I'm a F-16 freak and I recently purchased a combat models F-16N.
it has no engine, servos or receiver needs paint and some minor repairs, np

now since I have no experience, as in zero, with rc planes i know i'll need to get a trainer and start from the beginning.

I'm thinking that it might make sense to buy an xmitter that i can use with my F-16 and I'm looking for recommendations.

your thoughts?

TIA
V

Get a simulator. RealFlightG3, Reflex XTR, AeroflyProDeluxe. These sims cost between $130-$200. FMS is a free sim and you can download it to your computer. You will need a transmitter to fly the sims with. You can get a cheap radio or a computer radio. If yo do purchase a radio I think you should get the JR 6102. This is a fantastic radio and I have it. All of this depends on how much you are willing to spend.

personaly i would buy a nice computer radio like a futaba 7c. it \s what i have, and i have to say im already glad i bought it.

I too would get a nice computer radio.. If you got th $ a 9c Will last you FOREVER!!! But then again a 6EXA or 7c will go along way too... BTW Those are all Futaba's


www.towerhobbies.com

gee, thats what i was told when i bought my first orbit radio!! now i have learned to never say never. that was about 25 radios ago and what i have now will be obsolete next year probably.

If you go with the JR 6102 or an equivalent Futaba 6 channel with a lot of features it will set you back about $300 and that radio will be fantastic for your trainer through your F-16N. Even if someone comes out with a newer 6 channel radio yours will still be sufficient, have great features, and perform many more functions than you will use for a while. You don't always have to have the newest style...functionality is what you're shooting for here.

Good luck.

Hi Venom, I took a look at the F-16N. It takes from 5-6 channels. The extra channels are used for flaps and retracts. A basic 6 channel radio can handle that so you don't need to spend over a $1000.00 for a radio unless you really want to. I like the look of the Combat Models Warthog but its a bit on the small side for me. YOu might also want to take a look at Polks Hobby radio system. You can pick any channel you like because its synthesied and the 8 channel radios have 99 model memory. Pretty good for $180.00.

Thanks for the replies.

one of my main concerns was how many channels to get. sounds like six minimum.
I've no problem with spending a bit to get good gear.

Flight sim...good idea. I guess with the proper cable you can interface to any radio?
or to they need a special connector.

so this looks pretty good?

TRACKER III 8 CHANNEL 72 mHz PLK13025 WITH SEEKER 6 6ch RECEIVER FULLY COMPUTERIZED, SYNTHESIZED R/C SYSTEM WORKS WITH ANY FM RECEIVER INCLUDES CHANNEL LOCK OUT IF FREQUENCY IS BUSY EASY TO PROGRAM BUILT IN SCANNER, MODE 1 OR 2, 99 MODEL MEMORY, ERGONOMIC CASE ALPHA MODEL NAMING, 7 MIXES + V-TAIL, FLAPERON, ELEVON, UP/DOWN TIMER, ENGINE CUT OFF, DUAL RATE ON SLAVES, EXPONENTIAL, TRIM SAVE WITH MODEL, 1024 STICK STEPS, ADJUSTABLE STICKS, FREQUENCY SAVED FOR EACH MODEL, DIGITAL PROGRAMING, TRAINER CORD AND SIMULATOR COMPATIBILITY, MEMORY STICK FOR UP GRADES, WITH SEEKER II, 900 ma BATTERIES 5 YEAR WARRANTY SEEKER 6 6ch 72 mHz SEEKER 6 ultra narrow band DUAL CONVERSION, FULL RANGE Tolerances that decrease the performance of other radios. Specs: Size: 1.5 x .875 x .5 in. Weight: 0.5 oz. ( 14 g ) SYSTEM INCLUDES: Charger, switch harness, set switch, 900ma nicad for transmitter 900ma nicad for receiver 1 standard servo

$180.00

why would a 8 channel radio come with a 6 channel receiver?

Venom822, can you get a picture of the one that you are talking about?

I'm wondering if you got the 8 & 6 channel Tracker II ads mixed. Also, unless they just came in, the Tracker III is not yet available, in 6 or 8 channel configuration.

I am on the waiting list for the Tracker III 8 channel. I think the 6 channel version is what you looked at, from the price and the receiver.

Any transmitter with a trainer port can be used with a flight simulator. The Tracker III has one, the Tracker II (an earlier offering) doesn't. Not all radios have trainer ports.

I like HiTec's 7 channel radios, and when my Tracker was in the shop I used mine.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

Your 8 channel TX and 6 channel RX work together just fine. You may only have 6 servos hooked into your RX, but you might use a function like "flaperons" (where both ailerons move down together to create flaps, but still work as ailerons) that will use the existing servos, but another switch on the TX to actuate them.

here's what I looked at: [link]http://216.86.38.243/POLKS/itemdesc.asp?CartId={CD6EE417-D57E-4443-EVERESTB9CA-219A25708FBF}&ic=PLK13025&eq=&Tp=[/link]

I didn't notice anything about availability.

just looked again...no stock

dude the 7c i bought only ran like 260. i know ive seen the 9c for just a bit over 330

hey guys don't forget the title of the thread >total noob< when you toss out numbers like 7c, 9c, 6102...I have no idea what you're talking about

I know they're radios but I don't know whose.

I think I need a sponsor.

Thanks

These are all good computer radios:

Futaba:
6EXA
7C (7 CAP for airplanes, 7 CHP for helis and airplanes, 7 CAF etc...)
9C (expen$ive)

JR:
6102
8103
9303 (also expen$ive)

The good thing about JR radios is that the model number tells you the radio's specs. For example, the 6102 has 6 channels, 10 model memory, 2 program mixes (airplane, heli)

I'm surprised that this hasn't turned into a JR versus Futaba thread.

Hope this helps

Don't worry about asponsor, there's plenty of people here who will watch out for you.

Depending on your budget and spending habits, there's 3 main choices for your first radio, a) basic 4 channels, b) entry level computer radio (usually 6 channels), or c) the best you can afford at the moment. My personal recommendation for beginners is usually choice a or b.

Many people will say buy the best you can afford because you won't outgrow it. That's possibly true, but as many have discovered, it's often not. Manufacturers are constantly coming up with new features, and the prices don't really rise. I say that beginners who do not have unlimited budgets should stay away from the advanced radios. The Futaba 7C and 9C are in this class. 7C: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXGAE9**&P=0

The next choice, an entry level 6 channel computer radio is pretty good. These offer things like electronic trims, end point adjustment, throttle cutoff, and a bunch of other things. For many fliers, this radio has more functions than they will ever need. A complete radio (including transmitter, receiver, batteries, servos, switch, charger, etc) in this class will be less than $200. I have a radio in this class, the Futaba 6EXA. One note, a limited number of modellers will outgrow the functions on this radio. If you are going to fly advanced aerobatics, 3D, jets, scale, or any other type of plane requiring more than 6 channels, this is not a good choice. 6EXAS: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXHYK7**&P=0

And the final choice is a basic 4 channel radio. The value of these are often overlooked. These radios only include the 4 channels needed for the main controls. They usually have mechanical trims and servo reversing, and come with transmitter, receiver, batteries, charger, servos, switch, etc. These systems typically cost less than $130. For a beginner, this kind of system has everything they need. The Futaba 4YF is an example of such a system. Some people will tell you to not waste your money with this level system because you will outgrow it. However, there are a significant number of people who never actually need more than 4 channels. Of the 6 flyable planes I have right now only 1 actually needs more than 4 channels. 4YF: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEFJ4**&P=0

The parts of the radio that you install in the plane are often referred to as a flight pack. The flight pack that you get with a 4 channel system usually includes a 6 or 7 channel receiver and 4 servos. You can buy a flight pack for around $100 to $150. When you finish with your trainer and move to another plane, you can move your original flight pack to your second plane. Alternatively, you could buy another 4 channel setup, or you could decide that you like flying enough, and understand what kind of flying you want to do, to buy a more advanced computer radio.

The computer radios include something called model memory. When you begin setup for a new plane, you assign space within the computer radio for the plane. The computer radio will save all of the setup choices such as servo direction, end point adjustments, trim settings, for each of the models you have. This saves you from having to change all of these things when you want to fly a different plane. People who have computer radios usually have a seperate flight pack for each plane. Yes, the $ does add up. This allows them to leave the flight components in the plane, making it simple to switch from one to another. I could go to my shop right now and take any of my 6 planes to the field to fly.

Remember the flight pack you bought with that basic 4 channel setup? If your new computer radio is on the same channel as your original radio (a good choice), it will control that flight pack just fine. Did you lose any money by starting out with the 4 channel setup? Not really, it cost about the same price as a flight pack. Plus, if you ever have a problem with your computer transmitter, you've still got the 4 channel one to allow you to at least fly something.

Sorry for being long winded, there's more to say, but these are some of my thoughts.

@ Chuck,

Thanks for the great run down.

and thanks for taking the time to post it.

:beers:

V

Chuck said it.

I would get an ARF trainer.

I reccomend the Superstar, but i had it so i am biased...

It will come with everything except field supplies. Field supplies will be about 50 or can be more depending on if you get an elctric panel and starter etc.

I think the superstar is 270 at tower, and then you can get a kit with all field supplies for 50 bucks. Then all you need is a gallon of fueld running anywhere from 12-about 17 dollars..

Re: " Manufacturers are constantly coming up with new features, and the prices don't really rise." <Exactly! Acually the prices for the newer fancy radios in most cases are less than previous models with the same number of channels that had less features, less memory, and less programming options. Thats why if you don't need a fancy radio for a year or 2 until your flying skills require it, I would wait. Meantime but a basic 6 channel and fly with that. You can always use the 6 channel as a trainer box later on so its not a waste of money.