How to best spend 200$

[mcleod24]

Heres the sitch, I want to spend under 200$ bucks for plane that can do the following:

Fly outdoors, low wind
Fly indoors, large gym
Basic aerobatics
Long flight time per battery

I have the following items already:
Fut Attack 4 AM72 radio, FP-T4NBL (oldee)
Fut Receiver with built in speed control and brake, MCR-4A w/ FET linear amp
3 Fut servos, FP S133

So, considering the requirements and the equipment I already have, what is the best way to spend 200$ ? Even though it is older, I am hoping my existing equipment will be usable. I am currently using it in a spectra electric sailplane, no problems seen.

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated !

A couple I have looked at are the slow stick and the tiger moth. I really like the looks of the tiger moth.

[1987tc]

The Little GWS Tigermoth is an awesome plane! One problem though is that the servos etc are way to heavy for it. When flying a TM weight is everything. Grams make a difference.
You can buy GWS Pico servos for around $14.00 each. A r4p receiver is around $20.00 and a esc is around $12.00.
You of course will need light battery packs and charger too. The hot set up is a 700 mah 2cell lipoly pack. With the stoock motor and the lipoly pack I have flown for over 45 minutes with time still left in the pack.

With lipoly packs you do have to use the correct charger and use care when handling them . They are completely different then a nicad type of pack.
Wes

[mcleod24]

What lipol charger would be recommended ? I'd like to mind the money, but want to get a full featured charger thats good for other battery types as well.

[1987tc]

I only fly lipoly now. So the charger I use only does them.
I stopped using nicad and the like a couple of years ago. For the smaller stuff they are the best way to go,

One danger of having a charger that charges lipolies and nicads is the risk of charging a lipoly while the charger is set for nicad or nickel metal. A reciepe for disaster
A good charger that will do all 3 types will run you around $100.00 or so. Astro flight has a good one.
I use an Apache 2020 smart charger. It is lipoly only. It does 1,2 and 3 cell packs. And can be bought for $29.99.

[2dogrc]

Good charger is the Hobbico one that is about $50! It does all three batteries types! Can;t go wrong there! Go lipo and ditch the receiver combo..Want to fly indoors and outside..hmmmm
Tiger moth is a good flyer. Why not a foamy for outside, with a stick mount and a anther for indoor? The flat wing foamies to great in any kind of wind. I have flown mine in winds around 15 knots! They are cheap and then you could get a nice indoor plane like the tigermoth and just move the motor over. The best motor, brushed for those is a gws 350 with a C gear! You will get the best performance all around. For both a light foamy and tigermoth.


Enjoy!

ps The lipos are a must. Try not to go NiMh if you can help it! the performance gain for a small increase in investment will be worth it!


2dogrc
2dogrc.com

[AEAJR]

Slow Stick Starter Package - For what you want to do, this will get you there. Keep your radio and stuff in the sailplane and keep flying it!

Sourced from GWS Expert-

Slow Stick - ARF complete package - $150
Plane, Radio, ESC, Motor, receiver, servos, battery
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=56&products_id=602 (http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=56&products_id=602)

Battery Charger - $48
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=86 (http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=86)

Extra battery - $10
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=515 (http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=515)

$150 + 48 + 10 = $208 + Shipping



Sourced from Horizon Hobby

Slow Stick $35
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=GWS1040 (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=GWS1040)
http://www.remote-control-rc-hobby.com/cgi-bin/site.pl?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshmyl.com%2Fyco (http://www.remote-control-rc-hobby.com/cgi-bin/site.pl?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshmyl.com%2Fyco)

GWS Dream Starter Kit has everything -$127
incl the crystal
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=GWSRCS250B (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=GWSRCS250B)
http://www.hobbytron.com/4-Channel-FM-Radio-3-Mini-Servos-600mah-Battery.html (http://www.hobbytron.com/4-Channel-FM-Radio-3-Mini-Servos-600mah-Battery.html)

Extra batteries can be found here: $12-$18
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=GWS%20Batteries&OverallCatID (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=GWS%20Batteries&OverallCatID)=

You can use this low cost peak charger. $19
This plugs into the cig lighter in the car. Lets you recharge at the field,
about 20-30 minutes. If you have 2-3 batteries, you can stay in the air all
day. You will need to put a new end on as it has aerobird connector, not GWS
connector. How good are you at soldering?
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=HBZ1026 (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=HBZ1026)

This would be the right charge connector for the GWS batteries $2
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=HRC56211 (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=HRC56211)

$35+127+12+19+2= $195 + Shipping

OR

If you budget can swing it, this GWS charger looks pretty nice: $49 And it
has the right kind of conenctors. - key point
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=GWS3000 (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=GWS3000)

$35+127+12+49+2= $225 + Shipping with the better charger.


The Slow Stick Info Site
http://mattsrc.rchomepage.com/ssir/index.shtml (http://mattsrc.rchomepage.com/ssir/index.shtml)



RTF

Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 - Space CL2/3
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze. This is the best choice for people
who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor place to fly, such as
a gym or
similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=PKZ1300 (http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=PKZ1300)
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/anchors_2089493/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#2089493 (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/anchors_2089493/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#2089493)
Video
http://users.cwnet.com/dhsc19/Slo_V_Aerobatics.wmv (http://users.cwnet.com/dhsc19/Slo_V_Aerobatics.wmv)
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb.asp?M=Slow_Flyers&CMD=ViewMsg&num=-8 (http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb.asp?M=Slow_Flyers&CMD=ViewMsg&num=-8)


As I said, keep your sailplane flying. That stuff is too heavy for these planes. For under $200 you can get a complete set-up and do it with the right equipment.

[mcleod24]

All,

Thanks for the replies ! You have given me some great options to choose from.

My current radios ar am, so any of the options would require the purchase of another radio. Unfortunately, thats been my delimma. I dont want to buy another single plane radio if i can help it. Of course, that raises the ante a bit!

I've been looking at some 6ch futabas with model memories. It looks like I can pick one of those up pretty reasonable.

Again, thanks for your time and replies !

[AEAJR]

All,

Thanks for the replies ! You have given me some great options to choose from.

My current radios ar am, so any of the options would require the purchase of another radio. Unfortunately, thats been my delimma. I dont want to buy another single plane radio if i can help it. Of course, that raises the ante a bit!

I've been looking at some 6ch futabas with model memories. It looks like I can pick one of those up pretty reasonable.

Again, thanks for your time and replies !

You don't have to buy another radio. Definately not. It s just that sometimes it is easier to do that.

However I highly encourage you to bypass any more standard radios and go directly to the computer radio.

Let us know how we can help.

[2dogrc]

Computer Radio! I agree!! You already know you enjoy teh sport and it will save you an additional upgrade!

[Scudrunner77]

Hi mcleod24!

I have the same old Futaba radio and RX with built in speed control that you do. Although, I know mine does not have a motor brake. Anyways...
I have use it in a Graupner Terry (had to take the case off the RX to fit) and I have used it on the Slow Stick. I have even flown the Slow Stick with standard servos. It will fly fine with this set up. The Slow Stick is a great plane and I'm sure you can fly indoors with it too (I have not). So if you are ok with your radio for now you could invest in lipo batts. Just make sure you watch your voltage or get a motor cutoff, because this RX/ESC will drain the Lipo battery too far. I run 1100 mah Nimh batteries, so I don't have to worry about this.

So I guess what I'm saying is that your radio and servo's will fly a Slow Stick very well. It works for me! If its a plane your interested in....
Good luck..

Writing all this makes me want to go fly my Slow Stick again... I have a pair of GWS floats I want to put on it....

[AEAJR]

Entry level Computer Radios 5/6 channel -

If your focus in on parkflyers, RES sailplanes, aileron sailplanes or 4-5
channel glow planes, these are very capable for the price. In addition to the
basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split aileron capabilities.
These make great first radios for the committed new pilot, providing features
beyond the 4 channel "standard" radios at a small incremental investment. For
many pilots, these may be all the radio they will need for years. They will
fly more advanced planes, like full house sailplanes or aerobatic planes, but
may
not be able to bring out all the plane can offer.

Hitec Flash 5SX - $156 with std servos/rec, $178 with micro servos/rec
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/Flash5.htm (http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/Flash5.htm)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRT20**&P=7 (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRT20**&P=7)
This package has small servos and receiver suitabale for electric flyers. The
is a less expensive package available with larger servos and reciever but not
appropriate to small models.
5 Channel, 5 Model Memory, Ch 1/5 provide dual ailerons management for
Flapper, Flaps on 3 way switch or Throttle Stick. Aileron-Rudder mix. No
user defined mixes.

Futaba EXAS - $160 with micro servos/rec, $180 with std servos/rec
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk55.html (http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk55.html)
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=82 (http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=82)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUV7**&P=ML (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUV7**&P=ML)
6 channels, 6-model memory, Prop Flaps chi 6, Flapperon using 1/6, 1 user
defined mix. The particular package I have listed at tower comes with micro
servos and receiver suitable for parkflyers

Airtronics VG 6000
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm (http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEUY5**&P=7 (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEUY5**&P=7)
This particular package is one of the few I have seen packaged specifically
for the small electric flyer. Comes with two small servos and an ESC. 6
channels, 4 model memories, 6 standard mixes, no user definable mix
capability listed. I can't find any info on the range of the receiver.
Seems to have a limitation in how flapperons are implemented.
See post #25 in this thread:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=327855&page=2#post4045771 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=327855&page=2#post4045771)

[mcleod24]

Due to lack of patience, and the here and now factor, i bought a parkzone piper.

I know, I know, not an indoor flyer ! I know, I know, another single plane radio system.

But, For the money, i couldnt pass it up. I have a nice field at work to fly in and can fly a couple times a day, so it will get plenty of use.

A friend of mine has the slo-v. So far, my experiences with the Parkzone products have been favorable. On a bad landing on the piper, I cartwheeled it with no damage to the plane. Only indication was a little green stain at one end of the wing tip.

I appreciate the responses ! I definitely think an entry level computer radio will be my next purchase.


Always remember:
"If at first you dont succeed, skydiving is not for you!"

[AEAJR]

Yes, the ParkZone planes have a pretty good reputation and are a lot of fun. And, at the price they are hard to beat.

[Plane_freak]

If your looking for a Slowstick complete kit go to www.allerc.com (http://www.allerc.com) They are an electric only web site like Wattflyer.:D

[debhicks]

You can go here as well and check out a lot of Electric specific stuff too www.willshobbies.com (http://www.willshobbies.com).

Don't forget the Optic 6 for future consideration either. That is a cool computer radio too.

[AEAJR]

I am fortunate enough to live near Willis Hobbies. May main LHS. I send all the new guys there. Great guys!

[nova801428]

you can buy all the stuff you need at allerc.com