Flew for the first time ever today.

[Whiskers]

Well I took the plunge and picked up an Ares Gamma 370. Got it all assembled and charged up and took it out to a local soccer field that has a lot of space and was empty. Grass was too long to taxi so I hand launched it. I had so much fun. Definitely a learning curve to it, had a few close calls, but didn't crash it. I did break a prop on landing though because the grass was too long and it nosed down. But I have an extra and I'm ready to try again with a little less wind! Just wanted to share that with you guys.

[xmech2k]

All right! Congrats! Another one hooked!

[LA Ming]

Way to go Whiskers!

I'm a newbie too... about 12 flights on my HZ Super Cub so far. It's fun, isn't it?

[max2112]

Originally Posted by Whiskers

Well I took the plunge and picked up an Ares Gamma 370. Got it all assembled and charged up and took it out to a local soccer field that has a lot of space and was empty. Grass was too long to taxi so I hand launched it. I had so much fun. Definitely a learning curve to it, had a few close calls, but didn't crash it. I did break a prop on landing though because the grass was too long and it nosed down. But I have an extra and I'm ready to try again with a little less wind! Just wanted to share that with you guys.

CONGRATS on your first flight Whiskers. Hopefully you'll have many more to come.

and WELCOME to Wattflyer! It's always great to see new faces on the board.

[dahawk]

Congrats ! Welcome to the addiction !

I can't think of having more fun with clothes on.

Good luck !

Hawk

[kenchiroalpha]

Hi
Outstanding
Congratulations
Take care
Yours Hank

[Rockin Robbins]

You, sir, started out right with what will be the new #1 unassisted newbie learner plane. Now your wallet is in extreme danger from airframe acquisition fever, but it will die happy!

Did you use the prop saver when you flew? Were the instructions clear on what it is and how to use it? It is included in the package for optional use and might be helpful early on.

[earthsciteach]

Congrats, Whiskers! First flight, no major damage. Well done!

[Whiskers]

Thanks guys. I was just happy I didn't dive bomb it. I was using the prop saver however I think I had it bound a bit too tight. Didn't really tell you HOW to put the rubber band on, just to do it. I had 2 on there (because it came with 2 in the pack) but I think it was just too tight to do any prop saving. I've redone that with the new prop and only 1 rubber band, adequately tight. And I really appreciate the warm welcome here. It's nice to come to a new forum that's full of knowledgeable and friendly folks like yourselves.

As far as the plane itself goes, I love that thing. I'll be changing the tamiya connectors out for deans though, as the tamiya end on the ESC already started giving be connection issues. Now I just gotta wait for a day to go fly it again!

[mclarkson]

Congrats! I remember my first time.

[Whiskers]

It's a whole new adrenaline rush. I've been playing with rc cars, modifying real cars, been skydiving, etc so I love a good thrill ride. But flying has always been something I thought was really cool, but I don't have the time nor the money to do it in real life, so this is awesome for me. I'm sure glad nobody was there to watch though cuz it wasn't a pretty flight. I was proud I flew it and landed a few times though with no real issues.

[CHELLIE]

Originally Posted by Whiskers

Thanks guys. I was just happy I didn't dive bomb it. I was using the prop saver however I think I had it bound a bit too tight. Didn't really tell you HOW to put the rubber band on, just to do it. I had 2 on there (because it came with 2 in the pack) but I think it was just too tight to do any prop saving. I've redone that with the new prop and only 1 rubber band, adequately tight. And I really appreciate the warm welcome here. It's nice to come to a new forum that's full of knowledgeable and friendly folks like yourselves.

As far as the plane itself goes, I love that thing. I'll be changing the tamiya connectors out for deans though, as the tamiya end on the ESC already started giving be connection issues. Now I just gotta wait for a day to go fly it again!

Congrats Wiskers There is no Hope For You Now You Better Join This Group before its to Late

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...ight=anonymous

Use The XT60 Conectors, they are a lot better than the Dean Plugs and a lot easier to put together and get apart. and HK sell their lipos with the XT60 connector already installed on their lipos, they are good for up to 60 AMPS.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...5pcs_bag_.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...5pcs_bag_.html

[airmail wf]

I'll second the XT60 connectors they are great.

[Rockin Robbins]

Originally Posted by CHELLIE

Use The XT60 Conectors, they are a lot better than the Dean Plugs and a lot easier to put together and get apart. and HK sell their lipos with the XT60 connector already installed on their lipos, they are good for up to 60 AMPS.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...5pcs_bag_.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...5pcs_bag_.html

Them's FIGHTIN' WORDS! EC3 connectors ALL THE WAY from the same place. I just think they work fine and are easier to soldier than the XT60s.

[Whiskers]

Well just a little update. Swapped the stock tamiya connectors for deans (mainly because I already them laying around). Took it out again today. Sunny day, 5-8mph wind and yea I'm definitely hooked. Ran 2 batteries through it, both were great flights. Even did my first loop today! Followed by my second, third, and fourth haha. No wrecks and since I fixed the prop saver, no broken props even with it nosing over on one landing. Not to jinx myself but flying is not nearly as hard as originally anticipated. I've got my away and facing me orientation down fairly well and yea I'm just havin a blast. Granted its only 3 channel, but I'm loving this.

[dahawk]

I standardized on EC3's early on but buy the cable adaptors for Deans and XT-60's.

-Hawk

[hoghead5150]

Whiskers, i'm sorry for your loss.

loss of space, time, money, sanity!!!

better start clearing out a spot to store planes, welcome to the addiction. it won't be long before your searching for your next plane, next transmitter, next, next, next!!

[dahawk]

My wife hates Cyber Monday's because whe knows there are going to soon be boxes appearing at the front door with RC Airplane stuff ! LOL Indeed, I've been a busy shopper today. With all the unfinished builds in front of me, I'm going to be busy over the next few months.

[Whiskers]

Haha yea I ordered a few new batteries today. Wish I had more to spend, there was so much goodies on sale!

[hoghead5150]

for batteries, don't forget about valuehobby.com. their g-force batteries are very good, and very cheap!!!

[rags]

Good job. Enjoy.

[Rockin Robbins]

Originally Posted by dahawk

I standardized on EC3's early on but buy the cable adaptors for Deans and XT-60's.

-Hawk

There you go! Make some short adapters with different plugs on each end. Then you don't even have to cut the XT60s off the battery and replace them with something good.

Personally I get a perverse pleasure tossing XT60 plugs in the garbage, but that's just a personal problem... If you DO replace plugs on batteries, you need to do it safely, ONE WIRE AT A TIME!!!

[dahawk]

Originally Posted by hoghead5150

for batteries, don't forget about valuehobby.com. their g-force batteries are very good, and very cheap!!!

Yes, and thanks for the reminder. I almost forgot about them. Have always had good experiences with Value, Grayson and Headsuprc ut have never tried their lipos, except for Grayson. I've tried buying Gens Ace from Nitro but they are always out of stock.

-Hawk

[Whiskers]

A random side note on that subject, I LOVE soldering. Anybody else?

[Whiskers]

Another few flights under my belt today. Was a little but of a challenge keeping a handle on it, as the winds were about 10mph and gusting, but I managed alright. Had my first actual take offs today instead of just tossing it. And I tried a new venue (a local park). Too cold though! Hands were going completely numb. Good day overall.

P.s. sorry for double posting that in 2 threads. I thought I was replying to this one, when in fact it was my other thread.