I am going to join a Rc club and they recommend me to buy a buddy box. So I can fly and at the same time
my instructor can help me out if I do anything wrong. The Problem is that I don't know what to get. I have this
Radio Transmitter [link]http://site.nitroplanes.com/LY-Remote.jpg[/link] . The only Port it
has is this one [link]http://img9.yfrog.com/img9/3629/p1040787b.jpg[/link].
Can anyone tell me what I need to do?


Thanks,

Hate to be the bearer or bad news, but if that is the only port on the transmitter, that means the transmitter isn't buddy box compatible. The port in the second picture is the charge port for rechargeable batteries. Some radio's that don't come with rechargeable still have them built in, but don't use it if you fly with dry cell batteries.

In order to buddy box you have to have a transmitter with a trainer chord attach port. Most cheap radio's like Nitro Planes sells wont' have one. If you want to buddy box you'll need to upgrade to a Futaba, JR, Airtronics or Hitec radio (most popular in the US/Canada) with buddy box capability, and get second transmitter (usually of the same brand) that is used as the actual buddy box. Go to your local hobby shop and they'll be able to help you out.

Hogflyer

You can find decent 4 channel buddy-compatible radios on auction sites. Igot 2 different Futaba Conquest systems for 25 bucks each. One had a receiver and servos with it. They both work welland amazingly both had the same channel in them. I use one as a spare for my trainer. I also bought the buddy cord for them so I could get instructor help.

I have looked in Ebay but nothing good.

Here's two:

http://cgi.ebay.com/FUTABA-CONQUEST-...d=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/FUTABA-CONQUEST-...d=p3286.c0.m14

Can I get Like Two Working Futaba radio controllers and then I will get a cable then so that I can connect it together?

Yep, you can. Search eBay for "buddy box" and you'll find a bunch of radios you can use for the second one, they'll be cheap.

This would be a good one, for 19 bucks. There are others that come with the cord too. They cost more.

The second box doesn't have to be a working radio, just no broken sticks. It only sends signals to the instructor box.

when I buy it I should replace the receiver?

I would,althoughthe one you have may work with the new radio, if they're on the same channel.

http://www.nitroplanes.com/4brfmsl64eld.html would this radio be able to buddy box? and does this radio need double A battery's?

Says it needs 8 AA batteries. I don't know if it has a buddy port or not.

http://www.nitroplanes.com/4brfmsl64eld.html would this radio be able to buddy box?

I don't think so. Most of the transmitters that come with the electrics don't have the capability. []

I would talk to your instructor and see what he recommends.

Keep away from Nitro Planes radio and buy a quality radio. You'll be money a head in the long run and have known compatibility with many accessories. This is not the cheapest of hobbies and if you try to do it on the cheap you'll find things don't work out in the long run which will be very discouraging. Go to Tower Hobbies and look at Futaba and Hitec, Horizon Hobbies for JR and Hobby People for Airtronics.

Hogflyer

Good advice right there.

Someone told me that it has a port that I can connect the radio with other Futaba radio and use it as a buddy box.

Hi,
I hate to say that but usually it's the club who buys the buddy box to help students.

The description says "Futaba-Stanard 4 Channel Full Function Radio Controller (Aileron, Elevator, Throttle)" so it is possible that it has a jack for a trainer cord. Unfortunately the only way to know for sure is to spend money.

Yes that is true...

That radio has a round Futaba style Buddy Box port.

However that plane is ill-suited to a beginner. If you are considering purchasing that plane to start with, forget it!

Also that radio has no Endpoint, Expo, Digital Trims, model memory, etc. Buddy box TX's often (but not always) need to have the SAME capabilities as the master transmitter.


As you've already been advised, you should look to getting a good quality TX.

You'll find that you'll need to spend more than you want to for a good computer controlled radio.... but consider this:

- A good TX is something you will keep for years.
- A good TX will control multiple planes from the one controller.
- A good TX should have MORE channels than you'll contemplate using
- It will have mixing and other features that will save you money on matchboxes, etc. later
- It will permit you to adjust Expo and endpoints, making planes that would be too jittery with a cheap controller, flyable.
- If you buy a cheap controller now, you'll spend money upgrading to a better one later.

I've got to agree with Opjose, the conversation here is academic because the plane that he wants isn't suited to train a student on. You'll find it almost impossible to find an instructor that will teach you to fly on that plane. You would be much better served getting a more traditional trainer

<font size="2">

I've put together a list of planes that make good trainers and second planes. All of them on the list are proven planes that are well suited for successfully letting students learn to fly, or advance to a second plane. Check out the list here</p>

<font face="Arial" size="2"><font face="Arial" size="2">

Hope this helps</p>

Ken</p></font></font>
</font><u><font size="2" color="#0000ff"><font size="2" color="#0000ff">Looking for a trainer- what's available. (Updated 01-03-2009)</font></font></u>

If you have a questions about one of their planes or radios - ask NitroPlanes directly - http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_456/tt.htm