Introduction and advice
 

Dear all,
I happen to find a sudden interest in R/C plane after I'd seen one of those planes flying at the flying field a few weeks ago. I was amaze by the speed, the sound and the acrobatic that they can perform. So i just tell myself that I'm into it.
In fact I'm very new to this hobby and I said it again.
I'm very fortunate to have found this site and I'd been reading for a few weeks before signing up as a member. I'm impress by the way all of you guys who can professionally give advice, suggestion and instructions.
As a beginner and my first post, I has a few questions and would really appreciate a feedback from all of you. Bear with me as i had said earlier, terms and vocab to use on R/C plane are still new to me. Hope that you can correct me if I'm wrong
Okay, I know that I'll need a trainer for my first plane( learn it at this forum) and definetely a instructor( learn it at this forum). I went to a few shops and they recommended a few:
1. Trainer ( from Vietnam )
2. engine -- thunder tiger .46 or GMS .47
3. radio -- a) futaba skyport 4 channel
b) futaba 6 xaps or 6 xhps
c) futaba 6 exa
My question:
1. thunder tiger .46 or gms .47. which is better? and why?
2.radio, of the 3 above, what is your opinion? If I were to take a 6 channel. which is better? and why?
3. modulation - I'd heard of FM and PCM. What's it actually and which is better? and why?
I apologise for the lengthy inputs but any suggestions and advice will be appreciated. Is there any sites that I can get get all those basic info on R/C plane. I believe that this is my first lengthy post and it'll definetely not be the last. I'll get on with more informations on you guys as i progress.
Once again, thanks.

RE: Introduction and advice
 

bemyself, welcome to the hobby and to RCU.
I will see if I can help you with come of your questions.
1) Between the two engines, the differences are small. I would get the one that has the easiest access in your area. No need to purchase a engine that is not distributed in your location and no one can help you with it. The only one that I have experence with is the TTiger. They are great engines and very powerful for their size. I would go with it.

2) If there is a chance you are going to be flying helicopters then get the 6 xhps. If not then the 6 xaps. The 6X's radios have more features than the 6E or skyport. You can go to www.futbabrc.com and do a comparison of the details of each model.

3) FM and PCM, you will get a lot of arguments on which is better. With a trainer, I would not worry about PCM. The 6X's transmitter will handle both. I use PCM for safety only. If I have a glitch or problem on the ground, my engine just goes to idle. I had a plane run away once because my transmitter turned off from a loose battery. SInce then I use PCM.

I hope this helps

RE: Introduction and advice
 

Hi Geistware,
This is great informations. Thanks alot. I believe there will be more questions to come along the way. Thank you very much.
By the way, is there any recommended websites that I can learn more about R/C planes? Er.. I mean basic information.

RE: Introduction and advice
 

Bemyself....... First of all welcome, I to am new to the rc hobby as well within the past several months be careful its very addictive lol, im sure you will get alot of diffrent opinion's regarding what to purchase, all i can say is i purchased a nexstar from hobbico and i highly recommend it with its software for your pc it worked for me in fact i still have it and it still in one Peace. Ive sense moved on to low wing,but i owe it all to the nexstar, when the weathers bad im still flying and learning more on my pc. in fact my nexstar donated all its servos and motor and radio to a hanger 9 ultra stick. it comes with a OS46fx and futaba radio and servos, all i can say is the plane comes completely together saving you time in the work shop and more time at the field. as far as the 6exs radio i own one and it serves me well i like the digital end of it for your adjustments. especially for those early morning flights when your groggy and didn't check your standard radio for its trim adjustments. well good luck and welcome to the hobby. Bill

RE: Introduction and advice
 

Dear Senza,
Thanks alot for your encouragement and really appreciate your advice. I'm not sure i'll be able to get what you propose or not as you can see, I'm located in Thailand. As I'd just started, i'm still not sure where to find the best buy. Anyway I'll take your advice and try to look for the nexstar. With your advice and others in this forum, it can't be wrong.
My next question is that, as per Geistware suggestion on the 6x, I'd actually look up at the hobby tower and found that that had discontinued this product. Why? Is there any problem or reason? I can still get it in thailand but i'd prefer to hear from all of you before I take the decision to buy.
thanks once again

RE: Introduction and advice
 

bemyself - sawadee!

My advice is stay away from the 6EXA, its sucks because the flaps are activated not by a switch but a rotary knob! Try the JR6102 or what they call 2610 in Asia, costs a bit more but will be worth it.

Engine wise go for the TT46 as it is tried and tested.

Of course PCM is so called better and will so called not glitch so easily.I played cars a lot and was on FM for a long time then PCM, ok with PCM i can have a fail safe but in terms of glitching I saw no difference.

Trainer wise go for the RCM trainer, for Vietnam not the VMAR ok, seen the wings snap. Phoenix Classic is pretty nice, Black Horse Excel 2000 is not bad also. You can easily get Thunder Tigers in Thailand I am sure. :)

RE: Introduction and advice
 

Dear Tianci,
Thanks for the advice. That's the reason I'm here. Full of valuable advice. I think I'll go for the TTiger engine and do you think it's good to go with the 6x as I'm not familiar with the JR6102 ( I believe it's not so popular in Thailand). As for the trainer, I think I'll start looking for a thunder tiger.
With all of you here, I believe I can be up flying in no time
THANKS.

RE: Introduction and advice
 

The Futaba looks fine, about the same as the JR, Futaba has 3 rates setting and not 2. Only thing is that the 3003 servos are just standard, the 6102 gives you better servos. However, go with what is popular as you will have some good after sales support.

Where in Thailand are you from? I am in Kuala Lumpur. One of your top flyer who is only 14 was in KL in March, he can really fly a pattern plane so darn well!!!

RE: Introduction and advice
 

bemyself -- opinions are usefull things, but not definitive information. While tIANci doesn't like the flap knob on the 6EXA, I like it very much -- it gives an infinitely variable range of flap settings, as opposed to two (up & down) -- this is highly usefull in most flap use cases & quite necessary for flapperon function. The 6EXA is easy to program, highly functional & still very inexpensive.

I'm sure that there are many more equally valid opinions -- you will have to form your own eventually & all of this stuff is good input.

RE: Introduction and advice
 

britbat - I hate it because the LHS does not carry the knob at all!!! Its bad service!!!

RE: Introduction and advice
 

I have never lost the knob, or the little slip-on lever, so I haven't had your negative experience. Hopefully, a broken switch would be readily available, if you needed it..

RE: Introduction and advice
 

As you are in Thailand go and see Siam InterHobby. The owner is a New Zealand guy and he can give you lots of honest help and advice. They have plenty of kits to choose from with nearly all fully built on display so you can really see what they are like. He wont try to sell you anything he doesnt think is suitable for you and usually if he has time will build it install all the gear and help you with your first flight or arrange some training for you. Try this company they are good.

RE: Introduction and advice
 

britbat - sorry I meant it did not come with the slip over lever and the LHS did not carry one! Hehehe ...

RE: Introduction and advice
 

Tianci,
I'm in Bangkok. I do not know anything about the 14 years old. Sorry, I just started he.. he,..
Hey, do you fly at the Petronas Tower since you're in K.L (lol.. just joking)

Britbat,
Thanks for your advice. I'm ashame to say that i still do not have a chance to have a feel on the radio yet. However it's a good advice and I'll weigh out the difference.

Thai fly,
Glad to know there's someone from Thailand in this forum. Where exactly is Siam interhobby. Do they assemble the plane or arrange training for a fee? By the way, where do you fly in Thailand? Maybe i should join you for advice if it's not very far or if I'm not a problem to you