|
Post by mtmellum on Oct 28, 2007 21:00:12 GMT 10
Hi all an absolutely newbie here looking to get in. I'm a kite nutter who has on occasions seen wings being flown at caloundra and maleny. it's time for the strings to go.
I'm just starting out. have a 2 ch radio from a RC car, nothing flash just a hi-tec.
I'm looking to get some good advice on beginners kit and planes. think from what i read so far is that EPP is the go and that wings seem to be the most forgiving.
I live in the glasshouse mountains area.
can anybody point me in the right direction?
cheers dave
|
|
|
Post by windsock on Oct 28, 2007 21:27:54 GMT 10
Hi Dave, Thanks for joining the forum. I would recommend to start off with a Windrider Bee. They have them on the Windrider website for $60 US (cheap). Windrider: www.windrider.com.hk/products/product.cfm?id=9Model No : W999 It's o.k to start with a cheap radio but to be honest sooner or later you are going to need to upgrade. So you might want to give it some thought. I normally buy my radio gear locally and not over the internet. Most of the other stuff e.g. planes, servos and lost model alarms - I buy over the internet. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
|
|
|
Post by thevon on Oct 28, 2007 21:43:47 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by sean on Oct 28, 2007 21:53:35 GMT 10
There's also a club at Bald Knob, which as you probably know is only a few mins from where you are. A bit exy to join but probably worth it if you're nearby. There are a few other sites around Maleny where club membership isn't required.
Further to what Gerard (Windsock) said about radios, definitely don't buy your transmitter/receiver from overseas because most countries use a different frequency band to us.
|
|
|
Post by jase on Oct 28, 2007 22:05:35 GMT 10
coming from someone who only got into flying 3 or 4 months ago. you gotta get a Windrider Bee as your first plane.
they are very durable and can take a big hit, they can be flown very gently, or you can make them very monuverable. they fly in light wind and strong wind.
i think i paid $100AU for my plane and i spent a lil more on my transmitter radio gear at $280 for a computer radio.
Everytime i go flying i'm always glad i have this plane with me as it always gets flown and is used to test flight conditions for the day.
|
|
|
Post by st on Oct 29, 2007 7:58:12 GMT 10
Should have come up to Bradenburg rd (near the top of the range) yesterday - would have seen plenty of planes and their owners. Sunday arvo the club is usually (if there is wind) flying at either bald knob or bradenburg rd (not far from each other) - just roll up and say hello. If bald knob, you may have to walk up (gates etc), but it isnt that far
|
|
|
Post by mtmellum on Oct 31, 2007 15:54:58 GMT 10
thanks all, this is great info to start with. Have read the novice article and it was fantastic.
BUT of course there are more questions!
I like the look of the Bee and the price is attractive given I want to get skill before I get dearer planes, however what do people think about real newbies flying wings? is there a novice slope soarer to be had? How about the Arrow?(http://www.modelflight.com.au/canterbury_sailplanes/canterbury_sailplane_arrow.htm) its a bit dearer but seems to look more like a plane?
On the radios , can someone recommend a local to deal with? will I be able to add the elevon mixer to my am 2 ch and at least start off with some degree of success?
Locations, getting to Brandenburg rd, which end and is it fairly obvious if I simply drive up the road?
Is bald knob in the same area? any particular road to go on?
appreciate your help thus far, and any thing is helpful.
thanks again and apologies for all the questions, just keen to make sure I get it right.
Dave
|
|
|
Post by callun on Oct 31, 2007 17:35:58 GMT 10
Get a bee. The Arrow won't do anything that the Bee can't, except for maybe breaking the nose off. No chance for that on the bee. Honestly, get a bee - virtually impossible to stuff up for a beginner, and even though the arrow probably won't be that different, it's got more things to stuff up.
In regards to the 2ch radio, yep, the mixer will work fine if that's what you've got already.
|
|
|
Post by windsock on Oct 31, 2007 18:06:20 GMT 10
Yep, a Bee would be my pick for your 1st plane. As Callun said, Bees are straight forward and they just keep on going. Your first plane is a plane that needs to be able to take a smashing with none or very little damage. Check out the locations on the Windsock site. www.windsock.net.au/locations.htmIt has the address and a Google earth link for Brandenburg Rd. Bald knob is restricted to club members only, there may be a couple of keys left. They restrict it to about 30 members. A mixer should work, you may won't to take your gear in to a hobby store to check. Gerard
|
|
|
Post by thevon on Oct 31, 2007 19:27:00 GMT 10
Yeah definitely get a Bee. The Delta Wings like bees are technically more difficult to learn on initially, as they're not "inherently stable" like a conventional plane esp one with dihedral ... but after a few minutes on the sticks you'll be on your way. And once you've learnt to fly the Bee OK, you'll pick up faster on anything else.
Having had mixers, the problem with the ones you get these days is they don't have adjustable rates (so you can't set up your ailerons with lots of throw, and your elevator with minimal throw), so if you can afford a computer radio you'll never regret it. And you won't have to cut more holes in your Bee for a mixer.
|
|
|
Post by ezza on Oct 31, 2007 20:11:20 GMT 10
Having had mixers, the problem with the ones you get these days is they don't have adjustable rates Wowings used to sell (probably still do) the Digimix or Digimix 2. These do have adjustable rates so that you can have lots of aileron travel and minimal elevator travel. Just don't run one with a 5 cell 6 volt pack.......don't ask. Have to agree with what the guys are saying about the Bee. I learned with a Zagi(older fashion bee), I had never seen anyone else fly. Boy did it cop some abuse!! Then my whole family learned to fly with it!!! Took a couple of rebuilds but it still goes good. Eric
|
|
|
Post by mtmellum on Nov 2, 2007 12:11:57 GMT 10
Thanks again
the BEE is the consensus by th elooks, so I 'll order one of them.
Now to the radio, computer looks the go,
any particular brands better than others?
best suppliers?
what range of dollars?
what traps to look out for?
any advice greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by callun on Nov 2, 2007 15:21:07 GMT 10
The exchange rate makes getting the bee from Hong Kong a really good deal! I just ordered one that came to a total of $83AUD.
|
|
|
Post by ding on Nov 2, 2007 18:00:35 GMT 10
There is a new Futaba that they sell at Hobbyrama that is a 2.4ghz set. I'd get that so you don't have to worry about frequencies... or aerials
|
|
|
Post by mtmellum on Nov 11, 2007 19:58:24 GMT 10
Hi all
have been madly researching computer radios. at this stage the budget doesn't extend to 2.4 ghz.
Has anybody got any opnions on the JR max 66 set? includes receiver and 4 servos for $280-$295?
Budget hobbies (capalaba) has it for 295 and RC headquarters (weribee Vic) has it for $280. registered post would most probably suck up any saving.
appreciate any thoughts.
|
|