RC Trainer...Advice Please

[FBBone]

Originally posted by SirLoin
I would go with a 40 sized trainer(electric this size not in yer budget).I have a slow-v but don't recommend it as a trainer.It can show u how to fly but you need a dead wind and it's not a good platform for learing the ins & outs of R/C flying.

a 40 sized trainer is built crash resistant,forgiving flight charactoristcs and way more fun when u are able to open up the throttle at a safe altitude.The hardest thing in RC is learing landing approaches and a slow v doesn't fit the bill as a trainer.

I agree since he's going with a club and instructor, lots of good 40s and 60s to be had.  IF he was going to try to go it alone I'd have sent him towards the Multiplex EasyStar electric, and the free FMS simulator with the EasyStar model.  I think he's made a good choice that will help ensure success though.

[eagl]

I've been dithering over ordering a JR 2.4 system, but the airtronics RDS8000 looks really good and the price is outstanding.  $229 for the tx and rx, additional RX for just under $80, and it uses pretty much any standard servo.

I won't buy today (why jump into backorder queue when I can't even use the thing for another couple of months) but I'll probably get one of these plus a couple extra RX in a couple of months.

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751700.asp

[Supaf1y]

Looks like the Hanger 9 Alpha is coming with 2.4GHz radio package soon. Any thoughts....cheap radio brand?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN4400

[FBBone]

Originally posted by Supaf1y
Looks like the Hanger 9 Alpha is coming with 2.4GHz radio package soon. Any thoughts....cheap radio brand?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN4400

It's a Spektrum 5 ch entry level radio radio, very good.  Spektrum pioneered the 2.4ghz radios and the one included with that model would last you for quite a while.

I have no experience with that trainer and the only plane I've ever owned from Hangar 9 was an overweight pig that took extensive work to lighten it enough to fly.  That said, I seldom hear anything bad about Hangar 9 and this plane seem to be highly recommended.

[TalonX]

Invest in the computer RC trainer.  You will learn to fly the plane from the ground, quite different than being inside (like AH).  Get one that has a typical RC transmitter interface.

Simple rules will become evident.... ailerons are reversed (in a way) when the plane is coming towards you.  (push the stick to the low wing to level the plane).  etc etc etc

I taught my brother to fly and he was learning about as well as anyone I ever taught (and I instructed 100's).   He bought the RC Trainer software and learned on an accelerated curve like I've never seen.

[Supaf1y]

Originally posted by TalonX
Invest in the computer RC trainer.  You will learn to fly the plane from the ground, quite different than being inside (like AH).  Get one that has a typical RC transmitter interface.

Simple rules will become evident.... ailerons are reversed (in a way) when the plane is coming towards you.  (push the stick to the low wing to level the plane).  etc etc etc

I taught my brother to fly and he was learning about as well as anyone I ever taught (and I instructed 100's).   He bought the RC Trainer software and learned on an accelerated curve like I've never seen.

As stated earlier, a couple of models I'm looking at (Hanger Alpha 40 & Hobbico NexSTAR 46) come with computer RC software. You just hook up the radio that comes with the combo kit to you PC via usb cable and take to the virtual skies using the same type of plane that you just bought.

[eagl]

Are you looking at the nexstar ARF or ready to fly?  If you get one without the radio, you could add the 2.4 ghz airtronics and have a radio that would be perfect for your next model as well.

The fully ready to fly version has a cheapo 4 ch futaba...  futaba radios are generally fine but 4 ch is going to really limit your options and you'll still have to worry about frequencies.  

The complete package with the great planes simulator is neat, but you'll end up duplicating at least the radio purchase when it comes time for your next model.

Then again, that nexstar package looks fairly complete.  Some of those features like the AFS stability dingus, the removable "training flaps", and the drooped leading edge airfoil extensions are pretty unique for trainers but they ought to work fine.  The AFS might go wonky if it's not set up right but I suppose following the instructions ought to make it work out ok.  You'll still need to find an instructor, but that .46 size nexstar looks like it ought to be a fine trainer.  Assuming it's not grossly overpriced, the big question would be whether to get the ARF version (requiring a radio and engine) or the fully ready to fly version which will reduce the number of installation decisions you'll need to make.

[Supaf1y]

Originally posted by eagl
Are you looking at the nexstar ARF or ready to fly?  If you get one without the radio, you could add the 2.4 ghz airtronics and have a radio that would be perfect for your next model as well.

The fully ready to fly version has a cheapo 4 ch futaba...  futaba radios are generally fine but 4 ch is going to really limit your options and you'll still have to worry about frequencies.  

The complete package with the great planes simulator is neat, but you'll end up duplicating at least the radio purchase when it comes time for your next model.

Then again, that nexstar package looks fairly complete.  Some of those features like the AFS stability dingus, the removable "training flaps", and the drooped leading edge airfoil extensions are pretty unique for trainers but they ought to work fine.  The AFS might go wonky if it's not set up right but I suppose following the instructions ought to make it work out ok.  You'll still need to find an instructor, but that .46 size nexstar looks like it ought to be a fine trainer.  Assuming it's not grossly overpriced, the big question would be whether to get the ARF version (requiring a radio and engine) or the fully ready to fly version which will reduce the number of installation decisions you'll need to make.

Well right now I'm going to wait a bit until I get a chance to visit the local R/C club and speak with some instructors they have. I was leaning towards a .40 ARF so that I could pick my own engine (maybe the OS .46AX) and radio (maybe the Futaba 6EX). But now, as stated a couple posts above, I see that the Alpha Trainer RTF will be coming with a Spektrum 5 channel 2.4GHz radio in a couple months. Hmmmmm

I really like that Nexstar with the added features and it comes with a pretty nice OS .46FXi engine I believe but the 4 channel radio is a bit of a turn off. Found a detailed review of it here with videos and everything http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222400

[eagl]

The review sounds promising.  Based on my own experience both learning initially and helping train someone else using a similar plane, it sounds like the nexstar ready to fly kit would be a great first model.  The price (around $400?) sounds reasonable.  If/when it's wrecked, the engine can be reused (if it doesn't get destroyed in the wreck) but you'd want a new radio.  At $400 for the whole thing though, it's not exactly like you'd be tossing out a lot of money by getting another radio.

[Treize69]

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/beginners-rc.htm

[Sol75]

hangar 9 alpha DSM2

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/newproduct.cfm?product_id=2798

299.00 street price.  RTF.  Cant beat it.

Also i want to say that the alpha is the best trainer i have used to train students.  Ive used the nexstar, etc as well, but the alpha by far is my preferred bird.  Now with a Spread Spectrum radio, its even better.

[indy007]

Any comments on Spektrum DX6 setups guys? Moving in 2 months and getting a massive reservoir for a backyard. Really enjoy playing with EDF foamies, and not afraid to crash since I can cut out a new fan trainer in under an hour.

[Sol75]

The DX6i is great, I got one with my Blade 400.  Everything the DX7 has minus 1 channel..  I use it for my Blade, TRex, and a couple of foamies.  Been VERY happy.  I use my DX7 for most of my planes, including giant scale.  And the JR 10x I use for my scale birds, and my jet, which require more than 7 channels.

[RATTFINK]

Find a local AMA Club & join it or at least join AMA.

http://www.modelaircraft.org/


Also, this is a good site to find RC Planes

http://search.horizonrc.com/


Here's some planes that would be well sited for a beginner

Alpha 40 Trainer:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2475


P-51 Trainer that converts to an ACM ready fighter:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2825

[Supaf1y]

Originally posted by Sol75
hangar 9 alpha DSM2

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/newproduct.cfm?product_id=2798

299.00 street price.  RTF.  Cant beat it.

Also i want to say that the alpha is the best trainer i have used to train students.  Ive used the nexstar, etc as well, but the alpha by far is my preferred bird.  Now with a Spread Spectrum radio, its even better.

Yeah I've mentioned that soon-to-be-released RTF combo at least twice in this thread but thanks anyhow. Without yet talking to anyone at the club I have narrowed it down to that Alpha DSM2, the Sig Kadet LT-40 or the Sig Kadet Senior. All 3 of those are flat-bottom wings for slower, easier handling planes. But I'm also considering a semi-symmetrical winged trainer which would allow for some intermediate style of flying once I became better. Planes that I'm considering in this category are the Hobbico Avistar & the Hanger 9 Arrow.

After doing more research I am no longer considering the Hobbico NexSTAR, Goldberg Eagle or Tower Trainer...they were on my list.