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Conference vmszoo::rc

Title:Welcome To The Radio Control Conference
Notice:dir's in 11, who's who in 4, sales in 6, auctions 19
Moderator:VMSSG::FRIEDRICHS
Created:Tue Jan 13 1987
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1706
Total number of notes:27193

22.0. "Getting started - General" by MANANA::STOLLER () Wed Jan 21 1987 14:07

    As a pre-beginner looking into the hooby, I and maybe others, would
    be interested in knowing what it takes to get started.  Now there
    are various places to start.  One could start down the Electric
    path or the internal combustion path. Then there is the choice of
    Cars, Boats, Airplanes, Helichoppers, and multiple subdivisions
    within them.
    
    In this note and its subsequent replies why don't we start with
    those things that are required no matter which way you want to go.
    
    	1. Transmitter/Receiver/Servos
    
    		What are the "best" brands? What are the things one
    		should look for when buying one? Why does one want
    		2,4,6,7 channels?  Are all systems expandable? Do you
    		really need a buddy box?  What is it?  How much should
    		one expect to pay for a "good" system?
        	
    	2. Tools
    
    		What tools are necessary before you even start? What
    		tools can wait, but should be bought eventually? What
    		do they cost?
    
    	3. Name it...
    
    Thanx
    
    Bruce
    
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22.1Here's a STARTSPKALI::THOMASWed Jan 21 1987 14:4440
    
    Good questions Bruce.            To start I'll give you my opinions.
    
    1, Transmitters ect...
    
    	Buy a name brand, one that is familiar to those that will be
    teaching you. I suggest that you determine what RC area your going
    to persue first. If planes then buy no less than 4 channels. the
    reason is that once you learn you probably will use at a minimum
    4 channels and possible more. Also if you were to decide to get
    out of the hobby a 4 channel unit is easier to sell than a 3 or
    2 channel unit.
    
    1a, I don't think that a buddy box is required. At some clubs it
    is , so check into this. A good instructor and pupil make all the
    difference.
    
    1b, Cost of systems vary. A typical ssytem of 4 channels with three
    servos cost in the neighborhood of $110.00-120.00.
    
    2 Tools.
    
    	Most tools needed to get through the normal trainer kit in planes
    are razor knifes a small hobby hand saw a couple of clamps and a
    hobby iron. Tose are the basics. Granted that your planes won't
    look as good as others but what counts is how straight they are
    and how they fly. Add to the tools list a square,yard stick and
    a couple of sanding block. Those are the basics.
    
    	Power tools can waite.
    
    	Once you determine what field of RC your going to get into then
    the next questions will be what is best for the beginner.
    
    	IE, Plane, car , engines, Heli ect.
    
    	Good luck,    I prefer planes.
    
    
    					Tom
22.3The View from PennsylvaniaMJOVAX::BENSONThu Jan 22 1987 10:5822
    GOOD IDEA ABOUT THE CEILING TILE! Nice thing about them is that
    you can toss them when they get beat up.  Just goes to show that
    this topic will be of interest for everyone, not just the beginners.
    Everyone can learn something new about anything!
    
    As for my preferences with regard to first RC planes:
    
    - Look for a SLOW machine.  You will have time to push the stick
    the right way when you push it the wrong way, and you'll have time
    to hand the transmitter to your instructor when you lose your
    orientation (it will happen at first).
     
    - Look for a plane with long control moments and good dihedral.
    Chances are if you get into trouble and let go of the sticks, this
    type of plane will fly itself straight and level.
    
    - Radio should be at least four channel.  As your skill increases,
    you will want to go to 5 or 6 channels.  Keep this in mind as you
    shop.
    
    - Lastly, FIRST FLIGHT WITH AN INSTRUCTOR.  At least the first flight;
    it will save you a lot of rebuilding time!
22.6CSCOA5::HOOD_DOWed Jul 05 1989 11:0311
    -.2:
    
    
    I just flew my Piece O'Cake (finally) with a Black  Widow, and
    it is SLOW. It'll barely climb. I had to add a lot  of weight to
    the nose, and i think that it is killing performance. Should I try
    a Tee Dee .049 ( or .09), or should it try moving the wing back
    and eliminating some of the weight (reposition center of balance)??
    Anybody have any ideas?
    
    Doug