Anwar,
you are right about learning about the orientation of the plane is easy on a simulator. But I think the rest of learning  like going up ,coming down ,taking turns etc is much easier and better to learn with a cheap 2Ch RC Toy Plane which costs only 1,000/- to 1,200/- only. It gives the feel of flying the real thing.Also these planes are made of plastic and foam and are pretty tough and survive many a crash.
    Undoubtedly the best way to learn is from an experienced flyer using buddy box system.
Different strokes for different people. But we can agree to disagree on this matter and still remain friends . Is'nt it
-Rao.

You got me thinking, Mr Rao     And no matter how hard I try, I cannot remember being enemies with anyone, ever !    And "disagreement" does not mean "animosity" !

Seriously, what I was trying to say is that the first minute of anyone's first ever attempt to fly a plane "by themselves (solo)" should be on a sim.  The rest can be cheap planes, buddy box, whatever....

Agreed. Me and my lousy sense of humor I was trying to be funny thats all. BTW Mr.Rao sounds real formal and I think we no each other for enough time to drop that Mr

Hi Guys,

My name is atul gaikwad and i stay in pune. A complete newbee although i did some research just visited some websites and gathered some information. I need some hand's on experience advices and am so glad i found the right people in this business.

Ok Here goes,

1) Isnt going for RC electric planes a better option for newbees ? They are quite reasonably priced as i can make out frm other websites.

2) Which radio to go for ? I understand we have to buy the latest so that incase we would like to upgrade the same radio can be used.

3) Which according to you guys, should be the ulimate plane to buy for a newbee ?

4) A friend of mine suggested to buy an electric plane and then upgrade to gas engines. Is this alrt or am just wasting my time and money with the electric planes ?

5) I love gas engines, infact since i have some lathe machines & some equipment i would really like to start manufacturing. Anyone has a diagram or smthing like that so that i can attempt to manufacture an engine.

Please comment..

Nice meeting you guys, tk care..

Hi Atul,

Let me try answering your queries one by one,

1) Going electrics for a beginner is indeed a wise option.  Psychologically, even though it is equally powerful to its glow counterparts, the fear factor is less becuase there is no sound!!  Secondly, the expenses for going electrics are cheaper till a 50 size aircraft.  Bigger than that, glow becomes cheaper.  Nowadays, high qulaity Lipos are available which would serve you faithfully for a long long time.  I learnt the electric way and even though I fly glow now and am also going to fly Gas engines, I still love and would keep loving my electric models.

2) I would suggest you to invest your maximum possible amount onto this segment.  I am going to invest for a third time now on a radio.  Initially I bought a normal 4 channel analog radio and then felt the need to upgrade and bought a computerized 2.4Ghz 6 channel Dx6i radio.  Now I am feeling the necessity to upgrade to a 9 or 10 channel one for my 50cc YAK.  Always go in for a 7 channel or a 9 channel radio if you can afford it or atleast a 6 channel programmable radio like the Dx6i or the 6EX.  That should be your minimum level if you plan on pursuing this hobby seriously.

3) It depends on individual perception rather than a single solid answer.  In RCG and RCU, you would find hundreds of posts debating this particular topic without anyone coming to any conclusion.  In my opinion, any high wing trainer like the Phoenix Paragon or the Hobbico Nexstar should be the most ideal for training.  But mind you, they are heavy and stable and would give you a solid feel, but they are balsa and prone to total destruction once you crash them.  On the other hand, the Multiplex Easy star / Easy Cub would be smaller and lighter, would not feel so solid in air, but they are also beautiful models.  They are EPP Foam which is next to indestructible.  They would also serve your purpose very well.  It would really help if you could modify these planes to include ailerons as well as the stock setup has only elevator / rudder setup.  Do some research and decide on what you want rather than go in with anyones suggestion.

4) Gas engines should be last in your scale of progression.  They are mostly available only in huge sizes.  Starting at 26cc (though smaller ones are available, they are quite rare).  So if you consider the size of planes that you are going to be flying using gas engines, then the responsibility and the skill should also be directly proportional.  So would recommend Gas planes only to people who are really comfortable with Glow and Electrics and are also suitably experienced to handle awkward situations in the air.  These are literally machines of destruction which should be handled with care and respect.
But I think you might be referring to glow engines here rather than gas engines... If that is the case, then again it is your wish to decide whether you want to go electric or glow.  Plenty of debates happening in other forums.  Do some homework and you would know the pros and cons of both..

5) I dont have any idea on this front.

So take your time.. do your research.. decide on what you want.. get an instructor and finally take the plunge!!

Happy Flying.. Welcome to the hobby..

- Chan

Atul,

If you like to build your own model then SPADs are the best way to go. Visit spadtothebone.com for more information and free plans.

Quote from: chanvivek on May 05, 2009, 07:21:23 PM
1) Going electrics for a beginner is indeed a wise option.  Psychologically, even though it is equally powerful to its glow counterparts, the fear factor is less becuase there is no sound!! 

Yes its true that the sound of an engine at full throttle/ full speed is scary for a beginner. But as you get used to it, the sound of the engine flying past you would be like music.. I bet you would want to do repeated low passes just a few feet away from you!

Quote from: izmile on May 05, 2009, 08:55:48 PM

Yes its true that the sound of an engine at full throttle/ full speed is scary for a beginner. But as you get used to it, the sound of the engine flying past you would be like music.. I bet you would want to do repeated low passes just a few feet away from you!

Exactly.. thats what I am doing right now!! Listening to the sound of my Funstar zooming past me full whack!! Pure addictive music!!

- Chan

Hi Vivek,

Thanks for the superb explanation and the motivation. I am really all pepped up and all ready to zoom in this hobby. Although, i understand hasty decisions are not good for me.

As you said i will do some research and buy myself a radio first.

One more question vivek, i saw some websites like towerhobby and the radios featured there are so cheap compared to our indian websites. Should i go ahead and buy one if yes can you please recommend me a 6 or 9 ch ? I believe the only problem ordering from abroad countries is the cost involved in the shipping. Do you have a fair idea on how heavy is it on the pocket ?


I believe some guys are selling their radios too, but am not much of a second hand believer. No offense, just buying something new makes more sense to me.

Please comment..

Thanks izmile for your comment  , yeah i know the engines sound is music and also when the plane zooms right besides you 

tk care guys..

cheers

atul g.

Quote from: atul_pg on May 06, 2009, 11:05:11 AM
Hi Vivek,

One more question vivek, i saw some websites like towerhobby and the radios featured there are so cheap compared to our indian websites. Should i go ahead and buy one if yes can you please recommend me a 6 or 9 ch ? I believe the only problem ordering from abroad countries is the cost involved in the shipping. Do you have a fair idea on how heavy is it on the pocket ?

Atul ,
Add Shipping + Customs Duty + other charges  and then compare prices .

PM me if you want some contacts in Pune .

I will suggest the electric route as by design they are  far more damage resistant , I would also say that you can start with an economical Radio  learn and then buy the latest technology available at that time when you get proficient .

sai

Hi Sai,

You are right, and yes i think i will go for an electric first since its a better option to start with. I was thinking of going for a very nice radio like a 6ch or a 9ch can these radios be used for an electric plane as well ? I think this is a stupid question 

Also, please give me pune contacts . Thanks again

Cheers

Atul G.

Hey Atul,

Start with an electric as you have decided.  No harm in that.  Any radio can be used with any plane as long as the receiver can be fitted inside the plane.  I would advice you to get the best radio you can in the first place.  Or, if you dont want to feel the initial cost pinch, get a 4000 buck radio and use it on your trainer and when you get your second plane, you can get a nice computerized 10 channel / 9 channel radio.  But if you can invest now itself, it would save you the first 4000 bucks.  But then, its upto you to decide.  There are many beginners also starting on the hobby in Pune.  Mr. Sai would be able to provide you with some contacts there. 

Moreover, when you buy from tower, say a radio for $500.  Add a shipping cost of roughly $50 to $100.  Customs of roughly $150 to $180.  Then calculate the cost.  Our Indian prices would be cheaper.  Availability is an issue though.

DX7 is available with http://rotor.co.in .. check that out.. and if someone is travelling down from Singapore / US, ask them to carry a radio for you.  That way you would be saving on the shipping and customs duty..

And dont call me Vivek..thats my brother's name    .. am Chandrasekar!! you can call me Chan...

- Chan

Ohh  okie chan. Nice meeting you..

Aha about the radio part i need your help, my father is visiting singapore this month.

1) Can you guide me which radio to buy so that i dont need to upgrade & i can use it on any electric or glow plane i buy ?

2) Do you knw any websites or some hobby shops in singapore so that i can just give him the address and he can directly go there with the model no. and name and buy it for me.

3) Buying from singapore would be cheap ? He would still have to pay the custom duty i guess , rite ?

Please advice me on this part , thanks dude you certainly made my life a lot easy 

Cheers

Atul G.


* Anyone else has any information about buying the best radio frm singapore please comment.

Atul, Rotor has a store in singapore too... I guess the prices are roughly close... (with duty etc ) except that these stores abroad always have some sort of beneficial SALE. it's about being at the right place at the right time 
the DX7 is also available at bombayrc.com with Rx (AR7000)
all the best!
I use the DX7 and its a great Radio!

Atul,

I am also going to Singapore next month (June 5th).  Singapore Super Sale starts on May 29.  I have planned to pick up a Futaba 10CAP (module based 10 channel Tx with 2.4Ghz module and Rx).. website price from Singapore Hobby Suppliers is 858 Sing Dollars.. check out http://shop.singahobby.com .. am still debating though.  But you might be able to bargain with those people specially during the Sale period and get some free stuff along or a reduction in price.. Check that Tx out.. That should last you a lifetime.. And you would be able to use a conventional module also with that!  When coming back to India, you can declare that as a toy item for personal use and escape customs duty!! So cheer up!

- Chan

Atul,

My suggestion would be to start with cheap stuff. No harm in getting a second hand stuff if the price is low and has moderate quality. Buy or make an aircraft and fly it first to see if this hobby is cut out for you. I have seen a handful of begineers start this hobby with all their spirit just to quit and curse this hobby after their first crash!.. So, after trying out your first aircraft, (and having had your first crash.. ) if you feel that you can grow in this hobby, then you invest in the big things.

-Ismail

Quote from: izmile on May 06, 2009, 12:45:18 PM
Atul,

My suggestion would be to start with cheap stuff. No harm in getting a second hand stuff if the price is low and has moderate quality. Buy or make an aircraft and fly it first to see if this hobby is cut out for you. I have seen a handful of begineers start this hobby with all their spirit just to quit and curse this hobby after their first crash!.. So, after trying out your first aircraft, (and having had your first crash.. ) if you feel that you can grow in this hobby, then you invest in the big things.

-Ismail

Fully Second this point of view 

HEY I thought this thread was for starting RC on a budget    FUTABA 10 CAP,DX7i  is not BUDGET as far as I know it 
After 5 years of Flying Bought a 6 Exap last year otherwise was using a sky sport and more recently a Turborix 6 channels Cheap tx.
Max Channels used till date just once is 5 never more than that . Normal usage 4 channel for fixed wing .
But remember my focus always is Cheaper the better I am not a high spending aero modeler


Sai

Quote from: izmile on May 06, 2009, 12:45:18 PM
Atul,

My suggestion would be to start with cheap stuff. No harm in getting a second hand stuff if the price is low and has moderate quality. Buy or make an aircraft and fly it first to see if this hobby is cut out for you. I have seen a handful of begineers start this hobby with all their spirit just to quit and curse this hobby after their first crash!.. So, after trying out your first aircraft, (and having had your first crash.. ) if you feel that you can grow in this hobby, then you invest in the big things.

-Ismail

I hadnt taken this into consideration.  I know how I felt after my first crash!! Down in the dumps with no confidence to touch a plane!!!  Luckily I did not give up! But many others have!! So a point to bear in mind!! Visit your local field a couple of times before taking the plunge and also think of the time required for all of this!! And one more thing, I started this hobby with a Turborix 6 channel radio and then got the Dx6i and now the 10CAP!!
- Chan

Building, flying and crashing are part of this hobby. But if you are able to get some stuff thats not locally available at low cost and if you are really interested in assembling/building and flying model airplanes I would suggest getting as many spares, parts and stuff as you can - that will help you in repairs, new builds. Some items available locally may not be as cheap as abroad. So, if model airplanes are a passion to you and you like to build and fly these no matter how long it takes to learn then invest what you can now. Its not just which TX or plane. Even I purchased stuff that was just right for my use in the US some five years back, but regretting now that I did not get stuff that was so cheap and easily available there and not even sold here or sold at crazy prices.

Agree with Ismail on getting stuff on re-sale if that matches your needs. Wish local hobby shops also sold re-sale/bargain stuff 

QuoteAtul,

My suggestion would be to start with cheap stuff. No harm in getting a second hand stuff if the price is low and has moderate quality. Buy or make an aircraft and fly it first to see if this hobby is cut out for you. I have seen a handful of begineers start this hobby with all their spirit just to quit and curse this hobby after their first crash!.. So, after trying out your first aircraft, (and having had your first crash.. Roll Eyes ) if you feel that you can grow in this hobby, then you invest in the big things.

-Ismail

i wish some one had given me this suggestion when i started 

sahil

Thank you guys, i will start with something that is reasonable & not so heavy on my pocket & let's see how it goes..

All the people here, newbees, intermediate and expert. I have a question, am sure there must be someone who has never ever crashed his plane let it be at any stage of his flying span.

Cheers 

The definition of a crash has varied meanings.. What do you imply?? There are crashes in which nothing has happened to the model.. there are crashes in which only landing gears pull off and there are total writeoffs!!  I can assure you that there is no one here who has not had even a single minor crash!! I have ripped off many landing gears flying on rough surfaces and I even have one writeoff crash early into this hobby!! My mistake..went into the sun on a knife edge, lost orientation on low level and crashed full throttle badly..model was a total writeoff!!

Let us start a new thread to discuss only crashes... we can always learn from the mistakes of others  !!

- Chan

Hi Guys,
No two landings or for that matter takeoffs are the same and as far as crashing it depends on whether it is a mistake on your flying or some malfunction on your aircraft/Radio. If you have done your homework (some sim time and visualization the most important for you can see the best of the R/C pilots too plan their sortie with a stick plane) then the first part (mistake in your flying) crash can be handled meaning reparable, but if your A/C controls malfunction the god save nothing can be done except watch and give the best input possible and pray at least at the last moment some miracle to happen.
Touch wood for me so far I have had hard landings and in one case I had my Javelin U/C ripped off due to my hard landing (landing with a side load due to cross wind didn't correct the crab at the last minute which is my mistake) but have not crashed were the model was in bits and pieces, thanks to my Radio which is so far so good for this you need an element of luck. I still have my first high wing trainer airworthy. So there is nothing which says that you have to crash to learn or in the process of learning too. Take help from your local flying field were a senior modeler who will be more than willing to teach. Study and analyze all material available regarding this wonderful and addictive hobby. Have a check list for everything you do, get ready for the field the previous day (Tightening, sticking, Charging and nothing missing in your toolbox which you may require in the field) go to the field with a tension free mind (this is a hobby and hobbies are supposed to make you relax from our monotonous life) socialize with fellow modelers learn from their ways of handling the model and take tips on different issues of flying and only flying.

Sorry I have deviated from the topic of discussion this is because the topic lead to crashing and to voice my view on R/C disipline I replied.

Kind Regards.........Alex

QuoteNo two landings or for that matter takeoffs are the same

Nor the flight/s. No amount of "homework" can prepare one for unforeseen situations.

Crashes can, will and do happen and are "never the same" .

I have not read all the posts in this thread, but read the subject line and thot i should share my experience. Hence this may not be in sync with the sequence of replies here.

i am 54 years old (young?). So any learning was tough and time consuming.

i do not know which is the best way since i have not tried different ways.

1. Took some time to read RCGROUPS.com, various interesting threads and updated myself in terms of this hobby- technology- min 100 hours.
2. Made up my mind that i will start with electrics. Main reason: i am familiar with electronics and that most of the repair i will be comfortable.
3. Down loaded FMS and practiced on a trainer model: more than 10- 15 hours.
4. Went and got familiarised with the People and the equipments : few visits to local flying site.
5. Bought a second hand Futaba Radio, and a complete plane from one of the flier.
6. This person (sajeev) helped me a lot and did the hand holding and advize very patiently and sincerely.
7. He even built a small trainer plane some thing like STC only for teaching us.

From then there was no looking back.

The whole money spent from the time i started to till i manged a trainer independantly is about rs10,000.00 including all items. though i would have spent a lot lot more by now having spent> 2.5 years in this hobby.

Hi Everyone,

We have just launched a full fledged glow trainer combo for just Rs. 12000..

For details refer http://www.rcindia.org/beginners-zone/ultimate-beginners-combo-from-rotor-sport/

Regards,
Aravind