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Author Topic: RC training  (Read 257 times)

Offline Modas

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RC training
« on: January 20, 2003, 02:52:29 PM »
Hi All -

I'm debating about taking up RC planes.  I've got a 7 channel control box from my college days that was used on my senior design project.  I just never learned to fly.  We had a "trained" pilot for that :D

The controller has a trainer port on it, so that it can be plugged into another controller.

I've seen PC software that you can use to train.  Does anyone know if I can use my control box directly with the software?

Can anyone recomend a good trainer program?

Thanks!!    :D
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Offline Tarmac

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RC training
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2003, 03:07:51 PM »
Trainer switch on your transmitter = good.  Use it... join a club with experienced trainers, or at least go with an experienced friend who has a trainer port too.  The trainer software I've seen before works with your trainer cord.  But check the requirements or ask at a hobby shop just to be sure.  

I can't emphasize how valuable it is to join a club.  My .40 trainer plane would be splinters right now if it wasn't for the club people... if I had ever been able to start the darn engine.  Maybe a training program could be a substitute for a club, but I'd call it more of a supplement.  I wouldn't be comfortable not getting a real live instructor.  

When you do get a plane, don't outdo yourself.  After getting decent with my .40 trainer, I figured I'd be able to handle a Zagi.  Whoa, mistake.  It collects dust now, after I tired of watching it auger after a 60 foot dive.

Thankfully, it's one durable little flying wing.   :D  
My next plane, when I get a hankering to fly again, will be something fat, slow, and probably electric... lazy bee maybe.
« Last Edit: January 20, 2003, 03:10:32 PM by Tarmac »
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Offline GRUNHERZ

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RC training
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2003, 03:23:17 PM »
How old is the radio? If it is from before 1991 its likely to be illegal, unless it has a gold sticker?

Definitely join a club and buy a .40 size trainer, dont be tempted to buy a fighter or aerobatic plane or anything scale like a cub. I'd recomend an Avistar 40 ARF (Almost Ready to Fly). Look at http://www.towerhobbies.com

There  are RC flight sims and range from free downloads like FMS to $200+ for Realflight G2 with its own transmitter like controler. With the free sims you might be able to build an interface for your tx box.

Good luck and feel free to ask around.
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Offline LePaul

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RC training
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2003, 03:27:02 PM »
Every time I go to the Tower Hobbies website, I somehow wind up on the ducted fan ARF's and it takes all my might to pry myself off their site.

:D :eek:
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Offline mason22

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RC training
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2003, 06:43:23 PM »
this might help too,

http://www.preflightsim.com/

plus, it's freeware for now!!
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Offline Hangtime

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RC training
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2003, 07:57:50 PM »
Don't do it, man... don't!!

From a guy I know, same situation as yours.. after I told him to get a good .40 sized ARF Trainer he decided to forgo the 'club training' route.

I decided that after a few years of playing with R/C cars and trucks I would become a real man and fly planes. Well I read a few things and decided it would be no problem to teach myself. I had a beautiful takeoff and flew around in a few circles before I got all messed up and watched the plane nose dive into the ground. Oh-well I guess this is why you need help. After getting another plane and some help I was flying on my own pretty quickly. It is much cheaper to learn to fly with some help.
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Offline RafBader

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RC training
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2003, 08:25:14 PM »
Nothing some glue and ductape can't fix. :rolleyes:
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Offline davidpt40

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RC training
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2003, 09:40:24 PM »
RC flying is more difficult than it looks.  I learned to fly on a Great Planes PT40 (hence my user name).   Even with a docile plane like the PT40, split second decisions count.  It took me about 10 flight sessions with an instructor at a local club to 'solo'.
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Offline Gunthr

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RC training
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2003, 10:12:54 PM »
Give this proggy a try, Modas:

Here


 You don't need to have an airplane built yet to learn how to control an r/c plane. This sim helped me learn how to control an r/c plane flying towards you and how to best take off, etc. Best thing is, its free.

I'm just about done buiding this:

1/8 scale powered chute w/OS .15 eng and 3 channels

G'luck
« Last Edit: January 20, 2003, 10:15:27 PM by Gunthr »
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