New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
08-28-2009 | 11:52 PM
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From: small town,
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New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
Hi,
I have been interested in r/c gliders/sailplanesfor years but could not get myself to buy a plane for fear of crashing, thus wasting my money. Correct me if Iam wrong but from my research, first time flyers should persue a foam plane due to their durability??? but the downfall is that they are heavier??? Also, I have been told my an older fellow to start with 4 channels because thats the"correct way to fly?" Ineed some input as to a first time glider/sailplane??? I have never built a plane before, so Iam wondering if there are any RTFs available???and if so are there any 4 channels??? I say this becuase Iwas thinking of later adding a power pod if Iactually learn to fly. Also,I am unfamiliar with theelectronic such asthe different types of servosand the radios???Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
cj
I have been interested in r/c gliders/sailplanesfor years but could not get myself to buy a plane for fear of crashing, thus wasting my money. Correct me if Iam wrong but from my research, first time flyers should persue a foam plane due to their durability??? but the downfall is that they are heavier??? Also, I have been told my an older fellow to start with 4 channels because thats the"correct way to fly?" Ineed some input as to a first time glider/sailplane??? I have never built a plane before, so Iam wondering if there are any RTFs available???and if so are there any 4 channels??? I say this becuase Iwas thinking of later adding a power pod if Iactually learn to fly. Also,I am unfamiliar with theelectronic such asthe different types of servosand the radios???Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
cj
08-29-2009 | 12:23 AM
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From: Trussville, AL
RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
Park Zone has an RTF glider called a "Radian", It is only 3 channels which is what most gliders are. It will set you back about 2 and a half bills but it comes with a dx5 transmitter which is a great investment. As far as foam being more durable than wood, I would not totaly agree on that. I have had crashes and seen crashes with foam planes that a balsa plane probably could have withstood. I would say durability is determined alot on how the plane is built. A plane that is built strong and is reinforced will withstand damage more so than a plane that is built to do only 3d manuevers. The down side with all these new balsa ARFS are that they are built incredibly light and are designed to only fly not crash. A downside with foam is that you need a foam safe glue if you crash. Meaning you will need something like foam safe CA which is pretty expensive or else hotglue or even epoxy. I would say foam and balsa both have their pluses and minuses. I must admit I am more partial to balsa so If I was to choose which one is more durable, balsa is what I would pick.
David
David
08-29-2009 | 12:43 AM
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From: Pittsfield,
MA
RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
4 Channel RC EP 2M EPO Speedy ARF Easy Glider Sailplane with 2830kv1800 brushless motor, folding propeller and 4 servos. You will need the transmitter, receiver and ESC, battery and charger. For only $80.72.
http://r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?...093f2fae420ed1
http://r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?...093f2fae420ed1
08-29-2009 | 02:00 AM
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From: small town,
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RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
Thanks for the planes suggestions, although I am wondering about breaking issues with the props which could also damage the plane. Would it be better to just forget prop powered and go with a pure sailplane to make it safer??? What would be suggestions for afirst time RTFpure sailplanes??? Also, input on first time transmitters as well as receivers and servos??? Thanks again</p>
08-29-2009 | 06:16 AM
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RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
Sail planes are, by their nature, easy to fly. Most thermal gliders fly themselves. Some years back, when a member of a large glider club, it was almost the norm that beginners would solo on their first day out. So don't worry about learning to fly a thermal glider. Start with a 2meter and you'll have no trouble learning to fly it.
On the other hand, you still need to find some glider flyers to learn from. The real hurdle to flying pure gliders is finding a place to fly. There aren't going to be many sites where you can launch them, and there are a few things to learn about that part of the envelope. You need to find glider flyers because pure gliders don't dovetail into power R/C very easily, if at all. Oil and water when it comes to operating the two different types at the same time.
The glider forum here at RCU would be a good place to look for help getting started.
On the other hand, you still need to find some glider flyers to learn from. The real hurdle to flying pure gliders is finding a place to fly. There aren't going to be many sites where you can launch them, and there are a few things to learn about that part of the envelope. You need to find glider flyers because pure gliders don't dovetail into power R/C very easily, if at all. Oil and water when it comes to operating the two different types at the same time.
The glider forum here at RCU would be a good place to look for help getting started.
08-29-2009 | 09:12 AM
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From: Emmaus,
PA
RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
ORIGINAL: davidgeorge212
Park Zone has an RTF glider called a ''Radian'', It is only 3 channels which is what most gliders are. It will set you back about 2 and a half bills but it comes with a dx5 transmitter which is a great investment. As far as foam being more durable than wood, I would not totaly agree on that. I have had crashes and seen crashes with foam planes that a balsa plane probably could have withstood. I would say durability is determined alot on how the plane is built. A plane that is built strong and is reinforced will withstand damage more so than a plane that is built to do only 3d manuevers. The down side with all these new balsa ARFS are that they are built incredibly light and are designed to only fly not crash. A downside with foam is that you need a foam safe glue if you crash. Meaning you will need something like foam safe CA which is pretty expensive or else hotglue or even epoxy. I would say foam and balsa both have their pluses and minuses. I must admit I am more partial to balsa so If I was to choose which one is more durable, balsa is what I would pick.
David
Park Zone has an RTF glider called a ''Radian'', It is only 3 channels which is what most gliders are. It will set you back about 2 and a half bills but it comes with a dx5 transmitter which is a great investment. As far as foam being more durable than wood, I would not totaly agree on that. I have had crashes and seen crashes with foam planes that a balsa plane probably could have withstood. I would say durability is determined alot on how the plane is built. A plane that is built strong and is reinforced will withstand damage more so than a plane that is built to do only 3d manuevers. The down side with all these new balsa ARFS are that they are built incredibly light and are designed to only fly not crash. A downside with foam is that you need a foam safe glue if you crash. Meaning you will need something like foam safe CA which is pretty expensive or else hotglue or even epoxy. I would say foam and balsa both have their pluses and minuses. I must admit I am more partial to balsa so If I was to choose which one is more durable, balsa is what I would pick.
David
Foam will flex before it breaks, balsa, not so much.
Repairing foam planes is much easier and quicker than repairing balsa planes, that's the biggest advantage of foam. I've seen guys fly foam park flyers, crash and break them in several pieces, and 15 minutes later they're back in the air after CA gluing them back together.
08-29-2009 | 12:25 PM
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From: OZark,
MO
RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
Try a Spad such as the debonair or Spadet. You can build either of these in a day or so for less tahn 25 bucks (not counting motor and radio) They are easy to fix or just build another one!
check out the SPAD forum her on RCU for links etc.
check out the SPAD forum her on RCU for links etc.
08-29-2009 | 04:16 PM
#9
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RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
If you're wanting to fly thermal, don't go foam for your first choice unless you don't want to have much success.
Thermal success with a sailplane smaller than about 2meters is not easy. Some days all you'll get is landing practice with the small birds. And they don't make too many foam sailplanes that're large enough to be much help catching lift. The odds on catching usable lift go up with wingspan. And there's a point where the odds turn against you pretty strongly and it's right around 2m and smaller.
Want proof. Go fly a thermal contest. Watch how the Unlimiteds work. That class trophy often comes down to landing points and a fair number of the entrants go most of the rounds. Watch how the 2m class winds up going to the only guy who maxed out all the flights. Often the winner is the guy who made the longest time the last round. It's harder to make long flights with the smaller gliders. They can't hunt as long, and don't eat up good air as well.
Thermal success with a sailplane smaller than about 2meters is not easy. Some days all you'll get is landing practice with the small birds. And they don't make too many foam sailplanes that're large enough to be much help catching lift. The odds on catching usable lift go up with wingspan. And there's a point where the odds turn against you pretty strongly and it's right around 2m and smaller.
Want proof. Go fly a thermal contest. Watch how the Unlimiteds work. That class trophy often comes down to landing points and a fair number of the entrants go most of the rounds. Watch how the 2m class winds up going to the only guy who maxed out all the flights. Often the winner is the guy who made the longest time the last round. It's harder to make long flights with the smaller gliders. They can't hunt as long, and don't eat up good air as well.
08-29-2009 | 04:41 PM
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From: small town,
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RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
I really appreciate the info and I have done hrs or research and now my head is spinning as to what glider to buy and if I should go electric or pure sailplane. I read reviews about the raiden, although there was something about if one used the electric motor too much it would overheat and be ruined? I also looked at the multiplex easy glider/pro glider but I dont know if it would be a good choice for a first time flyer??? </p>
08-29-2009 | 10:27 PM
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From: small town,
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RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
Ok, so after extensive research I chose three electric sailplanes but have some questions about them.
Radian ElectricSailplane RTF which was suggested. I am wondering if there is really an issue with the motor or battery overheating from a lot of use??? Someone had brought this up on one of the forums and I am searching for the truth of the matter
"Easy Fly RTF EPP sailplane." Ihave no ideawho makes this sailplane??? Does anyone know of this particular glider???The design seems similiar to the Radianbut the RTF package is different such as the electronics and transmitter. I amwondering which is better as far as qualityand betterbuy between the Raidian RTFand the "Easy Fly RTF EPP???"
Spectra Electric Sailplane RTF compared to Radian andEasy Fly???
Your final thoughtregardingthe entire RTFpackage including the better electronics(servos, transmitter)as well as the better plane???
Thanks in advance for you expertise
Radian ElectricSailplane RTF which was suggested. I am wondering if there is really an issue with the motor or battery overheating from a lot of use??? Someone had brought this up on one of the forums and I am searching for the truth of the matter
"Easy Fly RTF EPP sailplane." Ihave no ideawho makes this sailplane??? Does anyone know of this particular glider???The design seems similiar to the Radianbut the RTF package is different such as the electronics and transmitter. I amwondering which is better as far as qualityand betterbuy between the Raidian RTFand the "Easy Fly RTF EPP???"
Spectra Electric Sailplane RTF compared to Radian andEasy Fly???
Your final thoughtregardingthe entire RTFpackage including the better electronics(servos, transmitter)as well as the better plane???
Thanks in advance for you expertise
08-30-2009 | 02:47 AM
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From: small town,
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RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
<div>I am crossing the "Easy Fly RTF" off the list because its hard to get and I bet parts are as well. I also decided to cross off the Spectra RTF after reading about weak electronics. I hear the Radian as a weak tail which is prone to breakage? Not many RTF gliders left? I guess its either the Radian or the Multiplex Easy Star??? Which is the better package???</div>
08-30-2009 | 02:55 AM
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From: small town,
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RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
Shd3920 suggested the 4 Channel RC EP 2M EPO Speedy ARF Easy Glider Sailplane. I am wondering if this plane would spell disaster for me being its not an RTF and Ihave no idea as to what kind oftransmitter and electronics to get?
08-30-2009 | 11:41 AM
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RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
That plane is a cool plane but it is not a beginner plane. Something like this http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJ597&P=0 Although not ready to fly, something like this is what you want to learn with if you have no flying experience.
08-31-2009 | 11:03 AM
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From: bellingham,
MA
RE: New to RC gliders/sailplanes???
I have an Easy Glider Electric and Think it would be a great first plane. While I was training last year with a glow plane, My instructor went on vacation for 2 weeks. I bought the easy glider to keep flying on my own. Very easy to fly, climb to atlitude and shut down the motor and glide for a long time then repeat.
Very durable plane. I did manage to snap one wing in half, glued with CA and was flying again in 10 minutes...
Go for the brushless motor as the brushed motor is a dog...
Pop
Very durable plane. I did manage to snap one wing in half, glued with CA and was flying again in 10 minutes...
Go for the brushless motor as the brushed motor is a dog...
Pop
