Gas or Electric? [Archive]

Cracroft

Mar 07, 2006, 02:15 PM

Hi All,

I've wanted to get into R/C Air for a number of years but was never able to make time for it. Now that spring looks like it is near (ya right) I want to get out and be a spectator first then get into the hobby.

I also don't know which area to get into, gas or electric and then which plane to start with. I've read some reviews and I'd like your opinions to help me choose. Any suggestions would be great.

Do any of you recommend flight sims?

Also if your in a club in or near Mississauga and have days that spectators can come out let me know.

Cheers
John

The Enemy

Mar 07, 2006, 02:38 PM

John,

I'm a little bias toward electrics. But their ease of build, flight, setup etc is the reason. You can fly the smaller electrics at a park or school yard and at the club field as well. The gas/nitro all are limited to the clubs. But you can do larger electrics there too...

I think most clubs are happy to welcome spectators and new members alike at any time. You'll have to ask them about it though just to be sure. Every club I've stopped at was happy to have me watch and answered all of my newbie questions. Just remember, to fly there, even as a guest, you'll have to have MAAC.

A free (and fairly good) sim is Flying Model Simulator (FMS). You can download it here. http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html
You can find tons of free downloadable aircraft for it too. Just go to the downloads section on that page and browse the links. If you do a search here on RCGroups, you can even find schematics for a patch cord so you can use your transmitter (Tx) as your control on the computer...

I'm in Guelph. But make sure you stay in touch on RCGroups and ask any question you can think of. People here are really really great. PM (private message) me or ask here if you're unsure.

Corey

flossandfly

Mar 15, 2006, 02:37 PM

I fly both electric and glow. Electric is great for small models that you can fly in parks. I really got caught up in all the advertising about how you can convert .40 size planes to electric and tried it. I ended up spending around 600.00 (cdn) on motor and batteries and found that the plane flew okay but after one flight I was done for the day unless I bought more batteries and/or a better changer. I didn't want to sink any more money into it so converted the plane back to glow.

I would recommend electric if you want to fly small models in parks/club fields. If you would like to get into larger models I would recommend glow engines.

I use an old dave brown simulator from 1995. Simulators are great for learning and practising but I don't have a recommendation for which one.

P-38J-Lightning

Mar 15, 2006, 08:17 PM

35-50" + Span Glow (depending on what plane) under is either glow or electric from what i have seen that isnt 900000 bux

P-38J-Lightning

Mar 15, 2006, 08:18 PM

oh and WELCOME TO RCGroups.com! :D:p:)

bororin

Mar 16, 2006, 10:16 AM

Hey John!!

Welcome to the group!!!

I believe it all comes down to what you are looking for.

I fly electric, and I love it because I have a soccer field around the block and I go there... Fly my electrics and nobody complains and it is easy... that is what I love about it, it is not as expensive as most people believe... get a good couple of batteries to begin and buy an easy plane... I got Slowstick and I think it is an excellent trainer.... See if you like it and then you can invest a bit more.... or go into crazy 3D's and start crashing your planes like crazy :)

With gas you could overcome some of the limitations you get with electric but you will have to find a place to fly it.... Like a club or something.

It is also good to have a flying partner or flying buddies, that you could find in a club... so you dont get bored between charges and so you can share your first aerobatics or your first crash... I am lucky I share the hobby with a friend that it is also my neighbor... and sometimes we get a group of kids looking at the park and we try to show off, so the competition is also good...

But as I said it all comes down to what it is that you are looking for... At the end of the day, either gas or electric, you can never go wrong with this hobby....

Good luck

Bororin.

Cracroft

Mar 17, 2006, 12:24 AM

Thanks for the welcome, I was worried I asked the wrong question when only Corey had responded.

I know the main down part with electric is wind and that's my concern. My wife will kill me if I spend a lot of money and then tell her I can't fly because of the wind.

The slow stick sounds good and I was sent the link to the gwsexperts site for the $125us deal.

For now I'm trying out an Aero Ace but of course wind has me there, a little too much lately. If you're from the GTA or Mississauga and want to show a newbie how to fly send me a PM.

Please keep the suggestions coming

Cheers
John

GWS CHEN

Mar 17, 2006, 10:00 AM

A Beaver or Tiger Moth more after flying Slow Stick.

Pa0222

Mar 21, 2006, 02:41 PM

Hi John,

I fly electrics and it was difficult at the beggining since like you and many others I didn't want to spend a fortune on equipment and decided on parkflyers. Batteries are essential but now you can find cheap Lipos for almost the same price as good NiMh. Bororin and I tried many hours flying old NiMhs with little power and success but just lately we bought new Lipos and everything changed. We still fly brushed GWS motors (350 and 380 size) with the same ESCs but much more power. I've been thinking to jump to brushless but it involves also new speed controls (ESC). Slow stick is a very good trainer I recommend you get 3S-2000mAh Lipos and 1080 props with the stock motor (350 or 380); with this configuration the plane will tolerate more wind.

Regards,
Pedro

aeronavale

Mar 21, 2006, 05:13 PM

Bonjour John,

Reading your post brought me back a few years, when I started electrics. Then, the flying ratio weight/power was so little that you could easily be tempted to switch back to nitro.
Now with low weight airplane (with good shock resistance), low weight electronic equipments and batteries, you are sure to get a positive experience taking only a few precautions.
For the preceding reasons, there is no risks at buying an airplane that looks like one and that can give you a good flying experience at the same time.
I started my 13 year old son with a GWS Pico-stick F (with a fuselage) and he could fly it alone on the first try. A few flights and he was trying fancy manoeuvers (without any succes, it is not capable to do aerobatics without modifications - so that the wings don't fold).
You should also invest on light onboard electronics; they are reusable from one plane to the other) and a lypo cell (I use an Apogee 2 cell 7.4V - 1050 mAh)
With this set up, the average flight is between 18 to 20 minutes, and a small field is all you need.

Electric is the way to go for someone who wants to enjoy the relaxing side of the hobby.
Welcome and go for it.

Cracroft

Mar 23, 2006, 04:07 PM

I really thought Canadians had more opinions than this but I can go with what’s here. After reading your comments and some of the beginners threads I think Electric is the way to go (and the crowd goes wild). Some people in other threads are certainly divided on this issue.

Now which Bird should I go for and what else do you suggest to start? The Slow Stick seems to be a favorite on the board and many people lean towards GWS, why? I will take suggestions of any planes is someone likes other than GWS.

Bring It On, I can take it.

What plane and what else will I need to start? Keep in mind I do need to convince my wife (of 3 ½ months, who encouraged me to look into this) that I need this stuff and why I need to spend the $$. Cost justification in other words I’m dead if there’s a big expense I forgot about.

So let's hear from all Canucks eh.

Cheers

The Enemy

Mar 23, 2006, 04:20 PM

I think Electric is the way to go (and the crowd goes wild). Some people in other threads are certainly divided on this issue.

Some sure are divided! Not me though... ;)

I sure am excited that you chose electric though! :D

Now which plane should I go for and what else do you suggest to start? The Slow Stick seems to be a favorite on the board and many people lean towards GWS, why?

Bring It On, I can take it.

Well, I'm sure you're tired of my suggestion... But I personally lean toward GWS because of the inexpensive price, the availability of parts, and the ease of their builds.

But let's hear it from some other Canadians out there. It's still cold... Why aren't we all huddled around the warm computer monitor and reading RCGroups?

Corey

Cass

Mar 26, 2006, 07:33 PM

Late to the party here :)

Congrats on your choice to fly RC. Electric is great, glow is fun too. But i learned on slow light weight electrics. Most summer evenings its calm where i live, and thats the time i most enjoy flying anyway.

Nothing like having dinner, brewing some coffee and loading up the car to head to my park\flying field, set up and fly a bit then have some coffee. Fly some more, have some coffee. then end the evening with my tigermoth in the sunset..

Oh yeah, bring your bug dope if you live up north like me :) .

*sigh* cant wait till summer!

Best of luck to you Cracroft and keep us posted.

Hey Corey which Ultimate did you get? and where?

Dan

The Enemy

Mar 26, 2006, 10:13 PM

Cass,

Got me an Eflite Ultimate Fx 3D... Love the thing to death! I'm even planning on buying another just to leave in the box for a later build. I've never had so much fun with an aircraft since my original Tiger Moth that got me started.

Bought it at HobbyHobby in Mississauga, and they're slated to call me when more arrive in...

Here's a quick vid with a little of the Ultimate in it from a few weeks back. http://media.putfile.com/RC-Sunday

I dorked it in a couple days ago too. I was so bummed... But then my new TigerMoth kit arrived and the hurt was only temporary. The Ultimate will be in the air again tomorrow if the weather is good though. Just doesn't look as perfectly pretty anymore.

C.

Priestman

Mar 26, 2006, 11:13 PM

Cracroft

Mar 27, 2006, 10:14 AM

Hey Priestman,

I'm just getting into this as well if you've read from the beginning. I moved from the Falls two years ago so welcome to the group.

If you want to go to some place in person Hobby Hobby is in Streetsville and I've been told their really good, Skycraft Hobbies is in Burlington, he's been there forever but he seems expensive. Lots of places online check this thread out http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489423 where you'll find more.

John

Priestman

Mar 27, 2006, 07:40 PM

thanks alot for the help.

JackDD

Mar 27, 2006, 08:07 PM

Summer...
We've been flying Electrics all winter here...Brrr ;)

Cass

Mar 27, 2006, 08:08 PM

Corey thx for the vid I'll check it out at work tommorrow, i only have dialup here at home :( .

I built a 'disposable park flyer' type plane based on LenBFPs 'Almost Ultimate' from way back in 02 :) . Been having so much fun with it i was thinking i might like one of these new eflite ones, so the vid is gonna come in handy :) .

Dan

Cass

Mar 27, 2006, 08:09 PM

LOL hey jack :)

I fly in the snow too :)

JackDD

Mar 27, 2006, 08:13 PM

Hey guys whats going on? Im from Niagara Falls Ontario and was wondering if anyone is from Southern ontario who could tell me where i could buy a eletric plane? any info would help since i dont know what im doing lol. i just want to start flying and crashing lol.

Hey Priestman,
Don't give up... help is only a Club away..
Start looking for your local RC club we seem to be everywhere. ;)
or start with the yellow pages look for hobby shops, when you visit ask them for the local club info..
Good Luck

The Enemy

Mar 27, 2006, 08:14 PM

Dan,

The price I got (and was promised again) was really phenominal! Do you want me to give you a shout when they arrive? I might even grab one for you and mail it to you for no extra charge if you ask real nice... ;) lol

Corey

JackDD

Mar 27, 2006, 08:17 PM

LOL hey jack :)

I fly in the snow too :)

Cass,
We only had 1 month snow with skis, 2weeks on the ice... dodgy then..
but just great the rest of the time.. I logged 3 mornings a week consistantly this winter... just cold on the fingers thats all.. ;)

The Enemy

Mar 27, 2006, 08:23 PM

Hey, that brings up another good point to go electric over nitro...

The glow feild closes all winter! (Most do anyway.)

Corey

Priestman

Mar 27, 2006, 09:28 PM

hey guys its me again.... I see u guys are into these things so i guess im in the right place. uhm when u buy say a plane online does it come with engines? or do u have tro buy it seperate? and if u have to buy it seperate could u guys send me in the right direction for the best plane for beginners. Oh and i dont like ones that dont look like planes lol. i like those cessnas kinda one.

The Enemy

Mar 27, 2006, 09:39 PM

Preistman,

You sound like I did when I started. How are you with waiting for windless days? Are you up to speed on LiPo batteries?

I got into the hobby with a GWS Pico Tiger Moth. It is modelled after a DeHaviland Tiger Moth, and is a great beginner airplane. It comes with a motor, but you'll have to supply all the other stuff to go with it... servos, ESC, Rx, Tx, batts, charger

The only thing is, it doesn't tolerate wind. There is another plane that I found for Cracroft that comes with EVERYTHING except the Tx and Rx (which come together anyway...) It isn't modeled after a real plane though, but would tolerate some wind... It's called a GWS Slow Stick.

There are so many other things you have to consider in a first airplane other than looks... That will all come later. Depends on how much your willing to sway, and in which direction.

So, let me know. Here or in private messages is fine. We'll get you into the air.

Corey

Priestman

Mar 28, 2006, 12:36 PM

lol well considering im really new i dont know what servos are and all the other stuff. im not that eletric impared well i guess i am lol. uhm ya Do u know of any hobby shops near niagara falls? I cant seem to find any in the yellow pages or anything

Cass

Mar 28, 2006, 02:45 PM

priestman;

Servo - wired to the reciever. Moves the control surfaces of your aircraft after
recieveing signal from reciever.

You have picked an exciting time to get into electric flying that is for certain, but also a difficult time because you have to make some decisions and it all comes down to money.

i would highly recommend you research first and look at equipment, look up or ask for definitions but mostly ask yourself what you want to do.
How do you picture yourself enjoying the hobby?
Are you flying a fast warbird or a smooth cessna?
are you flying during the middle of the day in wind or in the evening/mornings when calm (quite frankly you dont have a choice when your learning, you need to fly no wind, especially if you plan to teach yourself)
Are you going to want to spend lots of time building your model or do you want it 'almost ready to fly' (ARF).
Do you like big planes or small ones?

answer these for us first then we can ask you some more questions and soon you will answer what you need yourself :) .

Oh yeah, download FMS (http://n.ethz.ch/~mmoeller/fms/index_e.html) . Its free and will help you learn how to orient when flying. Use a joystick if you already have one or if you dont own a joystick i would recommend a gamepad with two sticks (kinda like a transmitter) .

Corey;

Thx man, thats mighty nice. I still gotta get to work and look at that vid. I will let you know, though i wouldnt stick you with the shipping :) . PM me what the cost is if you dont mind.

Dan

Cracroft

Mar 28, 2006, 03:43 PM

Hey Priestman,

As far as i know you don't have anything down that way for RC. I looked for years and there was nothing, you really do need a good one down there.

Your best bet is to try Burlington, I don't know if there are any in Hamilton. You could try over the river I don't know. Mississauga would probably be the next closest to you, let us know if you find something else.

The guy in Burlington is pricey but he's been doing this a long time, Mississauga are better prices (even using the extra gas) and I've heard they're good if you can get them away from the regulars.

Cheers
John

LLoo

Mar 28, 2006, 04:24 PM

Hi Priestman,

There is an excellent article on chosing a first plane here: http://www.plawner.net/3/1st_plane/

It does draw a conclusion and makes a recommendation for a particular plane but even if you don't go with their recommended plane the article describes a lot of the key issues you need to consider when selecting a plane. It's a good read and I highly recommend it for anyone starting out in electric flight.

Another good site for learning about electric fliying is the eflight wiki (I'm biased as I run this site). http://www.eflightwiki.com If you have any comments (good or bad) about the EFlight wiki from a new pilot's point of view let me know. I'm always looking for feedback.

Leon.

Priestman

Apr 01, 2006, 02:29 PM

Wow thanks alot for all the help. hey Cracroft they is a hobby shop in welland. uhm he said he has a plane which is 250 dollars which comes with all the stuff. good or bad

Cracroft

Apr 01, 2006, 02:40 PM

Hi Priestman,

My suugestion would be to get all the details on it and let everyone know on here. They know more about prices then I do.

There are some planes out there that are less expensive but you won't be able to use the parts in other planes.

I myself am right back where I started because I went to a LHS today and they may have talked me out of electric.

What they showed me was around $450 - $600 for both Electric & Gas and I may just go for gas, I saw a Nexstar hanging in the shop and it would be about the same or a little more as a Slow Stick once it's setup.

Come on Guys, Priestman and I need your help.

Cass

Apr 04, 2006, 04:10 PM

Cracroft;

do you have a club membership? you will need someone to teach you if you opt for Glo, they are too heavy and fast for self teaching......

Pa0222

Apr 04, 2006, 06:56 PM

Hi Cracroft and Priestman,

It happened to me too about 3 years ago now. I went to my local hobby shop (LHS) and they showed me the same thing (Nexstar) full equiped (not really) and pre-covered for about $500-$600 but I didn't have the green at that time. So I decided to buy an ARF kit which I just assembled the fuselage.
Many things to buy, the little iron to put on the cover, unless you want to ruin your wife's. Then engine: 2 strokes, 4 strokes?. Then the smelly gas. The chichen stick, the battery for that. The receiver's battery, etc.
So I did some research and decided to get a Slowstick combo on eBay. After some time I realized it wasn't the best deal or the best combo but it put me in the air after just a couple of days of building. It was very hard at the begining NiCad's are just crap, but with todays Lipos the power is just phenomenal. I didn't dream of inverted flight with my old SlowStick and just last week I did my first.
If I where to start all over again:
* Don't buy a computarized radio now, you don't need it (I bought one myself). You don't even know if you can take all the ups and downs of this hobby. You may even quit after your first hard landing just after realizing all the repairs hours ahead.
* Take an easy build, easy repair plane. Look for advise (I wish I had) when you have repairs. I have crashed my SS tons of times and most of the damage is taken by the gearbox. Gearbox is $1.50
* I would start with: http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=145_111&products_id=1079
They have great service and they carry all parts (for repairs). I have bought a lot from them and always a pleasure. This kit comes up to $200 USD, after you add transmiter, receiver and crystals.
This is far from the $500+ for the Nexstar plus club's fee, etc. As I see it the only advantage of glow is the power but just that; and many disadvantages.

Regards,
Pedro.

The Enemy

Apr 04, 2006, 10:51 PM

;)

I'm working on a buddy box. Maybe we can do your maiden that way if you prefer... (I can't build the first one for you though. That's half the fun!) Plus, chances are I'll drop off a case of beer to boot. :D

Corey

Cracroft

Apr 05, 2006, 01:21 AM

Cass, Pa0222 & The Enemy,

Now this is the kind of feedback I've been hoping for.

The $200US price tag is tempting, Customs will probably nail me for taxes and I'll get hit for brokerage fees, any idea how much?

You all make great arguments for electric, and no I haven't joined a club Cass, not until I decide. I know they have fees and all want MAAC to join which will be another $200 or so the first year for all.

OK electric is back in the running.

I'm taking suggestions on radio's then. I want something I'll be able to use for some time as I've said before my wife and I discuss large purchases and I don't want to tell her that I need something better too soon.

Thanks guys

John :D

Pa0222

Apr 05, 2006, 11:49 AM

John,

Customs will charge you taxes (the usual) but brokerage happens only if they ship UPS, EMS, Fedex. But as I recall GWSexpert ships via USPS, although I would check before.
If I were you I would take the cheapo Tx on the GWSexpert offer and buy another radio gear appart for other projects. 4 channels simple-simple is what you need at the beggining and a bit longer. But the next radio depends on what your plans are.
If you think you will have some helis (I don't know what mixing) or a sailplane (crow mixing) or a V-tail (vtail mixing) or elevon, flaperon, all that jazz. Then you will need a computer radio ranging from simple (around $200) to very advanced-capable of everything, 14channels-PCM-etc (around $2200). My recommendation, you don't need PCM modulation, there's not enough people flying here in Canada for PCM to avoid noise, there're simplier easy-on-the-pocket solutions to noise than PCM.
If you think park flyers is your thing, then a good choice is the Spektrum radio, goes for about $200 including Rx, Tx and micro servos ideal for park. Some people here (RCG) says they are good even for sailplanes and they come with the necessary mixing for helis. Nice technology just starting for RC. The people from Sombra Labs (Ottawa based) are working in their spread-spectrum system but it will not be compatible with Spektrum (look in the "Got Sombra" forum).
Futaba, Hitec, JR, positive shift, negative shift is just a matter of taste and everyone will give you a different opinion. You can ask me into parkies if that's what you are looking forward.

Regards,
Pedro.

The Enemy

Apr 05, 2006, 12:02 PM

John,

Also keep in mind that ANY of these aircraft can be flown at a club feild, electric and gas. You CAN have the best of both worlds. They may scoff at a little electric SS for a while when you're learning. But when I send some F-18, F-15, F-14 (yes with sweepable wings) plans your way with enough foam to build 'em. You're gonna go vertical, then watch their reaction! "How much? Where can I get one? Wow, look at that thing GO!" They still have their cool engine sound, but we have POWER with electrics! Hehe. Man, I'm biased.

Oh yeah. If you start with electric, you can go to gassers alot easier than going the other way 'round!

Corey

Cracroft

Apr 05, 2006, 12:29 PM

Pedro & Corey,

Thanks once again for your knowledge and recommendations. It is a great help to those of us wanting to get into this hobby.

If I can use the four channel for a couple planes then it will make the justification easier to my wife. Buying a second or so plane that I don't need to purchase another radio makes it so much easier, is this possible with the less expensive radios?

If I get the SS my second choice might be a Tigermoth. It would blow my wife's father away as this is one he likes a lots. He was out one day last year and took a picture of one and I think he would really enjoy seeing a model of one flying. The F-14 sound awesome as that is one of my favorites.

and Electric takes the lead!

The Enemy

Apr 05, 2006, 12:51 PM

If I can use the four channel for a couple planes then it will make the justification easier to my wife. Buying a second or so plane that I don't need to purchase another radio makes it so much easier, is this possible with the less expensive radios?
I flew my first ~40 aircraft (only 2 of them kits!) on my 3 channel Hitec Neon radio. It had elevon mixing to use with flying wings where the ailerons do duty as elevators too. I only went to a 6 channel Futaba because I really wanted retracts. :D BTW, I only had 4 different motors in all 40 of them! Another benifit of electric is that the electronics can usually be used in countless aircraft because of gearing differences and all that kind of adaptability of them.

If I get the SS my second choice might be a Tigermoth. It would blow my wife's father away as this is one he likes a lots. He was out one day last year and took a picture of one and I think he would really enjoy seeing a model of one flying. The F-14 sound awesome as that is one of my favorites.

and Electric takes the lead!
I'm so glad you like the TigerMoth! It was my first, and I still love them. I even bought another because I love them so much. Here's some reading if you want. ;) http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114411
It's still ongoing. We were limited to 500 posts per thread (there are 27 of those!), and here's part 28 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=424067&page=151#post5284505 (2265 posts and counting!)

Corey

Cracroft

Apr 06, 2006, 01:21 PM

Hey Corey,

As you said building the plane is half the fun, well I think flying with someone else (or learning from) is the other half. That's the main reason I thought about going the club route because I would be able to learn and meet more people into the hobby.

The buddy box and beer sound good when I get a plane.

Do any of you know someone who bought the Slow Stick package from gwsexperts? I would prefer to deal with someone in Canada just because I like to support Canadians.

Cheers
John

Cass

Apr 07, 2006, 09:43 PM

Oh yeah. If you start with electric, you can go to gassers alot easier than going the other way 'round!

AMEN!

OK, for your shopping pleasure....

backyardflying.com

- slowstick - $51.00 here (http://www.backyardflying.com/securestore/c193794p16460966.2.html)
- reciever - $20.00 here (http://www.backyardflying.com/securestore/c195381p16355207.2.html)
- crystal - $5.00 here (http://www.backyardflying.com/securestore/c274127.2.html)
- speed control - $25.00here (http://www.backyardflying.com/securestore/c193795p16676114.2.html)

Zebrahobby

Radio tx 3 channel - $50.00 here (http://www.zebrahobby.ca/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?usr=51F6022513&rnd=9961469&rrc=N&affl=&cip=209.226.234.102&act=&aff=&pg=cat&ref=Transmitters)

lithium 2 cell packs - $30.00 here (http://www.zebrahobby.ca/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?usr=51F6022513&rnd=2482470&rrc=N&affl=&cip=209.226.234.102&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=LiPower1320-2S&cat=blithium&catstr=HOME:blithium)

cheap charger requires basic solder and electrical meter skill - 95 cents here (http://www.zebrahobby.ca/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?usr=51F6022513&rnd=6431467&rrc=N&affl=&cip=209.226.234.102&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=QualAuto&cat=chargerLithium&catstr=HOME:chargerLithium)

servos - $16.00 a piece, you need 2 minimum here (http://www.zebrahobby.ca/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?usr=51F6022513&rnd=7033103&rrc=N&affl=&cip=209.226.234.102&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=ServoNR%2FBB%2FJ&cat=servos&catstr=HOME:servos)

connectors for your batt - here (http://www.zebrahobby.ca/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?usr=51F6022513&rnd=7864638&rrc=N&affl=&cip=209.226.234.102&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=GWSJSTMale&cat=jst&catstr=HOME:connectorswires:jst)

This is just to give you an idea. The batts and charger are examples of cheap entry level stuff as well as the radio. If you build your own planes like Corey suggests these items will be usable in other planes. The servos are not the lightest you can buy but should move up to warbirds, etc well, as will the 2 cell batts. The charge will take about 2 hours per charge but what do you want for 95 cents?

The connector, like the tx, will do for a start, as you learn and read, you will change what you need. its a start for about 200 canadian (not US) for everything :) .

Disclaimer: This is just my suggestion and should be taken as such. I would definatly buy some beer for Corey and hook up with him, he can help you out as well.

my 2 cents

Dan

LLoo

Apr 08, 2006, 01:15 AM

John,

IMHO, if you're looking for a radio that you can use beyond your first couple of planes, I'd suggest you look for a 5 channel computer radio. 5 channels because you may end up with a plane that needs two ailerons, a rudder, elevator and throttle. And if you end up with a few planes the computer memory is handy. I started with a Hitec Flash 5x. It was a great radio and I'd still be using it if I didn't find a good deal on my Futaba 7CAP. If you look around you should be able to find used Flash 5x's for sale for under $100. Just my thoughts.

Leon.

Cass

Apr 08, 2006, 07:56 AM

I'm taking suggestions on radio's then. I want something I'll be able to use for some time as I've said before my wife and I discuss large purchases and I don't want to tell her that I need something better too soon.

Sorry John, i didnt pay enough attention to this post.

Definatly a 4 channel radio minimum and as LLoo says 5-9 channel computer even better. The place to shop for good used equipment is on RCCanada in the 'electronics for sale' or you can look in your local 'buy and sell' or 'penny saver' type magazines. I have see some tx sales and complete packages for sale in there, but try for just a Transmitter. Or check at the local clubs around you. I think oakville has a huge electric club that flies indoors weekly during the winter. you may be able to pick something up there. OR (ideas poping into my head as i type :D ) decide the kind of radio you want then post a 'wanted' in RCCanada.......

The secret is to wait for the good deal (hard for me, cause i want it all right now! )

The only caveat to this is, if you dont like RC your investment is much higher then the cheap 50 doller radio suggested .

Its tough to get started...
have you tried the simulators yet?
have you had your hands on a park flyer?

maybe a visit to Guelph may be in order ;)

Cracroft

Apr 09, 2006, 01:31 PM

Hey Cass & LLoo,

Great feedback and suggestions and I think electric is the way I'm going. I've seen two different motors with the SS the EPS-300C & EPS-400C. My guess is that these are brushed motors because they come with the kit standard but what's the difference?

I went to Hobby Wholesale's website and they have the SS with the 400C for $44.99, and the HS-55 servos for $14.95. Are these good prices?

I'll will be buying in groups like how you showed them so I don't get hit with everything at once.

Enemy had mentioned to me once I could use the SS (once I know how to fly) with a camera, will a 5ch handle that, or doesn't that part matter?

Does anyone have a radio for sale?

cheers
John

Pa0222

Apr 19, 2006, 08:41 PM

Hi John,

EPS300 and 400 are two different sizes of brushed motors. If you plan to go brushless from the begining then get the cheapest one, otherwise I recommend you buy the 300. The motor is smaller therefore less weight and better W/power ratio. Don't bother with Nicads or NiMh batteries, too heavy and not enough power. For the SS get some 900-1500 mAh 3S (11.1 volts) Lipos. Yes you will ruin your brushed motor eventually if you go that way but the power is amazing, and as soon as you brushless they'll make your motor happy.
Keep us posted as soon as you get your SS. I have a ton of general and particular tips for you. Like cut the shaft short and put a metal prop saver, in this way you avoid bending the shaft too easy with the rough landings. Get APC props: the friend of every learner, they withstand a lot of punishment for twice the price but believe me I went through dozens of props before prop savers and APC props.
I don't know much about cameras but I think you just need an extra channel for the tilt servo. That makes 4 channels: elevator, rudder, ESC and camera.

Regards,
Pedro.

Pa0222

Apr 19, 2006, 08:44 PM

I meant power/weight ratio. And I forgot about the slope glider version of the SS which is basically the same but no motor and a lot cheaper. That is ideal if you go brushless right away.

Pedro.

Cracroft

Apr 20, 2006, 12:36 AM

Thanks again Pedro you've been a great help.
I don't know enough about radios myself to know what to get.
Does it matter what channel it's on?
I went to rccanada.ca and there are some great prices I think for radios, anything from 4 to 8 channels. This is all so confusing...lol

I understand about the motors now thanks for that too

John

Cass

Apr 25, 2006, 06:09 PM

Cracroft;

If i were you, i would look at RC Canada for a radio. When you see one you think might be right for you, go to the manufacturers website and read about the abilities of the radio. Then compare to another of similar price, etc..... Also check for the same radio new, to make sure the price is good.

Channel doesnt matter, unless you have a preference, like a favorite number :D , but once you purchase a radio of a certain channel you need to use that channel for your reciever as well (unless you buy a *spectra* type radio that can do all channels.)

Dan

Cracroft

Apr 26, 2006, 08:13 AM

Thanks Cass
Great idea, I've been on RC Canada often doing exactly what you've suggested, if you see anything let me know.

Cass

Apr 26, 2006, 09:21 PM

Hey, i was just on RCCanada, did you buy the radio Cracroft?

If so, Congrats!

Dan

Cracroft

Apr 27, 2006, 10:18 AM

Hey Cass,

I tried was already gone from the night before but trying on another one now, one model newer than that one.

Good price I think

Cheers
John

Cracroft

May 02, 2006, 07:50 PM

Hey All,
I just picked up a JR XP652 radio, met the guy at the local LHS, only problem was the charger for it isn't working any more. The charger is a model NEC-221 (11.6v Tx, 5.8v Rx, Ni-Cd), the Tx looks in great shape, hopefully it is. Any suggestions on the charger.
The LHS still didn't have any SS in stock but said they are expecting some on Friday or Monday so hopefully I might be able to start putting one together this weekend. Should I go with the HS55 servos?

The radio came with the crystal on channel 39, do I need one for specific to the receiver or can I use any.

Cheers

Pa0222

May 03, 2006, 11:46 AM

John,

About the charger: go to an electronics surplus store and get a transformer with an equivalent rating (mAh) and voltage to the dead one. Solder the old connector onto the new transformer following the correct polarity. For the servos HS55 are good and you could use them in a future project but SS would take even standard size servos. I have minis in mine, size is the same as standard but weight is less. If I'm not wrong HS55 are naros which is good enough for SS but don't go with picos because are too small for the servo holder (SS) and probably not enough torque.

Regards,
Pedro.

PS: You'll need a Ch39 receiver in positive shift ($) (this is the shift for JR and Airtronics radios). There are also universal shift receivers ($$) which detect the shift of your Tx and there are also sintesized receivers ($$$) which can be programmed to receive in any channel.