Another beginner

John, in addition to the many answers you are getting here, I suggest that you go to

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They have many (moderated) forums, and a great search tool. One of the forums is for beginners. You can find many threads to help you with your quest.

Most, if not all, current 7 channel radios these days are computer controlled. One of the features you will get is multiple model memory. The transmitter can remember the trim and other setup settings for multiple planes. The exact number varies by transmitter. Your first setup should be a package which includes the transmitter, receiver, servos, battery, switch harness, etc. All of this equipment can be used in multiple planes. However, as you've already heard, when you get to the point where you have more than one flyable plane, it's not practical to move the flight equipment from one to another. For this reason you will start to "collect" additional flight equipment. This equipment needs to be compatable, but does not have to come from the same company.

If you are on a budget, there are less expensive, but perfectly viable trasmitter choices for getting . The simplest is a basic 4 channel. This will cost around $100 for the entire radio package. Even if you later decide to go with a 7, 9, or 14 channel system, the flight pack portion of the basic 4 channel system can still be used. If you spend a little more you can get a 6 channel computer radio. These provide some of the benefits of a computer setup such as electronic trim, end point adjustments, throttle cutoff, multiple model memory, etc, but at a lower cost than the fuller function 7 channels. One of the best deals, IMO, right now for a 6 channel computer radio is the Futaba 6EXA at Tower. When you subtract the rebate, discounts, and gift certificate savings, the net price is $130.

I find Tower Hobbies to be one of the "best" places to buy. Their prices are usually pretty good, their shipping is very predictable, and their web site is well organized. However, they don't have everything. For someone just starting out, they should have everything you need. As has already been mentioned, you should also consider buying at your local hobby shop (LHS). The prices may be a little higher, but being able to ask questions makes it worth the difference. However, if your LHS is really just a toy store that happens to carry some R/C stuff, it's usually not worth bothering.

I also suggest getting in touch with the nearest club before you buy anything. Most clubs have training programs. They will put you in touch with one of their instructors who can give you some adivce on radio, engine, and plane selection, as well as giving you their opinion on the LHS. If you're in the US, to locate a club, go to the AMA's club locator:

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On the question of ARF versus kit, unless you have your heart set on building a kit, I think an ARF is the way to go. For less than $100 you can get a plane that includes "most" everything you need, and is reasonably well built. A kit will cost only a little less, but by the time you've bought building tools, covering, etc, you will have spent more money. With an ARF you also get in the air much quicker. Once you get some flights in with the ARF, and decide you are going to stick with the hobby, you can begin acquiring the additional stuff you will need to build from kits.

Reply to
C G
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Yes. One controller (transmitter, TX) can be used for many planes. A six or seven model memory TX can store the settings for that many different planes. The same TX without memory can also control many planes, however, before you fly each one, you must manually set servo travel direction and trims (find adjustments) for each plane. To avoid this task, people had multiple transmitters before radios with memories came along. Each plane needs a receiver (RX) with a crystal that matches the TX. I have been using a Hitec Eclipse for a couple years now and really like it. The new Hitec Optic is supposed to be a nice radio. Good luck with whatever you decide to use.

Reply to
jjvb

Also true. The plugs come in many shapes and sizes and polarities, but most all servos are controlled by the length of the pulse. Sometimes you have to lift the little tang on the plug and pull out the individual sockets on the positive and negative and push them back in the other hole to reverse polarity. Sometimes you have to shave off a tang, or chamfer a corner or cut off other protuberances. The plugs may be converging on a standard, but especially if you deal in used stuff you will see all kinds of plugs. Most all can be made to serve with very little fuss however.

Reply to
Steve Banks

Just push harder, as the actress said to the bishop :-)

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

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