Lazy Moth

Jun 03, 2005 3 Replies
P

I just bought a Lazy Moth and a Quatro Lite Transceiver package (with a Pixie speed controller).



All the controls (rudder/elevator/throttle) appear to work just dandy when the transmitter is turned on. However when I turn the transmitter off I expect that nothing should happen. However what happens is that the motor starts running (sporatically) and I tink the controls sometimes move as well. This happens no matter where I am, so I don't think it is radio interference. Is this a problem with the reciever, the speed controller, something else?



On another note - this is the first model I have built and I have never flown rc aircraft. I've already crashed the Lazy Moth a few times and could probably use some help. I'm in Sunnyvale CA. Would Curtis field or Rancho San Antonio be good places to go? Are people out there early in the morning? (The Lazy Moth can't tolerate any wind).



~Paul


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P

That is fairly common with less sophisticated receivers. They start hunting for any available signal which usually turns out to be static. The better receivers just hold everything in the position directed by the last good signal they received. Some receivers can be programmed to set the controls to a predetermined point if the signal is lost (fail safe).

Don't worry about it as you won't be doing much flying with the transmitter turned off!

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T

Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

Make sure your turn the plane off FIRST (or remove the battery if there is no on/off switch), then the transmitter. When you are going to fly, reverse this. Turn the transmitter on first, THEN turn the plane on (or install the battery). It will prevent the motor from accidentally starting and the prop hitting you (or someone else ).

I am on the East Coast so I can not help you there, however, if you check the AMA club membership list

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I am certain you will find a club in your immediate area.

One other thing. Contrary to what the model manufacturer says or it says on the box, a bi-plane is not the easiest plane to learn to fly with. You would be much better off with a Slow-Stick

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if you are going to try to learn on your own (not recommended) or with an instructor, an Easy Star
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The Easy Star will handle wind substantially better than the Lazy Moth or Slow Stick.

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P

Yes, I had figured out that is the proper order. I was just wondering if this phenomenon meant that something was wrong.

And thanks for the links you sent. They have been useful.

The lazy moth is not a biplane. That said, I don't know if it is a good choice as a trainer - but I'm about to find out :)

~Paul

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