First trainer questions
 

So I finally decided to purchase a plane and I have a few questions. I found this forum after I made my purchase so this is what I have on the way.

Tower Hobbies Trainer .40 MkII
O.S. Max .46AX ABL
Futaba 6EX 6-Channel 2.4GHz/4 S3001 Servos
Misc Req'd Items (prop, servo extension, field box combo etc.)
RealFlight G4

After reading through this forum I found a post (don't have a link) in which someone stated that the 46AX was too heavy for the tower trainer. The AX weighs 17.2oz and the LA 13.6oz. Assuming the plane is balanced correctly is this going to be an issue? Should I consider another engine to start with and save the AX for a second plane?

The radio was offered with S3001 or S3004 servos, what is the difference? (i ordered the S3001, hope its right!)

Will the 6EX be able to link with non spread spectrum Futabas?

I'm sure I'll have many more questions once all this arrives but that is all for now, thanks in advance for any assistance.

RE: First trainer questions
 

The [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVW07&P=7]S3004[/link] servo put out a little more torque than the [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXH286&P=ML]S3001[/link] does. They will both work fine for your aplication. The OS.46 AX will fly the plane beautifully and you will be thankful for the extra power. The extra 3 oz will not hurt you at all. You will just have to place the battery pack a little further back to ballance. Also the .46 ax will be better suited for your next plane:D

RE: First trainer questions
 

the OS 46AX is comparable in weight to the engine offered in the ARF version so your getting a perfect size for the airframe.
the servos S3001 are slightly heavier and not as much tourque,or speed as the 3004, if its not to late to change your order the 3004 would be a better match for this plane as well as any future ones its used for, there also a little cheaper as well.

RE: First trainer questions
 

I already placed the order so I cant change the servos, as long as they will work I'm not that concerned. I thought the higher priced servos would have been better somehow, seemed logical at the time.

Thanks for the quick responses.

RE: First trainer questions
 

depending on when you made your order, Tower is pretty good about making changes,or exchanges,especially if its not in transit yet,just give em a call they are pretty flexable I have done it myself,your choice .

RE: First trainer questions
 

Its a trainer. The control surfaces are small. It will be fine with the S3001 servos.

I have trained on pretty much this exact set up, and the plane flew beautifully.

Put an 11x5 or 11x6 APC prop on (you didn't mention the size you ordered), and use 10% or 15% nitro fuel, and you should be good to go.

Oh - don't forget to get an instructor.

Brad

RE: First trainer questions
 

I ordered a 10x6 prop, it is the size Tower recommended. I guess now would be a good time to ask what do the numbers mean, and why would a 11x5 or 11x6 be more appropriate?

RE: First trainer questions
 

As you see above all your choices are fine, the differance in the servos is of no conscienquence and your choice of engine is far superior.

The answer to the last of your original questions is no Your Futaba 6EX 2.4 system will only function with the matching 2.4 Futaba Rx.

RE: First trainer questions
 

10-6 is too small for that engine. Only for break-in.

11-6 APC prop is just right for that engine.

edit.....Recommended Propellers: 10.5x6, 11x6-8, 12x6-7, use 10x6 for break-in

RE: First trainer questions
 

The average computer is not enough to handle the RealFlight G4

A friend of mine had a computer 6 months old and had to send the G4 back since it wouldn't work on his computer.

RE: First trainer questions
 

"Will the 6EX be able to link with non spread spectrum Futabas?"
You are reffering to buddy box, YES it will with the right trainer cord.
I dissagree with a previous recommendation of APC prop for that setup for training purposes.
I would use a Master Airscrew 11X6 prop. It can take more abuse than the APC. It is less efficient but that is something you don't have to worry about with your combo.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXZ971&P=ML

RE: First trainer questions
 

The computer I have should be sufficient, it was built for gaming (although it never gets used for that).

Sorry for not clarifying, I was refering to a "buddy box" and not the RX.

Thanks, that is was I intended to ask.

I will order a 11x6 prop. I'm sure I will need a spare or two anyways.

I see there are several materials for props (wood, nylon, composite, etc.), which type should I be using? Would a weaker, easier to break prop lessen the chance of damaging the engine, or is it not an issue?

RE: First trainer questions
 

I suggest nylon. You will have prop strikes often when learning to land. This is normal.
A wooden prop will break every time.
It won't hurt the engine. Even a Nylon prop is weaker than any metal engine part. Also most prop strikes will happen when landing and you will be at a low idle when it happens.
That said. We do have some ruts and holes in our club field that get hit on occasion. I have seen a number of planes suffer prop strikes at higher to full throttle. It always results in the engine being killed. I have never seen an engine damaged from a prop strike.

RE: First trainer questions
 

this plane of mine has the same engine when I first started out I had a nextar and broke 3-4 props right out of the gate,so I ordered a bunch more thinking I would need them didn't break one after that :D I'd like to kick Mr.murphy in the shins for that one.
but they work well and are cheap about 2$ea there 11/5 and they have the painted tips like the MAS props, the Masterairscrew props are also exellent for the beginnig pilot really durable they can handle the abuse that the first time pilot can hand out.

RE: First trainer questions
 

"Will the 6EX be able to link with non spread spectrum Futabas? "

Yes, I have the 6EX 2.4 and the 6EXA. Buddy boxed them a few weeks ago so my son could fly my H-9 Pulse. Per the manual on page 33 the 2.4 can be buddy boxed with "6EX-2.4, T4EX, T6XEA, T7C, T9C, T12Z, T14MZ, and FX-40". Just make sure that you read page 15 in the manual. It will tell you how to activate the trainer function. I couldn't get mine to work, and I learned about the programming by asking on this forum, and Bax was a big help. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_125/tt.htm
You may have read about the service advisory http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6921377/tm.htm Just do what it says about checking the serial numbers. I took my transmitter to the LHS and it checked out fine. I would be willing to bet that yours was after the advisory, but it won't hurt to check.

And by the way, about those props, I did exactly what bigtim did with my nexstar. Broke the original, bought the 6 pack of MAS props from Tower, and I still have 5 left:eek:. Heck, if you lived close by, I'd give ya a couple!

Have fun flying. It's a blast, but sooooo addicting.