Getting back into RC aircraft
Discussion
As per the title, I'd like to get back into the hobby but they last time I flew anything was my Raptor 30 and an electric glider and just moved the receiver between models and IIRC it was based on crystals pairs for communication.
Looking now everything is wifi style RF and binding between the TX and RX. Can you buy a Futaba TX and different make RX? Or do you have to stick with one make for everything? I assume this new communication is better and more reliable? I remember at my flying club there was a peg board with different frequencies and you took the peg for your frequency so it didn't interfeer if someone else had the same. Is this now a thing of the past?
TIA
Looking now everything is wifi style RF and binding between the TX and RX. Can you buy a Futaba TX and different make RX? Or do you have to stick with one make for everything? I assume this new communication is better and more reliable? I remember at my flying club there was a peg board with different frequencies and you took the peg for your frequency so it didn't interfeer if someone else had the same. Is this now a thing of the past?
TIA
It's been a few years since I flew and sailed, but I used Futaba 2.4ghz radio gear.
From what I remember, Futaba have used a couple of different communication protocols (FASST and FHSS) so you need to make sure the tx and rx are compatible.
There are third party receivers that work with Futaba transmitters, fair bit cheaper.
Another option is to pick up genuine Futaba receivers secondhand on eBay.
From what I remember, Futaba have used a couple of different communication protocols (FASST and FHSS) so you need to make sure the tx and rx are compatible.
There are third party receivers that work with Futaba transmitters, fair bit cheaper.
Another option is to pick up genuine Futaba receivers secondhand on eBay.
Hello,
I got back into RC aircraft back in 2020 (during Covid lockdown).
Just for something to do really. I’d been away from the hobby since 1995. Just gave it all up out of frustration basically.
Obviously 1995 was pretty much pre- internet days. A model I had as teenager was being reproduced (I found it on YouTube - and went all in. I’d struggled with model as a teenager when my eyesight and reflexes were a lot better than now.
I really had no intentions of taking up the hobby again, as I know it can be extremely frustrating, but - I’d started something I had to finish.
The model I built was a 40 inch swept wing rocket with a .40 OS motor pulling it along. Absolute stupidity on my part.
On its maiden flight, I asked my good friend to fly it, he himself had been away from the hobby for a very long time: he was having none of it. It came down to a situation of ‘after you claud’.
I kept it flying and landed it, although the nerves were extreme. But, the sense of accomplishment was profound and extremely rewarding.
That model is as an extreme model to fly, no real wing section or dihedral. Only ailerons, elevator and throttle.
I went back to basics and bought a ‘Foamy Electric’ model, and it seriously built my confidence. It’s a bit of a rough and tumble model. But it’s taken it’s knocks so well. The end of last summer (UK flying season) I went back to the 40 inch animal and I was haring around the sky with it - one of the nicest flights I’ve ever had. I was grinning from ear to ear.
I’m currently building another classic I had from my youth, a Chris Foss Acro Wot. It’s going to be powered by an OS 46.
I’ve absolutely loved building it.
On the subject of radio? I only ever used Futaba in my first incarnation in this hobby. Yes, I know what you are on about crystals!
On the 40” I installed some extremely cheap crap servos down-wind of the receiver (I honestly thought one flight) job done.
A few flights down the line, the elevator servo failed and it just nose-dived into the ground. Luckily it was a usual English summer and had been raining for months beforehand. The damage was repairable.
It reinforced one of life’s lessons: Pay cheap, pay twice.
I’ve got a few models now, and setting up the transmitter to ‘contact’ the receiver a bit of a pain - I always have to refer to the instruction manual. Which is guys never really enjoy!
I certainly wouldn’t mix-and- match on something that is so critical to an RC aircraft performance. And ultimately your own enjoyment.
HTH. Jim.
I got back into RC aircraft back in 2020 (during Covid lockdown).
Just for something to do really. I’d been away from the hobby since 1995. Just gave it all up out of frustration basically.
Obviously 1995 was pretty much pre- internet days. A model I had as teenager was being reproduced (I found it on YouTube - and went all in. I’d struggled with model as a teenager when my eyesight and reflexes were a lot better than now.
I really had no intentions of taking up the hobby again, as I know it can be extremely frustrating, but - I’d started something I had to finish.
The model I built was a 40 inch swept wing rocket with a .40 OS motor pulling it along. Absolute stupidity on my part.
On its maiden flight, I asked my good friend to fly it, he himself had been away from the hobby for a very long time: he was having none of it. It came down to a situation of ‘after you claud’.
I kept it flying and landed it, although the nerves were extreme. But, the sense of accomplishment was profound and extremely rewarding.
That model is as an extreme model to fly, no real wing section or dihedral. Only ailerons, elevator and throttle.
I went back to basics and bought a ‘Foamy Electric’ model, and it seriously built my confidence. It’s a bit of a rough and tumble model. But it’s taken it’s knocks so well. The end of last summer (UK flying season) I went back to the 40 inch animal and I was haring around the sky with it - one of the nicest flights I’ve ever had. I was grinning from ear to ear.
I’m currently building another classic I had from my youth, a Chris Foss Acro Wot. It’s going to be powered by an OS 46.
I’ve absolutely loved building it.
On the subject of radio? I only ever used Futaba in my first incarnation in this hobby. Yes, I know what you are on about crystals!
On the 40” I installed some extremely cheap crap servos down-wind of the receiver (I honestly thought one flight) job done.
A few flights down the line, the elevator servo failed and it just nose-dived into the ground. Luckily it was a usual English summer and had been raining for months beforehand. The damage was repairable.
It reinforced one of life’s lessons: Pay cheap, pay twice.
I’ve got a few models now, and setting up the transmitter to ‘contact’ the receiver a bit of a pain - I always have to refer to the instruction manual. Which is guys never really enjoy!
I certainly wouldn’t mix-and- match on something that is so critical to an RC aircraft performance. And ultimately your own enjoyment.
HTH. Jim.
Brother D said:
Looking now everything is wifi style RF and binding between the TX and RX. Can you buy a Futaba TX and different make RX? Or do you have to stick with one make for everything? I assume this new communication is better and more reliable? I remember at my flying club there was a peg board with different frequencies and you took the peg for your frequency so it didn't interfeer if someone else had the same. Is this now a thing of the past?
TIA
HiTIA
Dealing with your queries one at a time, if you buy a Futaba Tx (more later) you need Rx's that work on the relevant Futaba protocol - there are some 'clones' available. The protocols of each manufacturer are, generally speaking, NOT interchangeable. As time has gone on, and technology improved, most manufacturers have changed even their own protocols, meaning not every Futaba Tx will speak to every Futaba Rx, as previously pointed out. Progress, I guess.
The link between Tx and Rx using the 2.4gHz band is generally more reliable than the old 27 and 35MHz systems, although many still use 35 meg systems even today.
The old 'peg board' frequency control isn't needed any more, as long as you're on 2.4gHz. IF you're still using 35MHz, then a peg board or other frequency control will be required if you're not on your own - you can still be 'shot down' if someone else switches on a Tx on 'your' frequency.
Going back to point 1, the exception is that nowadays you can get Tx's fitted with what's called a multi protocol module, or MPM, which will communicate with many of the currently used mainstream protocols, which can be useful if you've got various manufacturers Rx's already, but not so much if you're starting from scratch.
It all depends on how much you want to spend, and to a lesser extent (because they more or less all need to be programmed) how comfortable you are with programming the operating system. Traditional makes, such as Futaba, Spektrum, etc. tend to have pre packaged model types, mixes, etc. ready built in, using a menu driven operating system which is tbh simpler, but less flexible.
The newer makes (which are also usually cheaper) tend to use a different approach, using open source software such as Open Tx or Edge Tx and a 'build it yourself' operating system which is hugely powerful, but does need to be understood - it's not so much more difficult, just different. Open Tx and Edge Tx also have model building 'wizards' built in, which can simplify things a lot.
One of these manufacturers (FrSky) has sort of migrated into the mainstream and now has its own proprietary menu driven operating system, so is a kind of halfway house between the two extremes.
You just need to do your homework before committing - do you have a brand loyalty to Futaba? If so, you'll pay quite a lot for your system and it's functionality will be quite limited (but maybe enough for you). Spektrum is the other big player - they used to have the advantage of being cheaper and better spec'd than Futaba, but recent huge price rises now mean they're just better spec'd.
Assuming that you're going to contact a club, check with what the majority are using there - it's much easier when you're trying to sort an issue out if there are others who know how to program the radio. And while we're on the subject of clubs, etc. I assume that you're aware of the requirements for obtaining the relevant permit to fly (or whatever it's called) from the CAA. Not to do so puts you at risk of prosecution. Look on the BMFA website for the relevant and up to date requirements.
When I returned to the hobby (after a 30 year break) I used Spektrum at first, then I migrated partly over to FrSky, but now I've got a Radiomaster TX16S Mk2, running Edge Tx, which has the MpM fitted and will talk to both my Spektrum and FrSky Rx's as well as many others which I may use in the future.
Sorry, that's gone on a bit - I had to have a lay down half way through - but hopefully hasn't confused you more!!
Kim
kimducati said:
Hi
Tons of great stuff and info
Kim
Thanks for all that, appreciated!Tons of great stuff and info
Kim
I'm US based but think FAA requirements are on a par with CAA (if they didn't drive them to be)
I've seen a few kits that say "bind and fly" which kicked off the original question about is there an open source protocol that let's any controller work with any RX.
Always grew up with futaba so might stick with that...
Anyways appreciate the help from you and the other posters
Hi again
If you're in the USA then, in my view the choice is easy.
Spektrum, all the way.
The vast majority of bnf planes will be Spektrum DSMX protocol, so if that's the way you want to go, then the next decision is whether to go high end with the Tx or start with a more basic one. All current Spektrum Tx's use the same protocol, so no worries there.
And in the USA, product support from Horizon Hobby is first class, in the UK not quite so much, although better than it was a few years ago, when it was non existent.
You could go Radiomaster with the multi module, but you'll be on your own for product support
Kim
If you're in the USA then, in my view the choice is easy.
Spektrum, all the way.
The vast majority of bnf planes will be Spektrum DSMX protocol, so if that's the way you want to go, then the next decision is whether to go high end with the Tx or start with a more basic one. All current Spektrum Tx's use the same protocol, so no worries there.
And in the USA, product support from Horizon Hobby is first class, in the UK not quite so much, although better than it was a few years ago, when it was non existent.
You could go Radiomaster with the multi module, but you'll be on your own for product support
Kim
Edited by kimducati on Sunday 25th February 13:38
kimducati said:
If you're in the USA then, in my view the choice is easy.
Spektrum, all the way.
Ditto, the BNF market was started by Horizon and is still pretty huge. Horizon also own a lot of the brands such as Spektrum for radios. Great Planes and Hanger 9 for kits.Spektrum, all the way.
Different game entirely in the UK, Horizon pulled out for a while whilst they did chapter 11 stuff in the US, now distributed by Logik RC rather than direct by Horizon. One of the main distributors, Ripmax, selling Futaba RC and OS engines, went bust recently and the market is very disjointed, particularly at the bottom end with no-name Chinese stuff all over the place.
In the UK the best bet is join a club and get what the majority are using there.
Visited with the club near me, super friendly bunch (95% retirees!), and just $100 a year in fees for great setup. Loads of turbines which was surprising and including a twin ME 262 which sounded awesome
Anyway signed up, then went direct to a really top model shop and just $500 later walked away with this:
Comes with basic spectrum controller but will be good enough to get me started : )
Gotta say not going to miss all
One thing that has changed in the few (20) years since I was last in the hobby, is the seemingly complete lack of actual aircraft kits and it was the building I enjoy more than the actual flying.
Also not sure if being overly paranoid as this is first foray into LiPo... but I'm leaving thr batteries on a metal chair in a "fire proof" bag outside until I get a metal ammo container when Ill then store them in the garage. Can I ask what/where/how other people store/charge their batteries?
Anyway signed up, then went direct to a really top model shop and just $500 later walked away with this:
Comes with basic spectrum controller but will be good enough to get me started : )
Gotta say not going to miss all
One thing that has changed in the few (20) years since I was last in the hobby, is the seemingly complete lack of actual aircraft kits and it was the building I enjoy more than the actual flying.
Also not sure if being overly paranoid as this is first foray into LiPo... but I'm leaving thr batteries on a metal chair in a "fire proof" bag outside until I get a metal ammo container when Ill then store them in the garage. Can I ask what/where/how other people store/charge their batteries?
Re: Lipo's I do all of my charging / storage in the (integral to the house) garage, as I have no other option.
I always keep a close eye on things during charging, and I store them in a metal tool box.
You don't need to treat them like UXB's necessarily, but always be aware of what could happen in the worst case scenario and have a plan of how to deal with it.
I don't want to say that I've never had a problem, because it would be tempting fate, so I won't
Kim
Eta good choice with the Apprentice, it's what got me back into the hobby 10 years ago after a 30+ year break.
I always keep a close eye on things during charging, and I store them in a metal tool box.
You don't need to treat them like UXB's necessarily, but always be aware of what could happen in the worst case scenario and have a plan of how to deal with it.
I don't want to say that I've never had a problem, because it would be tempting fate, so I won't
Kim
Eta good choice with the Apprentice, it's what got me back into the hobby 10 years ago after a 30+ year break.
Edited by kimducati on Sunday 3rd March 14:25
Jim H said:
That looks like an Acro Wot. I have fond memories of those. My first ever plane was an Acro Wot that I taught myself to fly on, and I even did some Novice aerobatic comps using one, though knife edges weren't it's strong point unless you had a 'computer' Tx and were able to program in some mixes to be used specifically when performing knife edge.Hi, yes it is an Acro Wot. I last built one in 1988 and it lasted to 1995 when I completely destroyed it. Nothing left apart from a lot of polystyrene beads and pieces of balsa. Radio Failure - complete. I then built a lovely Cambrian Spitfire but my heart was no longer in the hobby and I gave it all up. Lockdown four years ago, bored I stumbled on a recreation of Ken Stokes classic Mirus. I had no intentions of flying again, I just wanted to build a model. However, once you start you might as well keep going. I’d had two Mirus as an inexperienced teenager and wrecked both in a very short space of time. How I ever thought I’d fly one now? After decades away, but I’d not thought to deeply about where this was all going. And, I was under a bit of pressure from people who knew I’d built it: “when are you going to fly it?”.. I was absolutely bricking it, but I got it back in one piece.
I soon decided I needed something a bit easier to get my confidence back and the electric Ruckus has been fantastic. Back end of last flying season I was throwing the Mirus around.
The Acro Wot was always my favourite so I’m hoping to have it all ready for a few weeks time.
History was:
Learned on a Mick Reeves Hawk about 1985.
Then two Ken Stokes Mirus (1988)
Then Acro wot, and Spitfire.
Now have a Nick Reeves Mirus, New Acro Wot, Max Thrust Ruckus and my EMP Apex Slope Soarer from the mid-eighties.
I soon decided I needed something a bit easier to get my confidence back and the electric Ruckus has been fantastic. Back end of last flying season I was throwing the Mirus around.
The Acro Wot was always my favourite so I’m hoping to have it all ready for a few weeks time.
History was:
Learned on a Mick Reeves Hawk about 1985.
Then two Ken Stokes Mirus (1988)
Then Acro wot, and Spitfire.
Now have a Nick Reeves Mirus, New Acro Wot, Max Thrust Ruckus and my EMP Apex Slope Soarer from the mid-eighties.
kimducati said:
Re: Lipo's I do all of my charging / storage in the (integral to the house) garage, as I have no other option.
I always keep a close eye on things during charging, and I store them in a metal tool box.
You don't need to treat them like UXB's necessarily, but always be aware of what could happen in the worst case scenario and have a plan of how to deal with it.
I don't want to say that I've never had a problem, because it would be tempting fate, so I won't
Kim
Eta good choice with the Apprentice, it's what got me back into the hobby 10 years ago after a 30+ year break.
I have my first 'checkride' tomorrow mornign at the club between work meetings. I always keep a close eye on things during charging, and I store them in a metal tool box.
You don't need to treat them like UXB's necessarily, but always be aware of what could happen in the worst case scenario and have a plan of how to deal with it.
I don't want to say that I've never had a problem, because it would be tempting fate, so I won't
Kim
Eta good choice with the Apprentice, it's what got me back into the hobby 10 years ago after a 30+ year break.
Edited by kimducati on Sunday 3rd March 14:25
I've just ordered one of these so I can keep them in the garage at the house and not worry about them when charging
Brother D said:
kimducati said:
Re: Lipo's I do all of my charging / storage in the (integral to the house) garage, as I have no other option.
I always keep a close eye on things during charging, and I store them in a metal tool box.
You don't need to treat them like UXB's necessarily, but always be aware of what could happen in the worst case scenario and have a plan of how to deal with it.
I don't want to say that I've never had a problem, because it would be tempting fate, so I won't
Kim
Eta good choice with the Apprentice, it's what got me back into the hobby 10 years ago after a 30+ year break.
I have my first 'checkride' tomorrow mornign at the club between work meetings. I always keep a close eye on things during charging, and I store them in a metal tool box.
You don't need to treat them like UXB's necessarily, but always be aware of what could happen in the worst case scenario and have a plan of how to deal with it.
I don't want to say that I've never had a problem, because it would be tempting fate, so I won't
Kim
Eta good choice with the Apprentice, it's what got me back into the hobby 10 years ago after a 30+ year break.
Edited by kimducati on Sunday 3rd March 14:25
I've just ordered one of these so I can keep them in the garage at the house and not worry about them when charging
I adapted to my foamy electric very quickly, I wish I’d had one like it when I originally learned to fly RC.
Brother D, apologies in advance for jumping onto your thread.
I sincerely do hope you don’t mind.
I thought I’d update as the Acro Wot is coming along a treat.
Fuselage is 99.9 % complete. Wings are glued together, just need final sanding and covering.
Then it’s a case of firing up the OS.
I sincerely do hope you don’t mind.
I thought I’d update as the Acro Wot is coming along a treat.
Fuselage is 99.9 % complete. Wings are glued together, just need final sanding and covering.
Then it’s a case of firing up the OS.
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