Hi,

Was actually trying to understand the glow vs electric first from an standpoint of the components involved. Earlier days, I was used to diesel engines and not much options were available. Now the online stores are offering the glow engines, plug, fuel pump, muffler and a host of other products in the nitro range to the point of becoming confusing to the un-initiated one.
Likewise for the electric motors.

So the first answer that I was looking for was "what all components do I require to power up?" both for .4-.5 nitro and for electric.

Regards
Pankaj

For glow, see this :  http://www.rcindia.org/gas-glow-nitro-planes/requirements-for-starting-off-in-glow/

to startup in glow you have to buy a motor and a suitable esc
then a battery suitable to the esc.
then connect esc to the receiver and the batt to the esc and rest is the servos

this will help u a lot uncle

http://the-radio-controlled-airplane.com/rc-airplane-electronic-connections.html

For electric, the list is something like this :

1. An airplane (an "ARF kit" would be good, it is a lot less work building it as compared to a plain "kit").  Obviously this includes landing gear also.  A foamie/glider would be good, along with beginner planes which are designed to have the motor mounted pointing backwards.

2. A motor ("brushless" is preferred) that suits the size of the plane.   You will need a propeller that suits the motor.

3. Servos

4. Transmitter and Receiver

5. One (or more) lipo battery to power the motor.

6. An Electronic Speed Controller (ESC, similar function as the carb for glow). Many ESCs come with a built in battery eliminator circuit (BEC) so that it can power not only the main motor (item [2] above), but also can power the receiver and the servos. Some people use a separate receiver battery and an external BEC for added safety.

7. Miscellaneous items like servo extensions and/or Y-cables.

8. Chargers for main battery and transmitter battery (and receiver battery, if you are using one).  I forgot to mention this in my list for glow.

Note that this is a list for average beginner.  For your specific requirement of .4 to .5 size, I think many people would go for separate BECs and receiver batteries.  Others can confirm this based one their experience.

To complete the list for an absolute beginner ...

9.  Appropriate connector to connect the battery to the ESC and the ESC to the motor.  The ESC to the motor connection can be hard wired, but you will want to test the direction of rotation of the motor before finalizing the soldering.  So you will need the right type of connectors (depending on amps drawn) and soldering equipment.  Shrink sleeves are highly recommended.

10. You will need something to secure items on to the frame.  This is more of building material stuff, so probably does not belong to this thread.  But items like velcro strips, sponge-foam to hold the battery/receiver etc, double sided tape, glues of the right type for fixing the frame or crash repair, thread locker glue, etc. 

Wanted to revisit this thread to see if anything can be added to this list.

One thing I have noted is that over a period of the time, in an electric setup, one tries various combination of motor and prop to find the most optimal thrust/speed requirement for oneself. In this situation, I would consider a watt meter an essential tool/equipment so as to keep the overall amp under control.

another thing I am debating on is whether to include Servo Tester as an essential item. Some thoughts on this would be welcome

Pankaj

Glow:

Budget Setup:
1. 4/6 Way plug wench
2. Glow plug igniter/Booster + Charger
3. Bulb/Bottle Refueler or Fuel Can with hand crank fuel pump
4. Chicken Stick starter
5. Set of Socket wrench , Phillips screwdrivers
6. Rx  Battery level indicator
7. Easy-Off Bang/Colin spray for cleanup after flying
8. A small field box to carry all this
9 . Tacho meter (preferably)
10. First Aid box

Premium Setup.
1. 4/6 Way plug wench , couple of spare plug of various size to match your engines.
2. Set of Socket wrench , Phillips screwdrivers
3. Field Tote box with place for power panel, 12V battery, Fuel, 'U' stand for resting plane fuse (Hobbico, Anderson)
4. Power Panel with Electric Fuel Refill Pump
5. 12v 7Ah SLA (Sealed Lead Acid Battery)
6. Glow Plug adapter cable with clip (to connect the power panel to the glow plug on the plane)
7. Fuel refill can
8. 12v Starter
9. Tacho meter
10. First Aid box
11. Easy-Off Bang/Colin spray for cleanup after flying
12. A small fire extinguisher (you get it under 200)


Would add Electric Setup list later.

 All above information is very useful and informative. thanks for sharing such a useful information.

Quote from: Pikle6 on July 22, 2009, 08:06:37 PM
to startup in glow you have to buy a motor and a suitable esc
then a battery suitable to the esc.
then connect esc to the receiver and the batt to the esc and rest is the servos

Actually it should read "the start up in ELECTRIC" not "GLOW"
aVIJIT

Hi. I have a couple of 4 channel Electric helis which are in need of some repairs. I also have a Hirobo XRB Tethered Heli which is very good for extended practice since it works on DC power (Battery less) and gives a long flight time to practice. Can any one suggest a person or some place in India where I can have Electric Helis repaired?

Dear Raphel, this is a very old thread and also not related to your topic. you better start a new thread so that you should get some response. Regards.