very new to all of this, need advice

[zydrag]

I really want to get into this hobby. I have 0 experience with r/c planes,I have some experience with r/c trucks. now i want to fly.I have searched thread after thread on countless forums for beginner planes,product reviews,ect. i came to the conclusion that electric would be a great way to get into the hobby.I also found a local club but was amazed @ the initial expense to join,AMA,runway fee,lawncare fees totaling approx.$220.00,and thats not including the price of the plane.I had to do some serious talking to my wife just to get her to agree on getting a plane:D. I know the club would be the right way to go but i dont want to press my luck.:oso i have decided to try to learn on my own. I have not purchased the plane yet either (still saving money for it.) Idecided on the EASY STAR,hope thats a good decision. Recently i ran across a link and downloaded FMS. the only way i have to controlling the sim is by keyboard or joystick,which doesnt really help with controlling an actual r/c. the ? i have is would it be better to buy a radio to use on the sim to get some idea of the characteristics of flying? I know the radio has to have a trainer port to connect to my pc. Ihave done some reading on this as well. Iam confused should i go this route as to what type to get AM,FM #of channels.The cheaper the better because i was planing on geting an rtf version or, shold i just get the plane (when its in stock) launch it in the air and hope for the best. I really do think the sim could help,just confused which way to go. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Foamiesrfun]

I really want to get into this hobby. I have 0 experience with r/c planes,I have some experience with r/c trucks. now i want to fly.I have searched thread after thread on countless forums for beginner planes,product reviews,ect. i came to the conclusion that electric would be a great way to get into the hobby.I also found a local club but was amazed @ the initial expense to join,AMA,runway fee,lawncare fees totaling approx.$220.00,and thats not including the price of the plane.I had to do some serious talking to my wife just to get her to agree on getting a plane:D. I know the club would be the right way to go but i dont want to press my luck.:oso i have decided to try to learn on my own. I have not purchased the plane yet either (still saving money for it.) Idecided on the EASY STAR,hope thats a good decision. Recently i ran across a link and downloaded FMS. the only way i have to controlling the sim is by keyboard or joystick,which doesnt really help with controlling an actual r/c. the ? i have is would it be better to buy a radio to use on the sim to get some idea of the characteristics of flying? I know the radio has to have a trainer port to connect to my pc. Ihave done some reading on this as well. Iam confused should i go this route as to what type to get AM,FM #of channels.The cheaper the better because i was planing on geting an rtf version or, shold i just get the plane (when its in stock) launch it in the air and hope for the best. I really do think the sim could help,just confused which way to go. Any help is greatly appreciated.


First let me Welcome you tot he site,alot of great people here and second No,Do NOT just buy the plane and try to go fly,I am saving you money by telling you this. Buy you a transmitter to work with the FMS flight sim that way you will get a idea of the controls and stuff. Either you can buy a cheap radio just for the FMS flight sim or you could buy a nicer radio that you can also use with another plane. I think the RTF planes are a great way they come with everything but once you learn to fly it(hopefully you will) you will want another plane and well if you buy a nice one now for the flight sim then you will already have one for your 2nd plane.you want to buy a FM when you buy one. hope this helps.

[zydrag]

Thank you for the advice, just needed to here that from someone with experience. one ? tho, if i were to get an FM radio would 4 channels get me through my 1,2,3, plane? which ones are more versatle to different products including fms? again thanks.

[Foamiesrfun]

Thank you for the advice, just needed to here that from someone with experience. one ? tho, if i were to get an FM radio would 4 channels get me through my 1,2,3, plane? which ones are more versatle to different products including fms? again thanks.

Get a 6 channel at least that way if you get a plane with options you will have a radio that will have them.You can get one around $150.00 or some one people will sell one cause they buy a new one.

Ask any questions you would like,I have been flying for 16 years.just got back into it after about 4 years last june I love the electrics.

[zydrag]

FOAMIES, thanks for the quick reply, i will start looking for one.

[trogdor]

Yep, what Foamies said. I learned myself on electrics without a club, too. The sim helped a lot although nothing really simulates being at the field in the sun and wind and throwing your plane in the air! I've heard good things about the Easy Star although I started with a slow stick but whatever, everyone likes some trainer but they're all probably pretty close in the end.

Consider a used transmitter on Ebay, or even just get a trainer box to plug into the PC and fly with FMS for awhile.

But whatever you do, ask a lot of questions here, follow all the directions carefully and don't get discouraged if you crash. You'll be torque rolling down the runway in no time.

Also, the cheapest is not always the best way to go, even for newbies, but if cost is a factor, dont sweat it, I started all cheap and slowly moved high end - I ended up spending more overall but I got to see why the better things were better, so whatever.

[Foamiesrfun]

I myself like Hitec and Futaba as there the same,JR everything is backwards.

http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/index.html Futabas website. you can read some info.

http://www.tti-us.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=24_28&products_id=77&osCsid=67410e099c24b0b6931efa726d32abc5 has the conectors for the FMS flight sim.

Hitecs website http://www.hitecrcd.com/

Maybe this little bit of info will help.

[Foamiesrfun]

FOAMIES, thanks for the quick reply, i will start looking for one.

No problem thats what we are here for,like trogdor said,Dont be scared to ask questions,even if you think it is a stuid one still ask and we will tell you the best we can,we been there done it and know how it is.well I wont lie,I was lucky and had a great instrutor but w/o i dont know if I would have ever learned now days its easy with all the great people and sites like this one.:)

[zydrag]

trogdor,thanks iwill try ebay,foamies thanks for the links. i am glad i asked you all as i am so overwhelmed with information i was getting confused. there is just so much info out there.

[Foamiesrfun]

trogdor,thanks iwill try ebay,foamies thanks for the links. i am glad i asked you all as i am so overwhelmed with information i was getting confused. there is just so much info out there.

Your right,theres alot of info out there and most of the time local hobby shops are No help,at least around here its like that,Hasnt been a good hobby shop here for years seince the one we all used to go to about 45 minutes away closed down.most will sell you anything to get your money and not tell you the truth about it.its very good to get on foums like this one and ask people and see what others are doing.

Disclaimer"I have never been to Atlantahobby shop,as far as I know those are a great group of guys I just never dealed with them as its far from me so I dont call it local"

Okay well if you would like to know about a airplane you find online give us a link and we will check it out,there are so many planes out there RTF is the best way for someone new I think. But there are alot of them even.just you want something that will fly slow to start with you dont want anything that will get away from you. I might not be the best to suggest a plane as I havent flown any of these trainer airplanes in years,and none have been electric. I have only flown one trainer type airplane and its called a Park Pilot,i did buy it from my local Hobby shop and for $180.00 you can get riped off too,LOL I only say that cause we wasnt flying at the time but I wanted a plane I myself could fly w/o any help of chraging or anything from my father.So I later found out tower hobbies sells the same place cheaper.I think it would be a good trainer type but it doesnt like the wind,NO wind at all only time I got to fly it was late afternoons before the sun went down. They have a Ventra,I think thats how they spell it it is about $150-180 and it looks kind of like a glider I think it might be a good trainer.Never read a review about it.Maybe I should try to find one.it uses a Ni mah and charges in 20 minutes.easy as pie.

well Sorry I get to talking and dont know how to stop.Good luck again ask all you would like, have a nice day:)

Chris

[aeropal]

Idecided on the EASY STAR,hope thats a good decision. Recently i ran across a link and downloaded FMS. the only way i have to controlling the sim is by keyboard or joystick,which doesnt really help with controlling an actual r/c.
EasyStar (http://plawner.net/4/easystar/easystar.html) . . Ready-To-Fly $170 shipped (http://www.northstarrc.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_62_107&products_id=628) . . sometimes on sale at Hobby People (http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp) . . extra battery pack suggestion: CBP custom pack (http://www.cheapbatterypacks.com/main.asp?sid=447548&pgid=custompack) - 7 IB-1200 cells - FireBird configuration - 18 AWG wire - large female Tamiya connector . . inital charging (http://members.aol.com/davthacker/nimhfaq.htm#Your%20New%20Battery).

The included Hitec Focus 3-channel 72mhz AM transmitter (http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manuals/Radio/Focus2-3AM.PDF) does not have a trainer cord port for a FMS interface . . using a usb gamepad (http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Logitech+Dual+Action+USB+Gamepad&btnG=Search+Froogle&scoring=p) comes pretty close (left stick centering mod (http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com/usb-controller-flight-simulator.html)).

The Esky 9-pin serial port controller (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=447383) is a very good value.

GWS 9-pin serial port interfaces (http://www.gws.com.tw/english/product/aux%20circuit/012.htm) for GWS "DreamStarter II", JR, and Hitec/Futaba with 6-pin round port connector. Possible issue (http://cgi.ethz.ch/~mmoeller/cgi-bin/ikonboard3/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=7;t=189) with some notebooks and laptops.
Horizon Hobby (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=GWSFSM001) - GWS Expert (http://www.gwsexpert.com/index.php?cPath=21_152&osCsid=48659a9090068756771fce2b297aef3d) - All e RC (http://www.allerc.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=gws+rs232&x=10&y=10)

Mile High Wings USB (http://www.milehighwings.com/usb_cables.htm) and Serial (http://www.milehighwings.com/pic_cables.htm) port interfaces.

FMS download (http://mpx.speedkom.net/cms/vorschau/upload/d_software/fms2alpha85me2.exe) with several Multiplex models (including EasyStar)
General FMS tutorial (http://www.tti-us.com/sim/FMSop.html#op)
EasyStar model file only (http://mpx.speedkom.net/cms/vorschau/upload/d_software/m_easystar.zip) . . R key hand launch . . I key reset
Model Files (http://rcp.web.infoseek.co.jp/fms_aircraft_e.html)
Scenery Files (http://rcp.web.infoseek.co.jp/fms_scenery_e.html)
Scarz Draganfly model files (http://home.comcast.net/~scarzvanetten/fms.htm) (Aviator is similar to Freedom Flyer (https://www.hungates.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=100753132))
Art-Tech model files (http://www.geocities.com/rizkyssetio/FMS/fms.htm)
RC-Sim model & scenery files (http://www.rc-sim.de/dl_engine_eng/index.php?subcat=11&PHPSESSID=49817d1dc25c993f260a5d756ac2ad0c)
"N-E-W-S Crossed Runways" orientation scenery file (http://www.dahltech.no/~knut/fly/files/news.zip)

[zydrag]

chris, would this be o.k.http://www.tti-us.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21_55&products_id=106

[Foamiesrfun]

chris, would this be o.k.http://www.tti-us.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21_55&products_id=106

Wow that looks like a super deal,Futaba are very good radios I have a few around here.Yes I would say that would be a good radio to start with and it even comes with a flight sim plug and software. The one for FMS is $50 just for that.

I was trying to see a total and it shows 2 thatcomes to like $318 I not sure why its doing that,but yes thats a nice radio.Heck I might buy one.I need to stop useing my fathers.Alltho I like Hitec but Futaba is good also.they both interact with each other.

[zydrag]

I guess I will have to talk to the wife(boss).hehe

[Foamiesrfun]

I guess I will have to talk to the wife(boss).hehe

haha,Good luck.I couldnt handle that maybe thats why I'm not married,still young also.

[mikenlapaz]

zydrag (http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/member.php?u=2317) That looks like a sweet deal. You may find that model is being discontinued, proven unit. You may want to check this new 4 Chan computer radio out and get some servos for that foamie in the package.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?Q=1&I=LXKSB5**&P=3

Tower has it listed for $159...they will give you $10 off on order over 150, Futaba also offers on this a $35 mail in rebate. Not bad for $115.

The comment section on trainer cords says that it has the square (new style) plug-in .

I like package deals on radio stuff.
Good luck and welcome. Just getting into EFlight myself. Been flying SPADS on gasoline.

[Doppelganger]

Zy, if you're short on money, I'll let you borrow my controller that came with My Real Flight G2 sim, for practicing with FMS. You can keep it for a couple months. Or until you get your own gear. I'm not using it at the moment. Use it and after you're used to plane orientation, and flying toward yourself. Then add a little wind. This will help you more than you can imagine.

Too many people fly the sims without real world conditions. Don't turn the wind up much, FMS sort of overdoes the effect, but it will help you in the long run. All I ask is that you send it back to me in two months. The Easystar is a great first plane. It flies well stock, It's very durable, and easy to build. I owned one. And, there are about 4 or 5 of them in our flying group. We're not really a "club".

Try to find flyers in your area outside of the club you mentioned. You may find a few people that fly electrics. Good luck and be patient. It's a great hobby!

Steve

[John Seidelman]

I was looking around E-Bay last night and saw a Sim prg. on spec. made in AUS. that comes with a plug for your controler, or joystick. It seemed to be a good price, but I was just looking and not buying. I think it was listed for 49.00 retail and was like 29. plus shipping. Could be wrong, but sounded pretty good.
Do the search to find it under RC.

Couldn't find it on E-Bay but did find them online.
http://www.preflightsim.com/preflight001.htm
Check it out.

[Turbojoe]

Zydrag,

The most important thing I can see for you to do is to put your location in your profile. You'll be surprised at how many locals are willing to come to your aid. When I see these kind of posts it's the first thing I look for. I'm always willing to help someone get started and I have several planes to train them on. I'd love to help someone get completely consumed by this just like I have.;)

Joe

[nova801428]

The slow stick made by GWS is a great plane to start out with and is cheap

[loukyphil]

Newby to WattFlyer and forums in general. Did I post to the correct place?

Can I use my JR 9303 transmitter and my JR 421 as a buddy box flying a sim just as I would real world?
TIA,

Phil
Astoria, Oregon