Hi everyone !

New to this site and to model airplanes so a lot of daft questions to come !

It all started on ebay...after looking around on ebay and already interested in RC planes i came across whot i thought would make a good starter plane (high wing cessna type). to cut a long story short i "won" the item witha very low bid, it came with a max-s os 31 engine and is also fitted with three futaba fp-s28 servos and a Ripmax m series 4 channel receiver. The transmitter is a futaba ripmax m series 6 channel (model cx-3212) of a 1976 vintage, my first question is can i just fit a pair of  35 MHZ crystals (came with 26 MHZ fitted) to test the equipment when the new batterys arrive or would i have to replace the radio gear as its so old?

Robert welcome,

Well, old is old and although you may come across a few chaps who tell you that their M series gear is still fine, you'd be sensible to replace it. In 1976 we flew on 27mHz and moved on to 35mHz in the early '80's and although you can still use 27mHz  - it is shared by boats, cars, planes and CB radio. Many Tx's were chaged to 35mHz at the time so it looks like yours is still in its original guise.

Something that on the face of it still 'works' may not be performing well enough for reliable glitch free operation - you want a system that'll be 100% reliable for many years to come. You don't know how your radio set has been treated over the years, damp, dust and just careless use all take their toll.

Best advice is to buy a new system - 35mHz or 2.4 - lots to choose from and as expensive as you want it to be.

Assume you'll be joining a club? Get someone to check the model out before you fly.

David.   

Hi David,

Thanks for the reply. I have been trying to track down a local club but as yet with no luck, even though I am just a short distance from Machrihanish airport.  

Hi Robert,

I know Machrihanish, what a wonderful place it is. Now, David is right about radio, You just can't take any chances.I'd definately go for 2.4ghz. I was instantly converted, not even a tiny glitch.  Also, do take the trouble to test everything before you try to fly..Engine 100% reliable, etc. and don't forget to check the balance point . Re a flying club, try to contact bryan.passey@talk21.com I'm sure he will help

ernie

Hi Ernie,

Thanks for your reply, i went to the air show at Machrihanish last year (on again in 2009) and saw a few model airplanes on display, i have now found out that one of the owners lives in Lochghilphead which is only 50 mile up the road, so if i have no luck finding him through the grapevine i will contact Bryan.

cheers

Rob

That's where Bryan Passy lives Robert. if your interest stays firm shall we see you at the Fly-in in May? Again Bryan is the chap (or one of) for that event

 I tnink the nearest club to you ( and it is not close ) is Clyde Valley Fliers. There is another model flyer who's house overlooks Machrihanish, again Bryan Passey could help perhaps. I believe he fly's local, mostly on his own as not a great interest there yet.

Have a look at the SAA website, one or two posts has his tel: num, he is a very friendly chap.

Robert

I would suggest you buy a set from one of the main stream manufacturers such as JR, Futaba, Hitec or Multiplex. You can get a good beginners radio with four servos for under £150, also you should be abale to find some one to hook your Tx to so you can take advantage of the "Buddy Box" facility.

 Best bet is to find a club, see which make of R/C gear is most poular and get a set of the same make.

flytilbroke,

Thanks for the info i will be at the Fly-in without fail and i didnt even know the SAA existed  !

Brian,

I agree with you on buying from a main stream manufacturer, but at the moment it looks like i will have to go down the self tought road so i will expect a few mishaps along the way (using a flight sim at the minute) and as such i would like to keep costs down to a minimum until i can keep the plane in the air etc but it may well be false economy.....

Hi Robert,

The self taught road is very, very difficult indeed, if not altogether impossible. Remember that flying  a multi channel  model is more difficult than flying full size.   I would forget all the hype about learning to fly on a mustang etc, and get a low powered glider..ie very slow, very predictable, and big (2 meters at least) so that you can see it clearly. Electric, or glo? I'd go for a wee 4 stroke, but just because they are such cantankerous wee buggers. (can I say that David? I did say fokker on anther thread)

ernie 

Robert

If you have to go along the self taught route - and there is nothing wrong with doing it that way - then might I suggest you get yourself a basic free flight "chuck" glider or rubber powered model. these will give an insight into the basics of trimming a model.

For your first radio model use a converted free flight design such as the Junior 60, still kitted I believe by Ben Buckle, this has a lot of inherent stability and will help you though the initial learning curve.

 I understand what you say re keeping costs down but if you are unsure about the radio you will never know if it was you or the radio that crashed! you do need to be able to trust your equipment.

If you want to buy 2nd hand try and get the seller to show you the equipment flying before buying, while Ebay may seem cheap better kit may be found in the classified ads of RCM&E (other model magazines are available).

Whatever you go for - Good Luck

My thanks to all of you for your help and advice, it is very much appreciated and i will keep you all informed of my learning curve (circle?) as and when it unfolds.

Rob xxx

Hello again, I have posted a picture in the Albums, relevant to Rob's location, under the heading, Summer-sometimes.

 Keep clear of the grasscutter on the front of your plane now  or behind it if thats what you get. Leccy, basic, not high performance, gliders are good for learning with, though if you go into the rough stuff a foamy variety could be your best bet.

 Keep well clear of the Airfield as you dont want to have problems there. I hope you get some calmish days to play in. I know what the wind can be like there,

 See you,

Bob

I would try the Multiplex easy Glider, I've heard very good reports of it., and am going to try it.

Pete

Best bet would be to put the 27Mghz gear back on Ebay and try to get some of your money back.

i started RC having done rubber powerd and control line, around 30 years ago. Self taught with a Kamco Kadet and 27mghz gear. Many crashes later, mostly due to radio failure and interferance, i quit for serveral years untill the 35Mghz gear came out. Since then I've had only one crash in 20 years (last Xmas) due to radio failure/interferance, the rest have been erm pilot error.

The aircraft i crashed at Xmas is an own design trainer built from the cardboard box my PC9 ARTF came in with a home cut polystyrene foam vaneer wing and painted with Dulux white emultion. Low cost hehe.