Real beginners question
 

Yes, I'm new to this if you can't tell after reading this question.

Could someone explain how a 4 channel radio works? They all have two sticks, but do they both go up, down, left, right? Meaning two channels per stick?

Yes - Two channels per stick
 

A mode two four or more channel transmitter (mode two is the most common in the US) will have on the right stick, elevator also known as pitch control and is the up and down movement. The right and left movement on that same stick will be your ailerons (roll control). The left Stick up and down movement is your throttle (up is full and down is idle) and on that same stick with left and right movement is your rudder control (Yaw control).

John


By the way there are single stick radios with four or more channels and called mode three. They are now uncommon but treasured by their users and the rudder is operated by a large rotating knob on top of the right hand stick which now operates three channels and the throttle is operated by a slide lever on the side of the radio. :)

what about firemoth or slowstick?
 

Hmmm...
After firebird ii, I am looking at firemoth or the slowstick pro.

WIll the planes have rudder, evelation, yaw, etc? :confused:

If not, I'd rather buy another trainer plane with those so i can learn.

Real beginners question
 

There are a couple of articles on my web page that will benefit you. One is "Beginner's Guide to R/C Flight". It shows details of the transmitter and the effect that the stick movement has on the model. The other is "Radio Control System Operation". This one goes into the radio theory that is used to make the system operate but is done in layman's terms.

Re: Real beginners question
 

Yes.

Then a 6 channel radio would have either switches or knobs to activate the Flaps, Retracts, etc.

Real beginners question
 

Thanks!!!
I added your page to my favorite list!
I also love the verse!!

(my favorite on a windy day is,.. "be still and KNOW that I am God"- in Psalms) Approtiate I think for a beginner?
;)
Lance

edited:: i noticed you recommended gas planes as starters- do you have any recommendations for elec planes?

Real beginners question
 

I have only owned one electric model. Due to that experience, I don't recommend electrics. I leave that up to the proponents.

Joysticks
 

I didn't see this mentioned. The right joystick self centers. The left joystick centers from left to right, but "clicks" up and down. This allows you to set the throttle.

As for next electrics, there are a group of electrics which they consider "aileron trainers". This is mostly since most electric pilots start without ailerons and many move up to ailerons. In gas, you are more likely to start out (with an instructor) and with a plane with ailerons.

Two that seem to fit this bill are the Switchback (Mountain Models) and the Grumbler (don't remember the manufacturer).

I've seen reviews on both, but haven't actually flown them.

Re: Joysticks
 

Hello!! Can you or someone refer me to those? I researched on two forums and it seems that megatech planes are OUT!! So many bad reviews (worse than firebird 2).

(one other plane i heard of was sig kadet lt-40? is this an elec plane?)

THANKS!!!

Real beginners question
 

For everything you ever wanted to know a e-flight look at ezonemag.com


sig kadet lt-40 is not elec but can be converted.

great planes makes an electric verision of their PT-19 trainer

Perfect Trainer
 

Just bought my son a Hobbico SuperStar Select Trainer 40 for Christmas. Everyone at the club said this is the best trainer on the market. It came with an OS40LA engine, 4 channel Futaba, all electronics mounted in this RTF. Super nice plane. Would recommend highly WS 60" & fuse 50" price was $299.99

Tim :)

Real beginners question
 

Now if your an Ozzie :) You will come accross mode 1.

right stick is throttle up and down and aeilrons side to side.

Left stick is rudder side to side and elevator up and down.

just to confuse you a little more.

Prboz