Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / May 2004

As a newbie, don't worry about getting a PCM radio, just FM. I would
recommend you go ahead and buy a Futaba 7CAP or 9 CAP. You will have all the
radio capacity you will need for a long time. It's often cheaper to go ahead
and spend a bit more in the beginning. If you buy a cheap 4 channel radio, a
year or so later you will want to upgrade and your little 4 channel won't be
worth much other to use it as a buddy box. Definitely get a computer radio.
The ability to make adjustments at the transmitter and add mixing features
is great!

Good luck and have fun!

Get a good computer radio.  You won't regret it.  I have a Hitec Eclipse
which I am completely satisfied with.  Futaba makes good radios.  Airtronics
and JR are fine also.  Hitec is coming out with a new radio soon.  The best
overall radio is impossible to tell.  Get one that has the features you need
now and expect to need in the future.  The Futaba 7 series radios seem to
have all the necessary features.  Get one of the Tower monthly flyers as
they usually have coupons that will save you a few dollars.

John VB

   It sounds like you just starting out so I'd recommed a complete package
like the Avistar
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?Q=1&I=LXMU53**&P=3 that
INCLUDES a Futaba radio and engine. You get everything you need except the
fuel and basic field equipment for $269.
   For someone just getting into the hobby, it's about the cheapest and
best way to go.
   I would suggest that you go with this setup for now because, as you
progress in the hobby, you'll learn as you go and be better able to decide
(on your own) which radio system you will want for the kind of flying you
want to do. Simply stating "7 channel" doesn't help that much because beyond
the number of channels, different radios have different features that can be
important as the number of channels.
   To learn more about various radios and features available, there are
some threads about different radios on both RCGroups and RCU. One of note is
the Multiplex EVO thread in the RCGroups.com radio forum, and you'll also
run across other Futaba and JR and Hitec discussion about their radios as
well.

MJC

On 5/18/2004 9:38 PM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these
great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

It sounds like you are just starting out.  One thing I HIGHLY RECOMMEND
to new comers to the hobby is to join a club and get an instructor
(clubs provide instructors at no charge).  People have taught themselves
to fly, BUT, it is a steep learning curve and very frustrating (not to
mention expensive) while learning.  The first flight of someone teaching
themselves to fly is USUALLY less than 30 seconds and FREQUENTLY results
in a "rekitting" of the plane.  I would also suggest getting a
simulator.  FMS is a free D/L and pretty good.  The sim will help you by
allowing you to practice what your instructor has taught you and for
getting proper orientation on the transmitter when the plane is coming
towards you.

I would suggest staying away from the RTF (Ready To Fly) setups as
mentioned by one person.  They come pre packaged and you can  rarely
make changes to the package.

You do not need PCM.  A "regular" FM radio is fine.  Futaba, Hitec,
Airtronics and JR (among others) offer some nice 7 channel radios.
Check and see what the majority of people are using at the field you
will be flying at and get that brand.  The reason for that is, if you
have a problem or question, someone at the field should be able to
solve/answer it for you.

I would also recommend a decent ball bearing 46 engine.  Thunder Tiger,
GMS and OS FX/AX series are good engines that are very user friendly
(Stay away from the OS LA series and MDS engines).  The engine brands I
suggested are relatively inexpensive with GMS being the least expensive
(but requires more "fiddling" with), Thunder Tiger is in the middle and
the OS FX/AX as the most expensive (about $110).

There are several very good ARF trainers out there.  The SIG LT-40 is an
excellent one, as well as the Hobbico SuperStar.

The Avistar (as mentioned by one person) has some pros and cons to it.
It is a semi symmetrical airfoil rather than a flat bottom airfoil.
This airfoil and the lower dihedral (the amount the wing angles up)
provide aerobatic performance, thus delaying the amount of time before
you would want/need a second plane.  The down side to it is, it lands
noticeably faster than a flat bottom airfoil and it is not as forgiving
(self correcting) as a flat bottom airfoil.  Many people have learned on
it though.

RC Universe  http://www.rcuniverse.com/  has some excellent forums on it
and a lot of good information.  Another good site is Allan's RC links
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong/  You will find a multitude of
information there on almost every aspect of RC.

Hope this helps.

Hitec Eclipse 7. Best bang for the buck.

If you even think that you'll stick with the hobby, spring for a top notch
computer radio. You'll be $ ahead in the long run, and you'll have a really
nice radio from the get-go. I've been flying for a little over a year now
and would have already 'out grown' a lesser radio. I got a Futaba 9C as my
first radio, and haven't regretted spending the extra $ on it. The radio is
still more than I need, but that is better than not having 'enough' radio.
Got a Hanger 9 Ultra Stick the other day, and I'm really glad I've got the
9C radio. Can't wait to get it in the air. Anyone care to comment on the
Ultra Stick?

Paul