Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Well I think will go with the following,but i have a few questions??

Radio FUTABA 6 channel (what model you guys reccomend).
Plane- SIG-LT 40

Engine- OS.46 FX

What else do I need.

Does the radio or plane kit come with the servos,or do I have to buy them seperate.

Do you buy extra servos for other planes or you switch them
around.
THANKS...... :confused:

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

I think you made good choices. I would recommend getting the T6XAS, but you could get the Skysport if you want something a little cheaper. If you stick with the hobby, you'll want the T6XAS. The servos come with the transmitter. You can buy extra servos and another receiver for another plane, or use what you have to save money. Switching radio gear is a pain in the butt though.

As far as what else you need, make sure you have an instructor. Good luck and enjoy the hobby!! Dan

George
 

Have you applied for or have your AMA yet?

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

After you join the AMA join a club BEFORE you do the engine and radio installation and ask for help.Its been said before in this thread but dont even think about learning to fly on your own.Assuming you follow this advise, the new club is going to check over your installations anyway so why not use their expertise and avoid errors in the first place?

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Figure in spending about $75 in field equipment and then you will need money to buy, wheels, linkage, propellers and other minor accessories.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

The "Global RCM Trainer 40 arf" right now comes with the Magnum XLS 40BB engine. The only thing you need to put it together is a screwdriver and allen wrenches. It's really a good deal. It's normally $139 w/out engine.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXCNT1&P=7

Get more TX then you need (w/in your budget). Computerized mixing and exponential now-a-days is a must. Model memory usually comes with them. That way when you get your next model, you can fly both, and keep them in trim. I like the Hitec Flash 5x.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXNW35**&P=7

Just my opinion though, hope it helps.
--Rick

first choices
 

Stick with the 46Fx. ITs almost the same price as the 40 size, weighs less and has good power that you can use on a lot good 2nd type planes. MAgnums, ASP and others have poor reliability compared to OS Fx series. The FX arer more money but well worth it to me. Thunder Tiger are a good less expensive alternative but produce a bit less power. IF you can afford it, stick with the OS!

Re: first choices
 

Magnum/ASP, TT, OS, Irvine, GMS and Tower 46s all make right about the same power. They'll all run within 2-300 rpm of each other given the same prop (power difference is negligable). We've tested many different varieties at our club and there's definitely no clear winner, unless there's a displacement advantage (such as the OS50SX or Irvine 53 which will both outpower a BB 46). In terms of reliability, it was true that OS engines (made in Japan) were more reliable, but the Taiwan and Chinese companies have caught up at a dramatic pace. I've never seen a newer (less than 3 years old) model from any manufacturer run unreliably unless the owner doesn't know how to tune the engine. My order of preference for this size motor would be TT Pro-46 (at $70, it's the deal of the bunch), Irvine 53 (at $99, it'll outrun any 46), the newer Magnum/ASP XLS46 (at $80, sure looks like a 46FX), OS46FX (at $120, the most expensive of the bunch), and last the Tower/GMS 46 (at $75 a good buy, I've heard they leak air through their bearings making them hard to stop unless the fuel line is pulled, but a local flyer has one and it runs and stops like a champ)... In terms of engine design, I personally don't like remote needle valves (they might be safer but IMHO, the closer the better for fuel delivery), but it looks as if this is the way that OS and Magnum/ASP are going. Also look for fins that are more squared-off rather than rounded. These have been designed for maximum cooling. That being said, if you build your LT-40 light or maybe consider an LT-25 (sub 5lb with engine for an LT-40 or sub 4lb for the LT-45), you may just want to look into a hiperf 32-39 engine such as the TT Pro-36, Irvine 39, or LEO/Megatech 37. Or if you're on a budget, try the TT GP-42. These engines all produce near BB 40 power but weigh significantly lighter (10-13oz with muffler as opposed to 16+oz for the 46s) and drink less fuel. Plus their perfect for that Magic or Uproar/Dazzler that you'll be getting in the future ;)

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Two words... BULL S**T!!

This is one of those things that really pushes my buttons, so here I go again.

Buy a BASIC transmitter! In over 40 years of flying, I just got my FIRST computer radio last year. And I only got it because my wife was looking to get me a nice Xmas gift, so I went for the gusto.

Please show me ONE airplane on the market that you MUST have exponential, or computerized mixing to fly!

REMEMBER... You guys that have been flying for years KNOW how to do it. You are talking to people who DON'T KNOW.

Learning to fly is VERY difficult for most people (I know there are some prodegies out there, and I have met a few guys who soloed their first day out, but they are by FAR the exceptions). In the beginning (and by "beginning" I mean the first few YEARS for most) it takes ALL of your concentration to keep the plane in the air. EVERY switch, button, or feature on that transmitter is a potential disaster for a novice.

Example... One of the guys I used to regularly fly with (and who was a VERY good flier) got his first computer radio several years ago. He noted to me that "This radio is soooo cool! You can do ANYTHING wiyth it! I even have it set up so that all I have to do is flip a switch, and it will do a snap roll!" I said, "Not a good idea. To do a snap roll, you just have to push the sticks to the corners. But now you have a switch that could cause a disaster if accidentally hit at the wrong time."

Well, he had a very nice flight, and then, as he was about to land, he went to drop his landing gear and... you guessed it, his airplane spun into the ground. (Ooops, wrong switch)

I have seen MANY planes meet an early demise because "Ooops, I forgot my dual rates were on". (How many of you have seen, or heard of THAT happening?)

And if you're thinking, "You don't HAVE to use ALL of the features in the beginning" you're right, you DON'T have to... But who wouldn't? That's like giving a 16 yr old the keys to a Vette and then saying, "Don't drive too fast now..."

Yeah, right!

Stick to a basic radio to learn on. You want something that you can grow into? Look at the picture below. ALL of these planes can be flown with a 4 channel radio without any whistles or bells.

Then, later, if and when you decide that you want something better, there's always Christmas (or birthday, Father's Day, Kwanza, etc.)

"But then, what do I do with my OLD radio?"

Ok everyone, let's see a show of hands... If you had and extra 4 channel radio right now, would you be able to find something to put it in? Would you have a hard time trying to figure out a way to use it?

How many computer radio users out there still have 1 or 2 non-computer radios? Are they just sitting there collecting dust, or do you have them installed in another airplane?

To summerize, (finally, he's going to shut-up) Don't tell rookies that they really should spend their hard-earned money on stuff that will be either obsolete, or much cheaper by the time they are ready to use it (IF they don't wreck it their first season.)

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

MinnFlyer,
I don't think it takes most people all of their concentration for the first few years just to keep the plane in the air. I don't think many would stay in the hobby if it was that much trouble.
If you want to do laps and simple aerobatics, a cheap 4 channel radio will do just fine. And, I think you are absolutely correct --- mixing, exponential and digital trims and throws are not mandatory for any plane to fly. To do any advanced aerobatics and 3d stuff later on, it is. In a couple of months(I don't think it's that steep of a learning curve), when you graduate from your trainer and want to get something capable of lots more, the functions will be there. And even on the trainer, using expo to soften the controls is nice. Of course MinnFlyer will probably tell you that a cub is capable of all the aerobatics you will ever need for the next 5 years.
I've got it: If you think it'll take 2 years of ALL your concentrating to keep the plane in the air -- get an inexpensive analog Tx.

If not, get something a little more sophisticated, and know where the switches are before you use them.

P.S. I too think a switch for snaps is stupid. And, yes I have an old analog 4 channel futaba sitting on the shelf, a Futaba 8UAPS 8 Channel PCM, and Hitec Flash 5x...both if which get regular use.

Ask around, the older crowd tends to lean in the direction of how it was. And the younger fliers, look at technology as an advantage.
Just my 1/2 a cent. Just offering advice that GEORGE1021 asked for.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

I personally went from standard 4 channel (JLine Quattro) to a computer 6 (JR XF631) to the Futaba 9C in 9 months. Love the technology. Love being able to bring just one TX to the field regardless of which plane I fly. The problem for beginners is whether they will stick with this hobby? If they do and they get bit by the bug, I'd recommend buying the biggest/baddest radio you can afford, but starting out with a 4 channel ain't a bad idea since the cash outlay is light... I don't recommend a mid-range computer radios because sooner or later, you'll have radio envy. Ask me how I know...

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Yeah,
I drool over the new Futaba 9C's. Can you really dial-up the rx ch of your choice?

Radios too many choices
 

Here's an idea for the show of hands trick. Go to the field and ask someone if they have a 4 channel transmitter you can barrow while you learn. Then all you have to do is buy a flight pack. Oh year the futaba skysport is only $30 more then the flight pack. $30 for your own radio. Yeah you won't use it forever but its only a few buck. On the other hand....
There's good reasons for both sides of the argument. In final the only way to know what's best is to be able to predict what someone will do in the future.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Well said, MinnFlyer!

I've thought about this dilemma many times, and I think you have nailed it, IMHO.

Started out 10 years ago with a trainer and a Futaba 4 channel el-cheapo.

Got a better radio and some planes. Sold them. Left the hobby for 9 years but kept the 4-Ch Futaba and the trainer.....

...Back in the hobby last year, two new high-end computer radios and lotsa new planes...but, know what? I keep coming back to the old, basic Futaba.

It works just fine! No expo. No mixing. No nothing but basic control.

If I had to do it over again, it would a simple trainer and a simple radio, just like I started with....

Who knows what the future holds? A few crashes and the black thought pops in...."Guess this isn't for me"..... So you sell everything for $.50 on the dollar but you come back and do it all over again later.

I agree 1000% MinnFlyer, keep it simple and cheap at first until you see how it is going for you.

It it the best hobby but it is also one of the most challenging to conquer.

......Save your money until you know you're "hopelessly hooked".

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

I,ve seen the older flyers at our field arrive with two or three planes and two or three Standard radios and then sit and figure out which radio goes with which plane. I have been flying for 18 months and I have the Futaba 9C, I arrive with 3 planes 1 radio. When I decided to move up to a more aerobatic plane (extra 300 40 size) I dialed in expo to soften things out. Then as I became more used to the plane I reduced the expo alittle each time. If I didn't have expo or dual rates that plane would have never survived its maiden flight. To many time I've seen the veteran flyers say "I don't need expo I've been flying for 20 yrs", then proceed to plow there new, very touchy plane into the ground. A 6 channel computer radio with multi plane memory is a good way to start.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

And I have seen fliers (young and old) with their 3 planes and one transmitter take off with plane #1 while the transmitter was set for plane #3 and smash plane #1 into Ground #Zero. So don't give me this "one transmitter is better" crap.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

I've got 5 planes programmed on my 9C and its great. All models are stored with a name, not just a model number so picking the right model is simple. I would never want to have multiple transmitters.

My CAP uses 6 channels and multiple mixes and my Ustik 1.20 use 7 channels and a kajillion mixes. Even my goofy little Electrajet uses a delta wing mix.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

here is my $0.02

buy a cheap trainer, simple 4 channel (like the skysport) and a buddy cord (you can't depend on someone at the field having one)(also find out what brand your instructor uses and match him so your radio is compatable).

learn to fly.

senario a: you learn to solo and feel good about it and decide that this is something you can do on the weekends.
what to do: Stick with that radio for a while and keep the trainer upgrade as time goes by.

senario b: you learn to solo and you can't keep from jumping up and down like a kid, you spend the next few months thinking nothing but airplanes and flying, and want to get to the field every day.
what to do: get rehab now before its too late :p
if not, get the better radio because if you are really that into it it wont be long until you are getting more than one plane that needs more "stuff" but keep that old radio, buddy cord and trainer. because some day you may be on the field and some kid will ask "hey.. can someone teach me how to fly?"

(I am about a week away from helping my friend learn to fly.. as soon as he gets his ama and first plane and such.)

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

I drag enough stuff to the field I wouldn't want to bring along additional radios just cause I want to fly more then one plane. Besides that just more things you have to worry about if they're charge. To me a Multi memory computer just makes thind a whole lot easier. No one says you have program in snap rolls and all that other crap, you do that cause you want to. I program in flaperons and it sure is fun to watch your plane just float in.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Bingo! Computer Geek!

We think alike!

...and rc-sport...

-------------------------------------
I drag enough stuff to the field I wouldn't want to bring along additional radios just cause I want to fly more then one plane.
-------------------------------------

Couldn't a guy still use the same basic radio and channel his one, two or three planes on the same frequency?

I know digital trims are wonderful.... but pencil marks and a notebook on the one transmitter will save a new-guy a bunch of money, yes?

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

In my book, time is money. How much extra time would it take to do all that instead of just calling up a model saved in memory?

BTW, you'll have to excuse me as I get back to studying my 9CAs manual ;)

thanks for all the help.....
 

Sorry I have not posted to thank you guys for all the help.
In my case Im the type of person that if I dont get the best at first
Ill be kicking my self. Its just the way I am Ilike the best.
But then again when it comes to rc flying I dont even know were to start. So maybe the K.I.S.S. rule applies if its easier to learn.
What is the price diference between the 4 and 6 ch with computer or standard. :)

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Sorry, f2racer...I was thinking we were talking about the new guy, maybe like some of us were many years ago with a family to support and a lust to just try out R/C.....

I'm lucky enough now to have both the time and the money, but that wasn't always the case. When I started I was supporting two families and putting two kids through school. Money that went to R/C was food out of my kids mouths.

Some folks just barely have enough money for club dues and an AMA card, let alone buy a 6-10 channel programmable radio.

Yes, today, marking up the trims in pencil on the one transmitter I was fortunate enough to own and making notes in a notebook would be a pain. And, yes, I would miss expo and digital trims, but for the guy just starting out, who doesn't know if he'll make it or not, why spend the bucks?

If you were attracted to golf would you go out and buy a US$1200 set of clubs just to try it out? I don't think so.

We have heard from many who chose buying a computer radio as the first one. These guys, like us, are hooked.

How many failed and sold their stuff after the first season? You won't hear from them here.

IMHO, it is prudent to be thrifty and cautious...especially if you don't know it is going to work for you.

Woah!
 

Hold on guys! Don't get me wrong! I'm not saying that multiple transmitters are better than a single one! I was merely replying to rc_sport who said:

---------------------------------
---------------------------------
Like as if I'm old and feeble (Duuuuhhhh, now let's see, the one with the duct tape goes with the blue plane, and the one with the bent antenna goes the the one with the hole in the wing [said in the voice of the cartoon character of your choice]) And just for the record, I'm 47 and have a mind like a steel trap (rusty, and illegal in 36 states). I was simply pointing out that his system is not better, just different, and that mistakes can be made with either system.

---------------------------------
---------------------------------
"Back in the olden days" we didn't have dual rates and expo. So when you went out to the field with an airplane that was above your capabilities, you had someone with more experience check it out first. So rc_sport is saying that a computer radio allowed him to fly an airplane that otherwise he would not be able to handle. THAT'S a scary thought. Again, I don't mean to be insulting. But seeing as how he insulted me and many fliers like me, I'm just pointing out the flaws in his theory.

As far as the 20 yr veteran who plows his "too touchy" plane into the ground, I say it's too bad that in twenty years he still doesn't know how to set up an airplane correctly, or be a good enough flier to handle a touchy plane. But then, some people are just not as good as others. I have also seen outstanding fliers who, when flying at a new field plowed their airplanes into a tree (that looked SO much farther away). Would a computer have helped? Would more experience help? No, it was just an unfortunate lack of judgment.

WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES!

The best system is the one that works for YOU!
So don't insult the intelligence of people who don't use YOUR method!

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

I must say those were some very good points that you made MinnFlyer, well said.

I have only been in the field for just a little over a year now and have acquired three radios. My first was the simple 4 channel sky sport which I still use, an analog 6 channel futaba 6DA I believe *shrugs* and the newly purchased first computer radio the hitec eclipse. Once I broke from my trainer at about 2 months into the hobby I stripped it of its electronics to be moved over to my third plane. The trainer (Avistar) has sit for almost a year now and just a couple day's ago I went ahead and ordered a new flight pack so that I could get it back up in the air.

Even though I have three other planes that are more acrobatic and advanced I just wanted to get back to the basics once more.

My hanger now consist of the following.

Avistar, WM Super stunts 60, H9 Aresti and the AW edge 540T 90 size.

Randy

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Gee Minn, Did someone tell you I pee'd in your coffee or something, I was just stating my point on radios and what I have seen at my flying fields. If you want to stick with your radios then do it. I personally like to stay ontop of technology and how it makes our life easier. In response to Dave, all my planes are on the same frequency (27) but not all planes have their servo directions the same. With a muti memory radio you store all that info in each memory. Minn one thing I did witness at the field, a fellow flyer showed up with 2 4 channel radios and 2 planes. he flew the first one the switched radio to fly the second plane. Only thing was he forgot to turn off his first radio and shot himself down. Another good reason to have a computer radio. LOL

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

RC, I could list a thousand good reasons to own a computer radio. And I'm sure you could too. I have one, and I love it. I repeat: I am not saying one system is better or worse than the other, they are just different. You seem to keep trying to say that they are both ok... but yours is better. You are wrong. For every reason that you give me as to why your way of doing things is better, I can give you a reason why it is not. For every reason that you give me as to how your radio makes you a better flier, I can give you one as to why your radio makes you a more dangerous flier.
Do you want to keep trading stories? Ok, first I have some doubts as to the validity of yours. If this flier had cranked up plane #2 with two Tx's on, wouldn't he have noticed something was wrong before he took off? And if he DID, and took off anyway, the equipment he was using is irrelevant.

Now MY story. A guy at my field dropped his Tx and it broke. He was really disappointed because he really wanted to get in a flight. "No problem" said club member #2, "I can switch my Tx to your Freq and you can use it to fly YOUR plane!" Kewl huh? So, they set it up and he got a nice flight in. Then Club member #2 fueled up, turned on, switched to low throttle, flipped the prop, and the engine screamed to life at full bore! The safety restraints were the only thing that saved him from becoming cold cuts. "Ooops... forgot to switch back"

But all these stories, like your first post in this thread, are off topic.

What this post was originally about is: What should a beginner START OUT with.

Imagine a kid who had never ridden a bike before asking what he should get. Well, you could start out with a tricycle, but... naaah. Get a basic two-wheeler with training wheels, as you get better, you take the training wheels off. But be careful, just because you know how to ride a bike doesn't mean you're experienced in how to ride safely. Then, after a few years, you'll out-grow it, but by then, you'll know whether you want to get a mountain bike, or a 10 speed, or a motorcycle.

I was commenting on a reply that was essentially saying, If you're going to learn to ride a bike, go out and get a Yamagucci XL5000 with 21 speeds, dual hydraulic disk breaks, and a carbon fiber frame (because God knows, you can't ride a bike now days without a carbon fiber frame) This way you'll learn faster and you'll never have to upgrade.

Obviously this advice is ridiculous. And when I said so, you felt compelled to tell me and the rest of the R/C community that you love your computer radio, and that you apprently can't fly very well without one, and that we are a bunch of senile old fogies.

And as far as staying on top of technology, my family owned company is one of the world leaders in technology. I hope you and many people like you will keep technology going the way it is, and I hope you have a nice career in the technology field. Which is another reason to be respectful... Someday, you may be working for me :devious:

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

A 6 channel is nice however one problem that is being over looked for a beginner. all the programming will not transfer over with the trqainer cord, so a four channel is best best for a beginner, much easier to use and learn on, the 6 channel stuff can wait for more advanced planes

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

*grabs a bag of popcorn, sits back and asks who's ahead*:boxing:

LOL
Randy

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

I originally said go for the 6 channel computer radio or at least the 6 channel skysport. I change my vote. A basic radio is fine. Considering the other expenses you will have, it would be easier on the wallet. You will probably want a computer radio someday. But for now the four channel is all you need. It would be good for you to learn how to set up control throws using the servo arms and control horns. There are pro's and con's to both radios, so just go with the simple and cheaper one for now. That's my new 2 cents. Dan

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Well Minn, I'm going to let this bickering go because its obvious your king of hill here. As far as not believing my story I could care less what you think, I was there, I saw it happen. Unless your in the AV industry I doubt I'd ever work for you. As far as attacking you, as you say I don't think I addressed you personally in my first post but you still jumped all over my face as if I did. I think the idea of this forum is to post your opinion not whether or not people agree with you. My opinion is my opinion, thats all, its not the law. I'll admit I'm not the greatest flyer but what gives you the right to question my ability and my decision to use expo to help me along. If you never advance to a trickier plane how are you suppose to improve your flying skills? As far as my talking about older flyers, we have several members in their late 70's and early 80's, those are the guys I'm referring to. I'm sure you have them at your field also. you probably are assuming that I'm some young punk shooting my mouth off, well I'm 44. Have a real nice day :D

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Listen to MinnFlyer :p and go waste your money on a 4 channel that you will replace in a year or less... It's your money. :p

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

So crap can happen with a basic radio or a computer radio? Who'd a thunk it?

Buy what you like, and what interests you. If the flexibility and capability of a computer radio are what you like, buy one. If you're confused by technology or think it'll be too much for you to handle, don't. If you've got the money and want to spend it, don't let anyone's poor house stories disuade you from enjoying the fruits of your labor. If money is tight, buy only what is necessary.

As for myself, I started out with a basic 4 channel years ago. I moved to a computer 6 a couple years back, and I found it to be an asset to my enjoyment of the hobby. That 4 channel is collecting dust. I found myself needing another channel, and the 6 channel sat on the bench as I bought a 7. Last year the heli got a govenor, so I sold the 7 for an 8103.

A good radio is an investment if you plan to grow in the hobby, or have multiple aircraft. That's my view, at any rate. Any story you hear about computer radios crashing an airplane is due to the operator not paying attention. Inattention will cause calamity no matter what you're using.

No matter what your interests and resources steer you towards, make sure you set it up right. Get the linkages and pushrods to the proper lengths, and have the proper throws. Don't use a radio as a crutch.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

I started with a Futaba Skysport 4 ch. a little over a year ago. Good system. I have bought a T6XAS mainly to be able to controll all four of my airplanes by changing the radio. Cheaper to buy a receiver for a new plane. I started with the Sig LT40 and a OS 46XF and it is a great combo. and no, after a year and a half it does not "takes ALL of your concentration to keep the plane in the air"

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Saito, I stand corrected. For those of you who can fly all year round it's much easier to get good sooner. For others, they learn for 6 months, and then they forget for 6 months. There is also a big difference between someone who can fly a plane, (as in take off, fly the traffic pattern, do a few good maneuvers "two mistakes high", and land safely) and someone who can fly well enough to get a plane out of an emergency situation.

My point, and the point of this thread is: What should a beginner start out with?

No one doubts that a beginner should not start out with anything other than a trainer type airplane.

No one doubts that someone who has learned the basics should go to some type of intermediate trainer next instead of going right to a high performance plane as his second choice.

And yet, many people feel that a novice, who in many cases knows nothing about airplanes (remember airplanes? Those things you and I KNOW how to fly? Those things that we KNOW it takes aileron and elevator, not rudder, to turn?) They take this rookie under their wing, and put one of the worlds most sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment that money can buy between his dumb thumbs.

Unfortunately, we have no statistics for who-out-grew-what, and how-soon, and taking a poll here would not reflect the true results because NONE of the people who washed out of the hobby are here to vote. Plus, let's face it, most of us with computers are more likely to be technically advanced, and therefore more likely to be able to graduate to a more sophisticated system sooner than those who do not have a computer to vote with.

But let's look at those "Wash-Outs".

We all know of at least one or two guys (if not many) who started this sport, but quit. Why did they quit? Of course there are those who decided they would rather go hunting or fishing and can't do both, but in most cases, it was due to reasons like:
They just couldn't get the Eye/Hand thing coordinated. Or, to tighten a turn, they fed in more aileron without feeding in more elevator and their plane rolled over, so then in a panic they pulled UP!!!! Or they couldn't get passed that "when the plane is coming toward you, the ailerons and rudder are backward, but the elevator and throttle are the same.

Or, in many cases they could, eventually, get passed these things, but couldn't afford all of the crashes during the learning process (Face it, eventually you have to lose the buddy cord).

Would Exponential have helped them? Would Digital Mixing have helped them? Would the ability to fly 10 airplanes with one transmitter have helped them? No. Either they "Just don't get it" or they "Just can't afford it".

If they "just don't get it", a complicated radio will just cloud the soup even further.

If they "Just can't afford it".... 'nuff said.

No one who has ever washed out has ever said, "If I had just had a computer radio, I would have stuck with it".

As I have said before, I HAVE a computer radio, AND I LOVE IT! I use exponential and I have mixing for flaperons. But what WE, the established fliers, fly with has no bearing on this thread!

So please, when a rookie asks what he should START OUT with, don't assume that he is going to become a great flier, and don't just remember when YOU were a rookie, remember the OTHER rookies you've seen, and try to give them advice accordingly.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Well said, Mike!

That's exactly how I see it, too.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Don't you feel this talk about complication is a little bit over the top? Get real. A radio with some buttons on it that sometimes beeps is a lot less intimidating for most people than say... a small, tempermental engine. Or the basics of flight.

Does it confound and confuse the learning process? No. There's nothing inherently more to do while flying with a computer radio than a basic radio. You've still got two sticks, and they still move the same way. Do your fingers mindlessly wander and flick switches of their own free will? Mine sure don't.

Comparing this to other purchase decisions is good, but Minnflyer has choosen an inappropriate comparison. A computer radio is not the equivalent of a 20-pound scale P-51. It's much more akin to choosing a high-quality trainer over a rock-bottom rock. Do you freely recommend something "nice" like an LT-40 over a shelf-paper special? Or a 46fx over a 46la? Both of those choices are more expensive, and the alternatives will teach the basics just as well.

Unless you can't use simple devices, a computer radio won't cause you any undue frustration. If you've got the money, and got the desire for it, buy it. Nothing bad will happen. You won't get turned around and forget where you live. Physics will remain the same, and the plane will still fly.

There's only one situation in which a computer radio can cause definate frustration. That's when the only instructor is one of those folks that scorn a computer radio (for whatever reason; fear, intimidation, lack of understanding). He'll happily sit there and adjust pots with a little screwdriver, but won't help his student reverse a servo because he can't find the DIP switch.

The only real, tangible advantage to a basic radio is price. Everything else given here is FUD.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Do you guys realize this was the initial question on this thread? You guys have turned this into a flame war. I'm sure that the person asking this question has come to realize that you are all crazy (or just really argumenative).

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Well said MikeL !

That's exactly how I see it too.

Newbie Please Help Almost There???
 

Hey, Guys...
I'm taking up Golf. is it a requirement to have a $2000 set of carbon fiber titanium clubs (with ring-laser Gyro stabilization), NASA designed Super Duper golf balls,
Dinosaur Skin Shoes, with genuine Rattlesnake teeth spikes,
Unborn Goat Fetus gloves, and tees mined from the shoemaker-levy9 comet?
Or can I just get a $100 set of sticks and go out to the public course?
</sarcasm>


Get a basic, 6 channel futaba radio, get good, experienced local help, and go flying.
the radio should come with 4 servos, a charger, reciever, and battery pack.
you can use the servos in most any airplane, and you still have many options for your next projects.
you'll also need flightline accessories, such as fuel, starting battery, etc, but you won't need those until the airplane is built.
you'll need glue, covering and some basic tools to finish the airplane, get help at your local hoby shop, or on-line store, and get whatever equipment will best fit YOUR Budget.
Welcome!