RE: Good place to buy a gaming system that will run all the new sims
I buy my gaming rigs from cyberpowerpc.com. They do great work and will customize your rig all the way based on whatever specs you provide. Prices are excellent as well. Maybe 10-15% more than it would cost to build at home. I have ordered 2 from there so far and have been very happy with the customer service and product.
Posted on: 7/30/2009 5:55 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8975834

RE: Gauging interest, Hellcat group build
Hello, I am new to the hobby and am still on my trainer, which I assembled from an ARF. However, the impetus for me to get flying was to build and fly warbirds. While I realize that I am a couple of planes away from being able to handle a warbird, I reckon a group build might be a really cool way to learn to assemble a kit. Do you reckon this build will be doable by a first time builder?
Posted on: 7/27/2009 5:55 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8967039

RE: Rx Battery questions
Great info here! Thanks, the links provided had great info, as did your posts. A 600 mah Rx pack for 5 bucks seems like a deal to me!! Once I move up to more expensive, higher drain applications, I'll just upgrade my Tx and Rx at the same time to NIMH. And sine ya'll have been flying for ever with no issues, I guess I'll save the redunduncy issue for when I get into more pricey planes. Thanks again!
Posted on: 7/17/2009 4:15 PM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8941750

RE: Rx Battery questions
Thanks Sandman. When you say you do not fly with less than a 2200 mah pack, I assume this would also apply to your Tx? I also assume you are flying much more complicated aircraft than my kadet. Would I need that much juice for 4 standard servos and a 2.4 ghz Rx? Also, could you drop me a link if possible to one of the cheap chargers from HK that you refered to.
Posted on: 7/17/2009 4:46 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8940422

RE: Junk or worth restoring? Pic. heavy warning for slow connections!
Thanks for the responses everyone. This was a big help. After thinking it through, I agree tht this would be a fun reclamation project. However, it is definately out of my league for now considering that I am still figuring out how to correctly assemble my ARF trainer. Not to mention, someone made a great point that the 200 bucks would probably be better spent on field equipment and building tools at this point in my RC career.
Posted on: 7/17/2009 3:22 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8940360

Rx Battery questions
Hello, I am in the middle of assembling my ARF Kadet LT 40 and came across 2 questions. I am using an Airtronics RDS8000 radio with 4 standard Hitec servos. Question 1: I am looking for a battery pack that will charge from the charger that came with my radio. The instruction booklet recommends a 4 cell 4.8V Nicad pack but does not specify how much capacity it should have. Since the Tx comes with a 700 Mah pack, I assume I don't need much more for the Rx? Would this Hitec pack keep the Rx up with my Tx? It is 12 bucks, and 600mah. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXN731&P=7 Question 2: From the reading I have done, it seems like the most common cause of a crash causing a total loss is a failure of the switch or Rx battery. Would it be a good idea to use 2 switches and/or 2 battery packs? Is this even possible and how would I go about wiring it up? Thanks for any info.
Posted on: 7/17/2009 3:18 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8940355

RE: Junk or worth restoring? Pic. heavy warning for slow connections!
Actually, the idea of tinkering is what is spurring me on. I think i will go for it. 2 last questions: If the engines ran as of 10 yrs ago, I assume they can be run again with x amount of work put in, no way they are completely dead right? Reckon [that 10 year old nitro is ok to use? [8|]
Posted on: 7/8/2009 8:39 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8915706

RE: Junk or worth restoring? Pic. heavy warning for slow connections!
Thanks again CGRetired, looks like you have taken on a restoration project or two yourself. ;-) Mclina, that is my thinking as well. I don't have my own field equipment yet, so it should all come in handy and the experience of getting everything operational should be very educational. Question for you guys. I am assuming the engines can be gotten into flying condition again, no matter what. Rebuilding them is always an option right? Can a nitro engine be completely beyond repair?
Posted on: 7/8/2009 8:30 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8915692

RE: Junk or worth restoring? Pic. heavy warning for slow connections!
Thanks for the tips on getting the engines going. I am looking forward to playing around with them. I'm not concerned about the radios as I will be using my current radio and his are not included anyway. I will definately go over the servos, and re-cover everything. Good practice for the future. :-) I found out just now tht the rudder on the Eagle is loose. I'm guessing that should be an easy fix though. So reckon 200 bucks is ok for this lot?
Posted on: 7/8/2009 7:13 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8915603

RE: Junk or worth restoring? Pic. heavy warning for slow connections!
Thanks for the response. The engines have not been started in about 10 years. He says he put after run oil in them though before storing them and that they akll made good compression at the time. Gosh, I'm really not sure if this is a potentially awesome deal, or more trouble and risk than it is worth. [sm=confused.gif] I emailed him back to see if he could start the engines up to see how they run. He did find the conopy for the Kobra though the kaos canopy is MIA. No biggy, I believe I can order that from GP for 8 or 9 bucks.
Posted on: 7/8/2009 7:02 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8915594

Junk or worth restoring? Pic. heavy warning for slow connections!
First off, thanks for everything so far. This site and posts have been super informative. I was hoping to get an expert to look at 3 old planes and engines pics to see if these were worth buying and restoring. They are part of a lot a local seller is selling for 200. Based on everything I learned, I have picked up, new, a Kadet LT-40, TT Pro 46 and grabbed the RDS8000 while it was 99 bcuks. What a super deal! So, I am all set except for field supplies, which I will wait to talk to my instructor about before purchasing. Anyway, I have been keeping my eye out locally for anyone getting out of the hobby so as to pick up a good deal on misc. equipment. I found this one fellow who stopped flying in the early 90s and is getting rid of everything he had, with the exception of radios. The stuff includes an OS 40, 2 OS 60s, misc. monokote, misc. balsa, covering iron, old fieldbox, 3 planes and more. The planes were all kit built and are a Goldberg Eagle2, Sig King Kobra and GP Super Kaos 40. From my reading here, I know the Eagle 2 is a solid trainer and would make a good backup for my Kadet. Additionally the Kobra and Kaos would make for good 2nd and 3rd planes. If these can be fixed up, if the engines run and some of the stuff in his fieldbox still work, 200 could be a good bargain for the lot. So I was wondering if you guys thought these would make for good flyers or if this was just a bunch of old junk? I'm thinking, a dusting, some sand paper, fresh monokote and WD-40 and I might have something here. Not to mention, restoring them could be a lot of fun and good experience. P.S. I have emauiled the guy to see if the engines still start and to see if the canopies missing from the Kobra and Kaos are in one of the boxes. Thanks!!!!! Pics follow below:
Posted on: 7/8/2009 3:03 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8915434

RE: Junk or worth restoring? Pic. heavy warning for slow connections!
And a couple more. And thanks again.
Posted on: 7/8/2009 3:02 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8915440

RE: Junk or worth restoring? Pic. heavy warning for slow connections!
More pics:
Posted on: 7/8/2009 3:00 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8915438

RE: What engine should i put in my Kadet?
Thanks, any particular brand that is commonly available at the LHS?
Posted on: 7/4/2009 7:41 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8905468

RE: What engine should i put in my Kadet?
Thank you all for your time and responses. I will just stick with the TT Pro 46 as I already have it, and it is the consensus pick thus far. So, what type of nitro would you recommend for the TT Pro 46/Kadet LT 40 combo?
Posted on: 7/4/2009 6:12 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8905417

What engine should i put in my Kadet?
Hello, Thanks to all the great responses here and the wealth of information I found in older threads, I have chosen the Sig LT-40 ARF as my trainer. It has been ordered and is currently enroute along with a TT Pro .46 to power her with. This airplane/engine combo seemd like the consensus pick as the most solid combo. While I read good things about the OS .46 AX as well, I decided on the TT as most agreed that it was as solid of a runner and cost 30 dollars less. However, after ordering I ran into an opinion that the Kadet makes for a better trainer with an OS .40 LA powering it as the OS engine is easier to tune and the .40 size is a more appropriate power source for a new flyer. Moreso, I read that a used engine may be better as it has already been broken in and tuned, while a .46 was overpowering the Kadet and eroded some of the Kadet's signature flying attributes. So with that said, I found a .40 LA for 40 bucks, and the owner claims that it has only had a gallon put through it. Should I go for this instead and save the TT Pro, that I spent 95 on, for my second plane? I am planning on getting a Sig 4* kit to build over the winter. What do you guys think? Just roll with the TT Pro 46 I have coming with the Kadet or buy the OS 40 LA? This will be my first flying experience, so please keep that in mind. Thanks!! P.S. I ordered Hitec HS-325BB servos for the Kadet. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDEL9 I believe these are solid servos and will do the trick. Would like a thumbs up from ya'll though before I install them. [:D]
Posted on: 7/1/2009 6:48 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8897165

RE: Waht determines a plane's size?
That was paerfect lnewqban, exactly the type of reading I am looking for. Thanks a lot.
Posted on: 6/24/2009 1:49 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8876215

RE: Will I ever need more than 6 channels?
[quote]ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer The plane we built in those videos was a Tower Trainer. We chose that plane for one simple reason - we had the kit sitting there :D [/quote] Do they not make a Tower Trainer kit anymore or am I just missing it on the Tower site?
Posted on: 6/23/2009 9:57 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8873808

Waht determines a plane's size?
Hi, I am still in the process of soaking up enough information to be able to choose a first plane and club. I have it down to a handful at this point and then this really dumb question occurred to me. What is the difference between a 40 and 60 sized plane. I originally figured it was wingspan, but I have seen 40 sized planes with 6 foot wingspans, just like a lot of 60s seem to have. So, is it the weight of the plane or something else that determines whether it is a 40 or 60? Also, when it comes to engines, it seems that most people recommend using a size bigger than the size of the plane. For example, in a lot of threads I have read, people seem to be recommending .55 sized engines for 40 sized planes. While I am sure the sig LT40, for example, would work just fine with a 46 AX, would there be much added benefit from sticking a 55 in there? Is a bigger engine always better or can it be too big, given that it can fit in the engine compartment ofcourse? I assume diminishing returns also begin to set in at some point. Any help on this would be helpful. A link to a website that discusses this would be even better. I just haven't been able to google up a site that discusses engine size in layman's terms. Thanks! P.S. From my perusing of the forums, I am getting the impression that Top Flite makes the best ARFs. The stuff on their website looks awesome. Is there any other ARF manufacturer out there that would be equivalent in quality, or better? (Not that I plan on buying one anytime soon, but it is always fun to peruse the "Ferraris".
Posted on: 6/23/2009 4:36 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8873469

RE: Will I ever need more than 6 channels?
Thanks everyone. I think I get the picture now. Looks like the wisest choice would be to either roll with a used cheap 4 channel or 2.4 ghz 7 ch+. Since I have flown my park flyer around a bit and enjoy it, I think I'll be in this for the forseeable future. The Airtronics 8 channel seems to be quite popular here and resonably priced. Assuming that I can find an instructor who has one as well, I think I'll be rolling with this one, unless you guys know something bad about it that I do not. I can grow into it, and it looks like I can choose to not outgrow it for a good many years. Now to find me a Goldbeg Protoge 60 or I'll have nothing to fly. ;-)
Posted on: 6/18/2009 2:40 PM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8862452

RE: Will I ever need more than 6 channels?
Thanks for the link to your site MinnFlyer. There is a lot of great information there. I think I just got convinced to start off with a kit rather than a RTF. Considering that I am going to have to maintain and reapir my plane, I think I will be in a much better posotion to do so if I built it myself. I liked the idea of your videos. I think I may have to go for those. What plane do you build in it? Are the specs for what you put in it posted anywhere? Thanks! P.S. I am certainly planning on joining a club. There seem to be quite a few here in Mass. However, I might be moving about 30 miles down the turnpike this summer and I figured it is only fair to the club if I know where I will be living for the next few years.
Posted on: 6/17/2009 6:14 PM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8860145

RE: Will I ever need more than 6 channels?
Wow, great information here. Really, you all went above and beyond, I really am blown away by the number of detailed responses in such a short time. Well, I have gathered this much info for the short term: My gas trainer and first Tx should be chosen in conjunction with whomever will be training me, and I guess the decision will be more theirs then mine, as buying 2 DX6Is makes minimal sense. Correct? Any suggestion for a scale .40 gas trainer that is PnP? I'd prefer something the pre-dates Vietnam if something like that exists. How hard is it to PnP anyway? I assume it just invloves installing the appropriate Rx and I'm rdy to go. As for the longer term. Buy whatever you can afford is the toughest possible choice. In theory, I guess I could drop a few thousand....however, that seems like it would be a little out of control for someone just starting out, know what I mean? I am a big believer in value and would like to be able to get the most out of what I am flying while buying long term, quality componenets. Tech doesn't scare me, I'm a few years out of college, and my living room looks like an electronics store catalogue, so I imagine I will probably learn to program the Tx well, faster than I learn to fly well. [:D] As for what I see myself doing with the hobby. I am kind of getting into this to fly 2 planes in particular. After that, who knows, but I would like my first real plane to be a .60 sized scale Spitfire, the Hangar 9 ARF is catching my eye. Secondly, I eventually want a Fokker DR-1 and a Sopwith Camel in a larger scale scale, maybe the Glenn Torrance 1/3 scale which looks gorgeous. I also don't see myself doing anything super competitive, but who knows what the future wil bering. I want to fly RC as a relaxing hobby rather than getting caought up with the intensity of prepping for competition. I reserve my PS3 and Call of Duty 4 to get the competitive juices going. [;)] If that DR8000 can handle WWI and WWII .60 to 1/3 scale with ease, it would seem like a bargain for the money. Any thoughts on my newbish RC fantasies?
Posted on: 6/17/2009 6:01 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8858559

Will I ever need more than 6 channels?
Hi, I'm new to the hobby. I picked up an electric Super Cub to get my feet wet and am now thinking of grabbing the hangar 9 Mustang PTS with a Dx6i Spektrum transmittor. Will the Dx6i pretty much serve me throughout my RC Plane experience? Will I ever need more than 6 channels for anything? If so what would require more than 6? Assuming that a 6 channel radio is all I will ever need, and that this RTF comes with simulator software, it seems like a smashing deal. Appreciate the help!
Posted on: 6/16/2009 6:54 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8855906

RE: Need a little assitance with my first purchase Edit (Now a diary of my attempt to fly)
I have an additonal question for people experienced with the Super Cub. What manouvers should I be able to do with it? Alist would be apreciated so that I can look for videos on how to do them. Thanks again!!
Posted on: 6/11/2009 3:38 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8843217

RE: Need a little assitance with my first purchase Edit (Now a diary of my attempt to fly)
Thanks for all the advice! So I went out and bought the Super Cub today. Turns out, my neighborhood RC store had it for the same price as online. It was very easy to assemble, took me about 15 minutes. I tested out the controls at home and everything looked good. Battery charged up fully in the same time and I was off for my maiden voyage! I found an empty field about 10 minutes from my house. I did a range check and checked the controls again. Attempt #1: Everything looked good, so I turned on the ACT and hand launched it.......not so good. It turned onto it's suide about 15 feet up in the air and nose dived straight into the ground. Luckily there was minimal damage. THe cowling was a little broken up, but it otherwise looked fine. I checked the controls and everything looked ok, so I chalked it up to a random gust of wind. Attempt #2: Exact same thing happened. The cowling was completely shattered, an arm of one of the struts broke loose and the wing moved over an inch letting the elastic band cut into the wing about an inch. At this point I decided to ease up and examine the lil fella in detail. I fixed up the eing and made sure it was centered. Nothing I could do about the strut so I left it alone. Then when checking the rudder I noticed that it was wedged all the way to the right. AHA!! It must have been jolted in the car and I never noticed, what a newb! ;-) After some jiggling I got it back to neutral and was ready for my last attempt for the day. Attempt #3: I revved her up to full power once again and hand launched........and she TOOK OFF, soaring straight forward and climbing up and then vanishing into low cloud cover.... Panicing I eased up on the throttle to about 1/3rd power and brought her down and around. I then proceeded to fly for about 10 minutes round and round the field. Height edjustments were great, I could climb and descend at will. Left/right ,ovements were very sluggish. It seemed to take about 5 seconds of jamiing the stick to the side before she started turning. I assume this was the ACT acting up? After about 10 minutes i slowly lined her up upwind and gently reduced power and brought her in for a perfect landing. Success!!!!! I had a blast! Will definately be going back out tomorrow after hitting up the RC store for a new cowling, strut and prop savers, and with ACT off this time. There is a one inch cut in the wing where the elastic bit in. Super glue ok to fill that in with? The plane was very easy to fly and I will report back on my progress tomorrow. Needless to say, if you are thinking about the Super Cub with no R/C Experience, I highly recommend it. Oh, while I was at the store I also bumped into one of these lil fellas and got suckered into buying it. http://www.redrockethobbies.com/E_Flite_Blade_MCX_S300_RTF_Helicopter_p/eflh2300.htm Now this little chopper is loads of fun, and very durable. Smashed it around quite a bit and it doesn't have a mark on it.
Posted on: 6/11/2009 3:35 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8843207

Need a little assitance with my first purchase Edit (Now a diary of my attempt to fly)
Hi, I've been working in the far east ime zone the last couple of years and have been pretty bored in the mornings after work. R/C planes seemed like it might be fun and was always something I wanted to do as a kid, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I've done quite a bit of reading online over the last few days and am ready to order my first planes and was hoping to have someone look over my order and let me know if I am missing anything. First plane: http://www.redrockethobbies.com/Hobby_Zone_Super_Cub_LP_RTF_p/hbz7300.htm Now, I know I am supposed to join a club, and do plan on it. However, I am the do it yourself and fail first type of person. With that said, the Super Cub seemed like a solid entry level trainer. 3 channel, stable and foam. I expect to crash this my first time out without getting it into the air. Anything over and above taking off is all a bonus to me. I reckon I should order some spare parts to go with it and would appreciate a list of what I will probably wreck in the first few days. I'd imagine 2-3 spare props would be a good place to start. I reckon some extra batteries, and a voltage checker would also be a good idea. Any recommendations for a voltage checker? Also, would ordering more of the stock batteries be fine or should order something more substantial? What else would you recommend? Second Plane: http://www.redrockethobbies.com/E_Flite_Apprentice_15e_RTF_w_Dx5e_Radio_p/efl2725.htm I chose this one for my training with the club trainer. No fuss electric, sturdy foam body, 2.5 Ghz transmittor, brushless engine, lipo batteries, etc. Solid enough choice or would you go with something else? I assume there won't be a lot of crashes with a trainer, however, I figure extra batteries are a good idea. I was going to order 3 more of the stock ones, but once again, would I be better off with another type of battery? Thanks for any assistance, and yes, I will be ordering a simulator as well. :-)
Posted on: 6/11/2009 3:28 AM by Author "Bonza" in the forum "Electric Training"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8840503