Had a few questions, probably been asked by other upteen times, but here goes once more. I just ordered a ASTRO TRAINER H 40 - ARF, the picture below shows the kit. I plan on getting the help of one of our local clubs to check it out and assist with learning to fly the trainer. I also purchased a Big Stix 40 from the local hobby shop. Upon inquiring about diffrent planes etc. the salesperson recommened the Big Stix for use after I fly the Trainer for some time. Funny part was he told me in a short period of time in one afternoon (40-45 minuates) was his exact reply , I could have the Big Stix ARF ready to fly. Boy was I suprised to find all the parts etc. and the directions stated around 10-12 hours for assembly. Anyway I have not received the ASTRO TRAINER H 40 - ARF yet, and hope after the work I am putting in on the Big Stix, it may not be quite as hard. The questions I had is concering the Radio and its parts. What is meant by 4 channel/5 channel, etc. Also the # of Servo's, Like one palne may call for 4 and another plane 5? Will a 4 channel radio operate 5 servo's? Also how do you determine the setting on the servo, I have seen some whith a wheel and other with star type arms? ALso is there a guide anywhere that may have the basic terms and functions listed to help out a newcomer? Thanks........

"Channels" refers to how many things you can operate. I like to think of 4 being minimum (i.e., Rudder, Throttle, Elevators, Ailerons) With 5 and 6 being extra things like Flaps, Retractable landing gear, smoke, etc.

And yes, you can run 5 or 6 servos with a 4 channel radio. As an example, many times people will run 1 servo on each aileron and simply plug both servos into a "Y" cord that plugs into the receiver.

The big stick is an excellent 2nd airplane after your trainer.

A basic radio will fill all your needs now, but if you can swing it I would get a JR computer radio. The XF 662 would be great for you. The radio will be perfect for your trainer, then just get a "flight pack" for the stick. Then you control both planes with one radio. Computer radios are great. There's so many mixing options and things you can use. You can reset your trims and control throws with the computer rather than messing with all the linkages (of course they have to be close first). Go with JR if you can.

Funny part was he told me in a short period of time in one afternoon (40-45 minutes) was his exact reply , I could have the Big Stix ARF ready to fly.

In retrospect, did you get the sensation of having sunshine blown up your skirt when he was telling you this?

Don't get too burned out on deciding which radio to buy. All of the major brand radio manufacturers make good systems. It really comes down to how much money you want to spend.

If you have the money then just buy the most expensive model available to ensure that you get every feature known to man. Plus, the flight pack that'll come with it will probably be top-notch. Don't fret about not knowing the different features and what they do, it'll come to you in time. Many here will tell you that this hobby is about the future, so don't waste too much time on the present.

If you don't have the money to buy the best now, then borrow it. Again, you must think about the future; if you don't have the money to get the best today then chances are you'll not have it tomorrow. Since you're going to have to borrow the money anyway you might as well do it now.

I'm kidding, of course.

Your directions are correct. In 40 to 45 minutes you may have the wing joined and the tail glued on, but that will be all. Engine and radio mounting and set up is where all the time is.

Thanks,,,for the response, I have a wood working shop and had hoped to try to build a kit, but due to time and other projects, the ARF seemed like a logical choice. Upon starting work on the plane I noticed several bubbles in the covering, how would I go about getting these wrinkles and bubbles out? Also concerning the radio system, can another RC pilot have the same frequency of your radio etc. and it interfere with your or his etc.? Thanks..

Hey Bravesfan,

I forgot to say, welcome to RCU! The bubbles in your covering will come out best with a heat gun, but a covering iron will work too. Your Local Hobby Shop should have either. Make sure you go at it lightly. Some of the over seas covering that is used on ARF's can't handle much heat - so go at it lightly and start getting your wrinkles out of the bottom of the plane first.

Yes, another channel that is the same will interfere with your radio. Most clubs have a frequency control board where you get a pin for that frequency. I also like to talk to the guys there and find out what they have just in case. My club is pretty small so it is not a big hassle. Just be careful and you will be fine. Modern radios work very well, so if someone is on 24, channel 25 can fly at the same time with no problems. Have fun!

bravesfan,
I agree with the other guys that have recommended computer radios......I started flying almost 2 years ago....I just got a computer radio with multiple model memory about 2 months ago......I wish I had done it a while ago....I now have 4 4-channel transmitters that are collecting dust.....

Mike

glowplug,

When you mentioned 4-channel transmitter. Can you run 5 servo's on a 4 channel? I noticed that my Trainer plane requires a 4 channel-4 servo setup & the Big Stix I purchased requires a 4-5 channel radio/with 5 std. servos. I was looking at a VG400 4-Channel FM Radio system spec's are as follows (VG400, RECEIVER 7-channel FM DC Micro Servo(Qty)4 (94102Z or a Hitec Laser4 4-channel FM/4 HS-322 Servo's, ? you add a 5th servo to this setup. I would love to buy the high end type radios, but I've got a wife due to have us a little girl in about a month and a 9 year old; so my budget is a little confined. I would just love to take the baby steps and get us flying in the Trainer & progress from there. I wouldn't mind purchasing a used radio etc. Anyway, I appreciate all the good information....Bravesfan

As MinnFlyer said in post #2, just use a "Y" connector. Plug each servo in the top two leads of the Y, then the bottom lead goes into your receiver. I'm flying 2 planes this way right now using dual aileron servos.

Bravesfan,
As goinstraigtup and minnflyer mentioned, use a Y-harness to connect 2 servos.....basically what that does is controls 2 servos on 1 channel.....4 channels = 5 servos. When you move the aileron stick, both servos will move simultaneously.
I hear ya about the budget.....I've got 2 little ones myself!
What you mentioned about getting a used radio might be a good idea (just make sure you get it from a trusty source)....then later on you can get something nicer with multiple-model memory, without laying out too much cash on a "first" radio.

Mike

Just wanted to update and let everyone know, I was given a used Airtronics VG600 unit over the weekend. I had a good neighbor who recently passed away and he had gotten my 9 year-old son & myself interested in RC planes. His wife opened his shop for us a tour and surprised my son with a radio kit, transmitter, receiver and 6 servo's, the radio has a crystal #50 in it, bu the receiver doesn't have a crystal. I assume I will have to purchase the corresponding crystal #50 for it to operate. Also I was wondering what the white wire coming off the receiver is (? the antenna?). Also does anyone know where I may get batteries for the transmitter & receiver at a reasonable price? I have charged the transmitter over night and when I turn it on it goes to abouts 2 on the scale and then drops back to 1 or so? The receiver battery was also missing from the package. I was also given a 1/2 gallon of fuel, hand pump with lines & an automatic pump & a plane carrier tool box, magazines & video's to get started. She made my son smile ear to ear. With a limited budget and my wife & I having a little girl in about 3 weeks I was blessed by her kindness, if everyone is as kind & informative as her & the people her in the forum, I know my son will enjoy his future in RC. Thanks Bravesfan

Bravesfan, that's great! Yes, you will need a Reciever crystal on Channel 50 for the reciever. The white wire is indeed the antenna. You can get batteries at a lot of places......The standard (and what probably came with the radio) are 600mah Ni-Cad batteries. 4.8v for the reiceiver and 9.6v for the transmitter. Somebody else here can make a better recommendation as to where to get the batteries.....aside from one replacement reciever battery, all of mine are stock.

Mike

People recommended Radical RC for replacement battery packs. I just ordered from them. (the price was excellent-have not yet received the packs) Give their site a looksee. As far as bubbles and sags in covering, I would recommend a heat gun as others have....use a gloved had to smooth down the covering as(after) you shrink it with the gun. ...and ya, watch the heat, a burn thru comes on quick! Good luck with the plane.
PS www.towerhobbies.com is always a fun place to look/shop for stuff.
PPS Braves drool,SOX RULE :^)

Have a look at www.spadtothebone.com it'll save you a heap of $$ on planes as your skills develope and the SPAD World forum has heaps of advice and help

Woodsy,

Spads look like a blast to build, My son & I will have to try one in the future seems pretty inexpensive? Also wondering I had inquired earlier about a crystal (#50) for my receiver. Will any type of crystal work or does it have to be an airtronics?

Thanks.....Bravesfan