Hi, i want to get into RC electric plane flying/hobby and i've been searching around for a beginner/trainer plane thats not too expensive and easy to fly..i've heard about the easy star and wish i could afford that but its well beyond my budget.. i've had my eye on the hobbyzone Firebird Scout(it retails in the $50's). my only question is about the controller (aka "transmitter" correct?) whats the difference between a 2channel and a 3channel "controller"(transmitter).. using common sense i came to think a 2channel means it controls left/right turning and throttle acceleration/deacceleration.. and a 3 channel contoller means it controls left/right turning, throttle accel/deaccel AND descending and assending (aka flaps/rudder?) please correct me if i am totally wrong about this..

is there an advantage over the other? the 2 channel would seem more simple to use.. in other words less complicated which i like for a true true beginner which has NEVER flown a RC plane(e.g. ME! lol) but a 3 channel i would assume is BETTER because it gives you MORE control over the plane thus allowing you to fly it better and even maybe with EASE.. can anyone guide me in the right direction!! i really want to get this firebird scout but its a 2channel controlled RC plane and i've downloaded and installed the FMS program and after afew days its almost impossible to control a 2channel "FMS model" plane which i downloaded.. i cant believe that this FMS is even %95 close to the real life thing, is it? i downloaded other models and its easy to fly even the "Easy Star" FMS model.. please help me!

Ed

i would hope three cahnnel would add throttle control, and the 2 channel version would just be wide open all the time....

Typically, I believe, two channel planes utilize rudder or ailerons for turning, and throttle for ascent/descent. Three channels incorporate a moveable elevator. Some twin engine electric three channels utilize engine thrust for turning (speeding one engine up while slowing one down to make a turn), plus the ability to acclerate/decelerate both engines together for airspeed control, and a moveable elevator.

Chanel 1 = Elevator
Chanel 2 = Rudder
Chanel 3 = Throttle .. usualy a Switch on top of the Transmitter

2 Chanel is as Said Before ~:

Chanel 1 = up / Down .. Controlled By Motors
Chenel 2 = Left Right .. Controlled By Motors Again ...

A 2 Chanel is For REAL Beginers And i Dont think They Fly to Well At all
But when i got my First Model it was a
'Electra Fun JP' ... 3 Chanel , Realy easy to Fly And Rather Aerobatic to

Would Recoment something A Bit more Attractive tho....

My Advise is Try a 3 Chanel Park Flyer and Get Confident with That ... Then
Move to a 4Chanel Eletric Flyer ...

Chanel 1 = Elevator
Chanel 2 = Rudder
Chanel 3 = Throttle
Chanel 4 = Alerons

And if you Wish To Advance More a Nitro Aircraft .... But Thats a long Step For now

So i Wish You luck With Your Flying
Have Lots Of Fun!

The scout and te other Firebird two channel plane fly great IF YOU WAIT TILL THERE IS LITTLE OR NO WIND. 2 channel throttle/rudder

Aerobird Challenger and Xtreme are 3 channel - Elevator/rudder/throttle. Provides much better control of the plane an lets you fly in windier conditions.

k thanks for the help guys.. i just purchased a firebird scout for a good price! ..i 've been reading alot of post on here about the problems with the plane though... about the "boom" and about no lift and just nose diving straight down.. i will keep all these in mind PRIOR to my first flight.

Hi Ed,
Switching from kites to planes? I'm considering getting back into it again after about 25 years. If you have the time and like to put models together then find a full build kit. In this fast paced gotta have it now world, slowing down to build a plane can be very relaxing. If you think you might really get into soaring then I suggest getting a quality 4-6 channel radio set-up with elevon mixing for when you get into the v-tails. These days many radios allow multiple plane programming. You may not use all 4-6 channels but it may come in handy if you get into powered planes. Personally, I just picked up a Carl Goldberg Electra with motor off of eBay for $30 including shipping. I probably won't start it until after Christmas sometime as I'm hoping to talk my significant other into getting me the radio. Oh, I'm also still into kites. I have a feeling this coming year is going to get expensive.

Ron

Ron