that stuff. )i'll get a job)

Again, all that i want is your regamendatiom on a good 4 or 5 channel sailplane, regular foamie, and a wood plane. I have the aerobird, so now i want ailrons, 4 channel.

One more thing. I could buy the futuba radio, alone, and then buy a separate flight pack for the plane i want? The way that i see it now is if i get a sailplane, i could just buy the radio with the standard servoes, but if i want a parkflier or something, i would by the radio separate, and ask my hobby shop to order a flight pack. does the flight plack actually a pack, or do u have to buy everything?

thank you!

Fastsky

Fair enough. Flight packs are a general term meaning a package deal for the electronics needed to control the plane. You buy one of these if you have a transmitter you like and need the parts that go into a new plane. There are different packs that you can get. You can get them that includes either 3 or 4 servos. They also include a receiver, a receiver crystal, an on/off switch, and a 4 cell battery pack for the reciever which all mount in the plane. If you order a pack you will need to specify the reciever type and channel number so that it matches your transmitter. Sometimes, there are specials where you can also get a 4 channel transmitter included at less than the price of the flight pack alone. These are the best deal and also gives you a spare transmitter. Hope this helps. Fast![8D]

mlawrencemsc

My Feedback: (19)

zachj1212
If I were you I would look at the JR 6102, it's a 6 channel radio with a 10 model memory and it will last you a long long time before having to up grade if you have to up grade at all. It cost $50.00 more than the JR 631 but it's so easy to program that it's worth it. IMHO it's the best 6 channel radio out there. Click the JR-6102 for a look.

mlawrencemsc

My Feedback: (19)

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

My complements sir. For a 13 year old you have this very well though out.

If you want ailerons, I would suggest you go to an aileron electric first. You know electrics. Sailplanes are a completely different animal. I love them! But unless you are going slope soaring, I would suggest you start on an R/E/S sailplane like a spirit, or an EPP foam Gentle Foamy or a Defiant.

Now that I have gotten to know you a little better, I would recommend you look at these as your next planes. Some may be able to use the Aerobird batteries.

MORE ADVANCED PLANES

Now that you hvae masterd 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.

I left the RTF planes on the list. You can ignore them if you wish.

3Channel 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

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

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

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

Zagi XS - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=...&products_id=1
Video page
http://www.zagi.com/index.php?main_p...812dbc8b76c42f

Zagi XT - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=...&products_id=5
Video Page
http://www.zagi.com/index.php?main_p...812dbc8b76c42f


Planes that can be 3 channel beginner planes or 4 channel aileron trainers.
Kits

Magpie - Easy to build Foam kit - also listed above
Has trainer wing AND an available sport wing
Master the first, then advance to the second.
http://www.mountainmodels.com/magpie.php
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/Magpie.wmv

SmoothE - Easy to build Balsa and foam
http://www.mountainmodels.com/smoothe.php
Funny video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/SmoothEsmall.WMV

IFO - Easy to build kit
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


4 Channel Aileron Trainers
RTF, ARF or Kits

GWS E-starter 400 - Simple Foam Kit
http://www.servohut.com/estarter.htm

GWS Tiger Moth 400 - Simple Foam Kit
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=GWS1020
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=345
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazi...345/TM400m.wmv

Mountain Models Dandy Sport - Balsa kit
http://www.mountainmodels.com/dandysport.php
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/ds1.wmv

Multiplex Magister - RTF or kit
This plane is much larger than the others
Close to a .40 glow trainer in size
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXGZV3&P=ML
Review
http://www.smoothair.ca/reviews/Magister/magister.htm
Video - This is not with the standard motor
this plane has an upgraded brushless motor
http://plawner.net/video/magister_funday.wmv
Video - Brushless
http://plawner.org/video/magister.wmv

See anything that interests you?