Hii frnds , i want to start rc fying as a new hobby.I live in kolkata.i want to know which is the best radio which will fit the following criterion
a) fly electric planes
b)fly mico using the same radio (Tx)
c)available in kolkata
d)how many channel it must have
e)which frequency to choose
f)Low budget

Post #1 ! Welcome to RC India

I will leave it up to people like Sethji to comment on availability in Kolkatta.  Otherwise you can look at the radio available from RCForAll in Chennai as a good entry level option. For a life long radio, you are looking at spending around 12K with current store prices in India. 

You need minimum 4 channel, 6 is good. 

The radio I mentioned is 2.4Ghz, so you don't worry about frequencies; and the size of planes don't really matter (unless you are getting into really really big ones).

Wow, where in Kolkata. Plz let me know. I am also from Kolkata. Give me a call 9330714813. I will help u choose a right radio. Even Sethji would be willing to help.

Welcome Riba, I am glad to see a RC enthusiast from Kolkata

Rohit has some good knowledge about RX-TX and their availability in Indian LHS... If cost is not a determining factor, then as Anwarji has correctly suggested, 2.4 Ghz would be the best option.  If you want to keep costs low, you need to make your own plane and buy a basic radio set (may be previously used). Rohit and I can provide some build-plans and tell you the store locations to buy the materials to build you plane. I will PM you my phone number. Feel free to call if you need any guidance.

Goodluck,
Ritesh

What radios are in usually in stock in hobby stores in Kolkatta ?

Quote from: anwar on July 16, 2010, 11:17:45 PM
What radios are in usually in stock in hobby stores in Kolkatta ?

AFAIK, there are NO 'Hobby Stores' as such in Kolkata, thus the question of 'stock' or 'radios' does not arise. The India Hobby Centre, which was the pioneer establishment for Aeromodelling in India is now a faded ghost of its illustrious past. It serves only as a nostalgic touchstone for us old timers whenever we visit the city. After all, we literally 'grew up' there.

Kolkata RC fanatics, please correct me if I am wrong.

Cheers!

VC

I thought others were selling stuff... I remember friends buying from someone a few of years ago. I believe he shares my name.  And there were others too ?

Yes there are some, however, AFAIK it is a not an organised scene and no one is really interested in helping the hobby thrive. They are all in for a fast buck - mainly with Chinese ARF / RTF kits. Then again, I sincerely hope that I'm wrong. That is why I am requesting the Kolkata RC group to correct me.

I have been in touch with an employee of India Hobby centre and your namesake recently, my observations are based on my conversations. For all interested, contact Palash of India Hobby Centre at 096811 51228 for details. He is a rather helpful chap with very little available resources at his disposal.

Cheers!

VC

The rot has been in the grain for many years now. 25 years ago, the owner of India Hobby Centre would try to sell his half broken, terribly assembled, Airfix models and damaged Hornby HO gauge train sets at astronomical prices through the counter. I remember picking up a damaged 1/72 Dornier 217 model for Rs.200/- in the year 1986. It was a LOT of money then.
However, since the glazed nose was missing, this model taught me the art of vac forming. I remember using the bubble cover of my Dad's shaving blades to create the part. Learning curve, I guess................Kolkata, a city full of heart and warmth, deserves a better deal.

VC

When i had inquired about a radio at the IHC. The only 2.4ghz system that was available with them was the Futaba 6CH. The price quoted by them for the TX+RX was 14,000. However, i paid 1ooo more and got the Sanwa RDS 8000. Last week i asked for a price of the Deans connector. They quoted me at Rs.150. However, they are very good otherwise. I usually go and hang out with Palash whenever he is at IHC, he has got tons of information, though nowadays, u hardly find him at the shop because he is always busy with students at IIT. The owner Mr.Rishi Kumar is also a very nice person. He had showed me his full line of Engines which he had in stock. So, the bottomline is that after having information of other cheaper, better managed LHS, buying from IHC is not a good idea. But i have to admit that both of my begineer RTF's were from there and both of them fly exceptionally good even today.

http://www.rcdhamaka.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89&products_id=225
Can Sanwa RDS 8000 be used for training on SIM?
What all SIM are compatible (if compatibility matters) ?

Pretty much any radio will work with any standard sim.  Worst case (and a very rare situation!) you may have to solder up a simple connector with the right PPM wires.

Quote from: ranjan on August 02, 2010, 09:08:53 AM
http://www.rcdhamaka.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89&products_id=225
Can Sanwa RDS 8000 be used for training on SIM?
What all SIM are compatible (if compatibility matters) ?

RDS8000 is an excellent platform for beginner which would survive til advance skill demands! RCDhamaka also has excellent USB Sim Cable which provide compatibility to different SIM software (At least the best two, names I shouldn't be taking here).

Otherwise, hunt for some one selling 6-7 channel FM Tx and hack them with 2.4GHz module. Jerry on this forum was selling his Spektrum DX7, which work with Cheap $14 cloned Rx from Hobby king. This could be another terrific Tx to start with.
(wonder when HK would come with clone Rx for Futaba FASST )

Quote from: ranjan on August 02, 2010, 09:08:53 AM
http://www.rcdhamaka.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89&products_id=225
Can Sanwa RDS 8000 be used for training on SIM?
What all SIM are compatible (if compatibility matters) ?

There is nothing like compatibility. You can use pretty much any radio/computer joystick with any Sim as long as you are able to make it recognize under game controller under windows control panel.

I have RDS8000 and I tried making it work for sims using PPM wires and PPJoy, It sucked pretty much.

BTW if you use the cable from RCD for RDS8000 then it might work well - this comment is based on HAMAERO.

I haven bothered to buy one yet since I have a dedicated sim controller.