4 channel

[kingsnake93]

What is a good rtf 4 channel electric plane with a 60" wingspan for about 200$ Any site's will be appreciated.

[Doug Sipprell]

What is a good rtf 4 channel electric plane with a 60" wingspan for about 200$ Any site's will be appreciated.
From my past experience, most planes with a 60" WS are glow fuel models, usually trainers. This is not to say those plane could not be converted to electric. Check out Hobby Lobby, NESail for models of this size that are 4 channel AND electric. Grab a copy of RCFlyer or Model Airplane News and check the ads. You might find somethere. I am sure there are models of this WS out there, my fleet is geared (no pun intented) to the smaller electric sizes.

RD

[kingsnake93]

What about with a 50" rtf? Or a rtf 3d plane that wont be affeced by the wind and that has at least a 30 or 40" wingspan.

[Doug Sipprell]

Any plane is going to have some form of wind sensitivity, usually the smaller (and thus smaller wing span) the more sensitive. Usually, a 4 channel plane can handle wind better than a three channel as you need some wind speed over the ailerons (usually the 4th channel) to make them effective. Very slow flying models, which by design would be tossed about easily in light to moderate winds, usually do not have ailerons. If anything, the ailerons would not be effective a slow speeds. Just to confuse the issue, when working with 4 channels, one is working with 4 variables, they being:

Throttle
Aileron
Elevator
Rudder

The receiver would have to be a "4 channel" type. The actual "channels" to which you assign the above variables via the servo and ESC connections would be:

Channel 1 - Aileron
Channel 2 - Elevator
Channel 3 - Motor
Channel 4 - Rudder

I personally have no electric planes with wing spans exceeding 46 inches. The largest is a Biplane, 3 channel. I am assembling a 42" WS 4 channel plane now. Most of my planes are in the 36-40" WS range.

Again, I recommend you first decide if you are definitely looking for a 4 channel operation plane. Once settled on that, then decide if you want a beginner, intermediate, advanced type of plane. Next, decide if you want the plane to be top wing, mid-wing, bottom wing, or possibly biplane. Normally, trainers are top winged, intermediate planes can be any wing location, and advanced planes are normally mid or bottom winged. Once you have this "picture" established, look at supplier websites, your LHS, magazine ads, and look for planes that fit your initial requirements, and will have the wing span you want to work with. The descriptions of the planes will provide the WS, Wt. Channel config, etc.

You might also, having decided design-wise what you are looking for, post a request on the Park Flyer forum or something similar stating, as an example:

"Wanted: Recommendation for a 4 channel intermediate type electric powered airplane, preferably low wing, with a wing span in the 40 - 50" range - or - a supplier for such a model."

The more detailed posting should bring you more usable information. One last thought: Should you see or hear of a particular model that strikes your fancy, go back up on the RCZ or RCG boards and ask for information specific to that model, for example:

"What has been your experience(s) with the ---------- airplane/model? I am considering purchasing this particular model and would like to know more about it."

Excellent way to find out if the plane is up to it's billing by the supplier, or if it is a real PITA.

Good luck.

RD

[kingsnake93]

Is this a good plane? www.parkflyers.com I am coming up from a 2 channel firebird commander2 and then a Slow-V. I would want a mid wing like the plane on the website. The plane I was looking at was the rtf Egde 540 3d. Or the Begin air. Yes I know the Begin air is not 3d but it is a 4 channel high wing plane. Which would be better?

[Doug Sipprell]

Kingsnake:

Of the three planes shown on the Parkflyers site, I would think the Begin-Air is your best choice. Why?

1.) It will inherently be more stable, easier to fly than the Edge 540
2.) It is a complete package, to include a transmitter with AMA frequency channels (18, or 51). These two channel choices are critical in that you will have less glitch problems compared to the CB frequencies sometimes used in "package" deals.
3.) The included speed control, according to the write up, is rated at 50 Amps. This would allow you to experiment with LiPo's if you so choose.
4.) The stock 480 size motor should be sufficient for regular flying. Forget about 3D for the moment, consider that as a goal while you learn to fly 4 channel. 3D is very "coordinated" flying, requiring excellent skills at 4 channel flying. So, learn the basics first.
5.) There are several planes on the market that have the same general design characteristics, all started with the very successful Wingo by Hobby Lobby. Lots of imitations thereafter. However, the Begin-Air is indeed a 4 channel plane, most of the Wingo imitations are not. Thus, the basic design has been tried and found to be "true".

However, there are some cautions to me made here. Look at the text of Parkflyer's ad carefully:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parkflyers.com is proud to announce their very own Ready To Fly airplane. The new Begin-Air is the worlds 1st True 4 channel ready to fly aircraft. The Begin-Air will teach the “Novice” how to fly a real 4 channel plane with virtually no building required. Enjoy controlling ailerons, rudder, elevator and proportional throttle control, all from the included 4 channel F.M. 2 stick radio with a super long 2500 foot range. Powered by a speed 480 high torque motor and 50 amp speed control ,flight speeds of 50 mph are easily attainable. The powerful speed 480 ensures good climb outs and responsive aerobatic flight control. The begin air is a TRUE 4 channel flight trainer and will teach the novice the 4 basic flight controls. Begin-Air features a Tough polypropylene plastic fuselage that is virtually unbreakable. All the electronics come pre-installed. Assembles in 15 minutes and NO tools needed to get plane into the air. The included high powered 8 cell 1000 mah Nickel Metal Hydride batteries allow for a super long 12 minutes of flight time with enough power to spare. 8 AA batteries for transmitter not included, Please note that video CD is not included with kits. Attention!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice the ad says in one place that batteries are included. Also, that the pack is an 8 cell pack rated at 1000 mAh. However, what is shown in the graphics is a 7 cell pack. I would check with Parkflyers and confirm what actual size pack is being supplied - AND - if the cell size is 2/3A, the more conventional size for a 7 cell pack. You can get replacement 7 cell packs of much higher milliamp rating, thus getting more flying time and better overall performance. You need to know exactly what IS supplied for the motor power supply.

A 7 cell pack yields 8.4 volts, an 8 cell pack provides 9.6 volts. If the 480 motor in this plane will handle an 8 cell pack, it opens the door for use of 3-cell Lipo's. If not, then only a 2-cell Lipo would be used and the inherent less voltage of a 2-cell Lipo (7.4V) might compromise some performance.
Over all, the Begin-Air looks to me to be your best bet, a great way to learn 4 channel and actually upgrade to B/L motors and LiPo's. Oh, yea, the pusher design has the benefit of keeping your motor and prop from being dinged on less then successful launchs and landings.

Good Luck

RD

[kingsnake93]

When you look at at the add thing before clicking on the Begin air page the remote control has a very small circle to move the control sticks and I think the begin air is sorta ugly. And if I got the Edge 540 at my local flying park they have any remote control to match your remote control and if not they have other remote control that will still plug in to your remote control. For the buddy box thing. Yesh I know all about that pusher prop stuff. My Slow-V has a puller prop so I know all about that too. Like on a puller prop you power down completely right before touch down to avoid blade strikes.

[Doug Sipprell]

When you look at at the add thing before clicking on the Begin air page the remote control has a very small circle to move the control sticks and I think the begin air is sorta ugly.

I think you would find the stick movement on the transmitter to be similar to that of a more sophisticated (more $$$) transmitter. I have seen some of these package transmitters, even have one, and the stick movement is usually the same as for separate transmitters. The resolution of the movement is usually less on the economical transmitters.

And if I got the Edge 540 at my local flying park they have any remote control to match your remote control and if not they have other remote control that will still plug in to your remote control. For the buddy box thing.

I am assuming you are referring to the transmitter. Not sure what your local flying field has to offer for buddy box transmitters, but you would want to have a same brand configuration where possible. Usually, Futaba or Hitec are the suppliers of the economy/no-name brand transmitters. Be sure the buddy box unit is compatible and the cable will fit your transmitter, what ever make you finally get. It sounds to me you are fairly well pointed in the direction of the Edge 540. Definitely a more performance orientated plane, both from design standpoint and the powertrain supplied. If that be the case, go for it!! ;)

Good luck

RD

[kingsnake93]

I would get someone to help me learn of course. And my question is can the Edge 540 fly strate up? Is this plane designed to go strate up? And I am teaching my dad to fly my Slow-V and once he gets good at that he is most likley going to get the Begin-Air. And I have spent hours on FMS with 3d planes like a 30% egde with a 2stick controller. Oh my faverite plane on FMS is the "u-can-do-3d"

[kingsnake93]

I have my choices narrowed down to these. The Edge540 on the webtise http://www.parkflyers.com/
And this http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_parkzone_typhoon.htm I have heard great reviews about both of them. What is your opinion about them? Can you hook up a buddy box thing to the Typhoon remote control?? Or can you hook the Typhoon controller to a sim??? Here is a link to the Typhoon remote control
http://secure.hobbyzone.com/catalog/HZ/parkzone_typhoon/parkzone_typhoon_parts/PKZ4143.html

[kingsnake93]

I am uploading a video of me flying a 3d plane and a helicopter on FMS. One they are all finished uploading I will put a link of on this site.

[kingsnake93]

Here are some vids of me flying http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=477477

[Elfi Flyer]

Sorry, I don't have a player that will pull up the file. I don't use Quicktime Player, I prefer DivX, Realtime, or Windows Media Player.

RD

[Elfi Flyer]

I have my choices narrowed down to these. The Edge540 on the webtise http://www.parkflyers.com/
And this http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_parkzone_typhoon.htm I have heard great reviews about both of them. What is your opinion about them? Can you hook up a buddy box thing to the Typhoon remote control?? Or can you hook the Typhoon controller to a sim??? Here is a link to the Typhoon remote control
http://secure.hobbyzone.com/catalog/HZ/parkzone_typhoon/parkzone_typhoon_parts/PKZ4143.html

It depends on if the transmitter supplied with the Typhoon is produced by Futaba or Hitec, or the company that supplies the basic transmitters to Futaba or Hitec, or for that matter, to JR. It is most important to know before hand if the transmitter supplied with the plane has the capabilities of being used with a buddy cord. You have to have the connection built in to the tranmsitter (usually on the back side). I would contact Parkzone and get clarification on this. Be sure to ask what other make transmitter could be used as part of the buddy cord system.

RD

[kingsnake93]

Thanks that was really helpfull!!! I sent an email to them to ask if there transmitter can use the buddt box. And what would be the make of the transmitter that goes on the other end.

[Leo L]

You're confusing your ability to fly planes on the simulator with actual flying. As I recall you bought the Slow-V because the Firebird was too fast for you. In the "umm..." thread you talk about getting a Typhoon. Here you talk about getting an Edge540. You need to step back and seriously look at your current ability and not jump too fast for the fancy flying planes. At this time you are probably ready for a good intermediate trainer. You should be looking at the Aerobird Challenger, T-hawk, Cub or Decathlon. I seriously doubt whether you are ready for the Stryker; and I'm sure that you're not ready for the P-51, Edge540 or Typhoon. Take your time and develop your skills properly so that when you buy an advanced plane, you will be able to enjoy it.

[kingsnake93]

I have sent the Firebird commander2 back becuase it was just a fluke but I had been flying it since then and it is sorta on the ssllooww side and I want somthing that is alittle faster and a 4 channel plane.
And I want a mid wind plane.

[Doug Sipprell]

So, Kingsnake93, what did you buy for a plane, and how are you doing with it?

[HottsOne]

kingsnake, not sure, but is this your 1st 4 channel plane? And you want a mid-wing?

Conusious says: A fool and his money will soon part.

Would align with Leo. Get yourself acclimated to the hobby before you jump in a hole with both feet.

Not sure if you can relate but I will give this a shot.

Say you go over to Ft. Bragg as a soldier right out of Basic Training and tell them you want to be in the 82nd Airborne. Do they hand you a parachute, pat you on the back and say welcome to the club?

I will give you a hint.......8 yrs of prior service tells me that they do not hand out parachutes like the bank hands out suckers for teller transactions.

[dfagerland]

I have had two beginair plains, still fly one. I am very satisfied with the way they fly. I am a beginer and have had quite a few sucessful flights.

[kingsnake93]

Yeah I mite get the began-air PNP.

[aeajr]

Any reports on the Begin-Air?

[kingsnake93]

no not yet.