A good setup for 200$ or so?

[diablo]

I've got a couple basic planes comming my way for Christmas..

Anything I've posted about, I always get some responces that I should piece together a plane with my own electronics... I guess thats whut I'll try and get help in doing now So, I want to put together a good stunt flying electric plane, that looks nice also. Thanks!



1.)
I love the looks of the park flyers Edge 540T 3d plane. I'm wondering whut plane (preferably already almost put together) that I could that resembles that, in which I could use my own transmitter, and electronics..


2.)
Now, I need help choosing a nice transmitter that I could program and use on other models (other models that I may get later, so I can save money without having to get a whole new transmitter for each model)

3.)
Servos and all the electrical equipment that I need for an airplane that I'm putting together...


Also, anything else I might be missing.. Thanks

[AEAJR]

Since you are aksing for this help, I presume you are a beginner. A stunt flyer is NOT a good plane for a beginner.

You need to provide a budget. You ask for a nice radio. Nice radios range from $100 to $1000. What range are you in?

Servos can be $10 or they can be $50.

In any case, others can advise, as I don't endorse this plane for a beginner.

[diablo]

I'm not 100% beginner, I've done some sims, I've flown a few planes before, and I have the understanding how the control works for a 4channel..

I'm looking for something around 200$ that I can enjoy, a good transmitter that I can program for more than 1 model.

[jeffb]

if you don't have a lhs handy, you can always ebay-just don't pay too much- I got a futaba 6ex pcm there for under 100 bucks- it has a 6 model memory,so should last me a while- I guess it all depends on what you want. good luck,
jeff

[diablo]

Is futaba top of the line? Thx

[slipstick]

Is the $200 for just the radio gear or are you hoping to get a complete plane, motor, battery, radio etc for that ?

Futaba is a brand name, it's one of the well-known brands. The 6EX is a decent, reasonably inexpensive, transmitter....but Futaba's top of the line Tx is the 14MZ which costs something over $2000. Probably a bit outside your budget .

It may be worth you reading some of the stickies at the top of the forum and doing a bit of investigation on some websites like Tower Hobbies or Hobby Lobby to see what's available and decide what sort of features you want.

If you meant $200 for the radio gear I suggest looking at the Hitec Optic 6, Futaba 6EXA and JR 6102 to see the sort of things you can get. Also check out the Spektrum DX6.

Steve

[AEAJR]

Futaba 14MZ - Top of the line - $2200

As you can see we are having problems answering your questions or providing help because you are so vague in you answers.

"a radio I can enjoy that can program for more than one model"

OK, there are lots. Whether you will enjoy them is anybody's guess.

What kinds of planes do you plan to fly?

Always small electrics? Competition sailplanes? Giant scale gas?

If you plan to stay with small electrics, then I would recommend the DX6 below, but here is a spread that may help you. There are more capable radios at higher prices, of course.

The following is a summary of essential features related to airplanes and
gliders. Some radios include helicopter functions however I don't review
these features. I include links to the manufacturer's/distributor's product
page, where available.

No one ever bought a radio with too much capability. However, if you are
like the rest of us and budget is a factor, I make some special remarks
about how each group would satisfy the needs of various groups of flyers.
These are my own personal value judgments and do not represent a rigorous
evaluation. If you are a serious competitor, consult those who know your
particular field best. I am only trying to provide some thought points for
your consideration.

Sites where you can buy just a radio include:
www.servocity.com
www.allerc.com
www.brucknerhobbies.com

Prices - read the descriptions as prices vary by what is included in the
package.

Radio packages can vary greatly depending on what is included.
Most radios come packaged with standard size servos and receivers. These
packages may not be suitable for electric flyers or some gliders. If I see
a package with small servos and receiver, I note the link for the benefit
of these flyers. Also note that some radio/receiver combos are not suitable
for larger planes due to range considerations. In many cases longer range
receivers are available for these larger planes.

Unless noted otherwise, all radios have Low Battery Warning, Digital Trims,
Timers, End Point Adjustment, Dual Rates and Exponential on ailerons and
elevator. Some include rudder too, which is valuable if you are into 3D
flying. All include elevon and V-tail mixes and many include other mixes.
Unless stated otherwise radios do not have support for 4 wing servos or
split elevator ( ailevators) servos.


Entry level Computer Radios 6 channel -

In addition to the basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split
aileron/flapperon 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.

With these systems you can more advanced planes but may not be
able to bring out all the plane can offer. They will fly full house
sailplanes
but will not provide many of the surfaces mixes that competition sailplane
pilots want.

Futaba EXAS - $160 for this package
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk54.html
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUV7**&P=ML
review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=556
See it being programmed
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/futk52-58-deluxe.mpg
6 channels, 6-model memory, Proportional Flaps on ch 6, Flapperon using 1/6,
and 1 user definable mix. Expo rudder, elevator and ailerons. The
particular package I have listed at tower comes with 3 micro servos
and a micro receiver suitable for parkflyers but not larger planes.
Other packages are available

Airtronics VG 6000 $175 package
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEUY5**&P=7
This particular package is very attractive for small electrics. Comes with
two small servos and a 20 amp ESC. 6 channels, 4 model memories. In
addition to four predefined surface mixes. expo on elevator and ailerons
only.

Spektrum DX 6 - $199
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM2460
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=623
If your main pursuit is electric planes, parkflyers, hand launched gliders
and other smaller aircraft, under 66 inch wing span, this might be your
best choice. Practical field reports, as documented in the threads below
are that this radio/receiver has a useful range of about 1500-2000 feet,
which is more then enough for these plane and further than most people
will fly them. Never worry about channel conflict again. This promises
to be the RC technology of the future.

Digital DSMT Spread Spectrum Modulation
10 model memories, dual rates, exponential, 6 channels, 8 standard mixes and
three programmable mixes. No crystals needed and no channel conflict
control needed. Not suitable for glow planes, large electrics or larger
gliders. May have problems with metal or carbon fiber fuselages.

DX6 Flight experience thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452817&page=2&pp=15
What does the AMA think?
http://www.modelaircraft.org/spreadspec.asp

[diablo]

The kind of planes I want to fly are electric, like the edge 540T, cessna, and maybe one day get an edge with an 8ft wingspan or something like that.


I was asking if Futaba was a top of the line brand? you know, there are walmart brand and then high end brands.. I don't want something that isn't like the best it could be for me..

[AEAJR]

OK, then drop out the DX6. That radio is not recommended for plans of the size ou refer to, with 8 foot wing spans.

The other two can do that.

[diablo]

Thanks, I'll see whut else I can figure out..

sorry if my questions aren't clear exactly.. because honestly. I have no idea whut I'm needing or whut to exactly ask for, so I'm trying to learn as I go

but thanks!

[Solid Hit]

If I understand correctly, you have not flown an R/C plane as of yet and that you are starting from scratch? (Sims, although a good aid, is not flying for real).

What is your overall budget? Plane, motor, battery, esc, servos, transmitter, receiver, and charger? Then the incidentals such as different adhesives, x-acto blades, covering iron (optional), clamps, work top, etc. Unless you are going to fly a Hobby Zone plane with it's proprietary system, those are other things you need to budget for as well.

(BTW please spell "what" with an "a" not a "u". There is a free download called "ieSpell" that I use all the time to help me in my email and forum posts).

[diablo]

No, you don't understand correctly. Read my 2nd post. My budget is based on whut a basic plane could be put together for, with quality parts.

Nevermore, don't worry about responding. Too many people have come and been out of the way in their posts of how people speak. I get alot of negative from reading others posts for some reason. I've overlooked a couple things lately, but not now. Thanks to the ones that have really been helpful, to the others thx for any info I gathered out of the non-sence of trying to correct others writing.

Originally Posted by Solid Hit

If I understand correctly, you have not flown an R/C plane as of yet and that you are starting from scratch? (Sims, although a good aid, is not flying for real).

What is your overall budget? Plane, motor, battery, esc, servos, transmitter, receiver, and charger? Then the incidentals such as different adhesives, x-acto blades, covering iron (optional), clamps, work top, etc. Unless you are going to fly a Hobby Zone plane with it's proprietary system, those are other things you need to budget for as well.

(BTW please spell "what" with an "a" not a "u". There is a free download called "ieSpell" that I use all the time to help me in my email and forum posts).

[Solid Hit]

My reply was meant to be helpful, not degrading. Sorry you took it that way.

[diablo]

Understood.. I've ordered a Super Cub for a pretty decent price.. 100$
Complete Hobbyzone setup.

My g/f is getting me an Edge 540T for my birthday.. From the reviews I read earlier with the stock electronics, it's quite decent.. So I guess maybe I can see how well it does. Otherwise, Sorry for any confusion and all. I'll use an A instead of U

take care

[MacMyers]

Originally Posted by onlyemokid

Understood.. I've ordered a Super Cub for a pretty decent price.. 100$ Complete Hobbyzone setup. My g/f is getting me an Edge 540T for my birthday.. From the reviews I read earlier with the stock electronics, it's quite decent.. So I guess maybe I can see how well it does. Otherwise, Sorry for any confusion and all. I'll use an A instead of U
take care

Some of the pro's on here can correct me if I'm wrong but.....If you try to jump from a Hobbyzone Super Cub right into an Edge540T you'll rekit that thing faster than a speeding bullet.

[AEAJR]

MacMyers,

While I might not recommend that jump, I would not automatically condem it. Some people pick this hobby up real fast. If a lot of care is taken with the cub to really learn and practice AND a lot of simulator work is done on ailerons and their use, I blieve the jump can be made, but it would not be my recommended next plane.

[diablo]

I'll do a review on the planes, once I get them andfly them


My thread on the J3 Grasshopper is up also.