Help with some R/C questions.

[Obie303]

Hello everyone, I did a forum search but because of that stupid minimum four (4) letter restriction, the earliest post I could find was in 2004.  So I figured I would ask this question again.....

I'm contemplating a purchase of a new R/C plane that is ready to fly right out of the box.  I'm planning on purchasing at least two (2) so that my father and I can duel it out without any bloodshed.

Since I'm way out of my league on this, I need some simple advice put into "dum-dum" terms.  I would need a relatively easy system, something that I could explain to my father (he's 59) and he would use more than once.  Ease of use is the key here.  So I began my research and found something that sounds very promising.  

The name of the company is called Parkzone.  Website pages below:

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1500

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1600

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1700

If anyone has seen these planes or has had one, I would greatly appreciate any input.  I've already picked out the FW190 for myself!:D

Oh and you can put an attachment on called a Sonic Combat Module.  According to the articles, you can "shoot" the other plane down.  A hit disables the motor on the "victim" for 5 seconds.  Sounds real interesting.

Thanks,
Obie

[gpwurzel]

I bought one of the fw190's whilst on vacation...........very nice flyer (well, till i hit a bush on landing it...lol.......)......top tip, when launching, have it in mode a, once up and with a bit of alt, go into mode b (gives a much better response level).....land it in mode a tho fella, and use tiny control inputs.....ie, dont do what I did..


Have fun, and the sonic module is good for a giggle too, just make sure you both have a good amount of alt when scrapping...........oh, and a lot of damage is repairable.......get a good non polystyrene melting glue and your good to go...


Wurzel

[Maverick]

Obie,

Have you and your Dad flown an RC plane lately? If you are a newbie to the RC world I am afraid you will be rather frustrated by the planes you listed. I would recomend you get a trainer first. Parkzone has a good one called the Slow V that will fly in a smaller area and has good gentle flight characteristics. Once you are comfortable with that one then go for the more high performance models like the ones you listed. They will not be as forgiving as the trainer, nor nearly as cheap to learn with.

[68ROX]

Another RC suggestion...get your Amateur Radio Technician Licence!

You can use ham radio frequency bands that allow you to use higher RF power, and hence greater range.

I know many hams who get their licence to RC and have never made a voice or digital on-air contact...they just use the licence to RC.

I have never RC'ed...

Furthest SSB contact: Khazakstan, 100watts (28 mHz)
Furthest Low Power Contact:  1,850 miles on 50mW  (14 mHz)
Furthest CW contact:  McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, 25W (14 mHz)

68ROX

K5TEN

[SirLoin]

I have the Slow-V...I live in a court and fly it off my driveway when i feel the urge.

Still,find a club and a trainer if u are new or u will be wasting your money.

[Bosco123]

here is the best thing for you to do.
dump the whole parkzone thing and get a hobby lobby eletric what ever for this reason

Hobby Lobby SUCK in plain general if you want to get the park flyier then get a bigger engine and bigger servos because I had a Park zone P-51 and im not a bad pilot myself and all it would do is hit the ground if you want to go to an online store then go to http://www.RCUniverse.com they have the best stuff around.

I like to dogfight myself but man don't hit him you will have conffetti for an airplane

[Obie303]

Thanks everyone for your advice.  My experience with R/C planes was when I was a teenager (that was about 20+ years ago).  As far as my father, I think it was around the same time.  Except his plane was attached to some string.  (A kite is what they call it now.)

I think I will try something a little more basic like the Slow-V.  As far as clubs around here, I know of some old-timers that get together on the weekends but I don't know if they are an actual club.  

My father lives next to a golf course and he has plenty of land himself.  My only concern is that my father, as strict as he was when I was a kid, tends to be a little unpredictable at times.  I'd hate to get a call from the local PD to bail my dad out for straffing golfers.   He definately wont be needing something with greater range!

Once again, thanks everyone for all of your input.  It's greatly appreciated.

Obie