Getting re-started

[lbk]

I was an airplane RC modeler about 20 years ago. I pulled out all of my old gear because I am going to get started - again. I have a few Q's - any help would be great.

My radio batteries are no good. I have two options - buy a new radio or buy new batteries. First, regarding a new radio - are there rules/laws concerning the typre of radio used for airplanes? I saw a few radios advertised as being "legal" for controlling airplanes. How do I know if a radio is "legal"?

Second - I may just buy new batteries for my old radio - however, all the batteries are a little different than the original equipment. Specifically - my original battery is 9.6 volt 600MAH. If I get new battery that is 700MAH or 2600MAH - will it still work OK? Will the charger charge the battery OK?

Thanks.

[dnkehl]

Welcome to my world. I didn't know it at the time but I guess I was lucky that I sold all my stuff. I think we are going to need some more info. What radio's do you have? If they are not at least 72MH you might think about a new radio. Have you checked your LHS (local hobby shop) on batterys. They might be a good place to start. Have you looked in the forums and read up on the new 2.4GH radios? Where do you plan to fly? Are you going to join a club? I'll stop for now and let you answer.

[lbk]

Welcome to my world. I didn't know it at the time but I guess I was lucky that I sold all my stuff. I think we are going to need some more info. What radio's do you have? If they are not at least 72MH you might think about a new radio. Have you checked your LHS (local hobby shop) on batterys. They might be a good place to start. Have you looked in the forums and read up on the new 2.4GH radios? Where do you plan to fly? Are you going to join a club? I'll stop for now and let you answer.

LBK: Well, my radio is old. Its a Futaba Conquest. It is 72MH and is in good shape save the batteries. I can get some cheap ones at cheapbatteries.com, but they are 700 milliamps and the original equipment was 500 milliamps. I am n ot sure if they will work with my charger - I don't know anything about 2.4MH radios - what is the advantage? I might join our local club because they have an airfield - otherwise, there is a big sod farm out in the coutry and they let me fly there years ago. I'm gonna join the RC organization (forgot the name) so i will be insured

[dnkehl]

I'm pretty sure that the difference between 500 and 700 is the capacity of the battery. It probably will work on your charger if it is the same voltage.
The advantage of the new radios is that no one can interfere with your signal. You can't be shot down by someone turning on their radio. If you fly in a secluded spot it won't make a difference which radio you use. If you join a club then you might want to look into a newer radio. As you research new products you will be amazed at how things have changed. Are you flying glow or electric?
What planes do you have and what are you looking to buy? I am working on a chuck glider scratch build and am close to maidening flight.(Got to get the honeydews done. lol)

[lbk]

I'm pretty sure that the difference between 500 and 700 is the capacity of the battery. It probably will work on your charger if it is the same voltage.
The advantage of the new radios is that no one can interfere with your signal. You can't be shot down by someone turning on their radio. If you fly in a secluded spot it won't make a difference which radio you use. If you join a club then you might want to look into a newer radio. As you research new products you will be amazed at how things have changed. Are you flying glow or electric?
What planes do you have and what are you looking to buy? I am working on a chuck glider scratch build and am close to maidening flight.(Got to get the honeydews done. lol)


I fly the glow/nitro - I have not looked into the electric, but I like gas powered stuff. My first plane was a PT 40 - it was a trainer but I had a lot of fun with it. I flew it a little too high and wings collapsed when I came out of the dive. I pushed it way too far. Then I got a Scat Cat - a light, low wing acrobatic aircraft. It was great - really fast, but it couldn't take the repeated landings and it eventually broke apart. So - I ordered a new trainer to get myself going again. What I'd really like to get is a float plane, preferably a Dehaviland Beaver - if I can find a gas powered one. I ordered some batteries from Cheapbatteries.com. I'm going to make a battery pak. I hope to be up an flying in a week or two.

[Mode One]

It sounds like your radio is Gold Labeled; however, to be sure what is it's channel number? Previous to having channel numbers, radios were simply described by frequency. I had radios on: 72.080, 72.400 and 72.960. When they added frequencies, they started calling them by channel numbers: 52, 56, 17, 42 etc...

700 Mah = 700 milli amp hour capacity. Your new 700 Mah pack will have only slightly more capacity then the old 500 Mah pack you had. If your charger still works, it will do fine charging your new pack. Divide the Mah output of the charger into the Mah capacity of the battery and this tells you approximately how many hours it will take to charge.

I personally would; 1). replace the battery packs and 2). Send the TX and flight pack to the manufacturer for check out. It has sat a long time. The contacts on the servos might be corroded and the TX and RX should be tuned. I tend to be cautious, the radio system is the link between my dumb thumbs and my pride and joy! So, I think having the system serviced is simply just good insurance. This is me, however! Flyers now-a-days do not seem to be as cautious as I am! After all, all you have to do is buy another ARF plane and off you go! I started when the only way you could fly was to spend months building and so am protective of my airplanes!

Depending on your experience previously, you may want to consider having help on your first couple of flights.

Most new radios are computer augmented radios and worth their price as they are very flexible. In my opinion 2.4 Ghz radio technology is the future of this hobby! It means not having to pay attention to the frequency board and other flyers can't shoot you down. They are not infallible; but, danged close. Any investing in radios I do in the future will be 2.4 Mhz systems.

[dnkehl]

Take a look at this. Its electric but it does mean their out there. http://www.rchobbies.org/e-flite-beaver.htm

[lbk]

Good suggestions. Thank you.

[dnkehl]

How are you doing? Any progress?

[lbk]

How are you doing? Any progress?

I got everything working just fine - I think the tank was too low. Suffice it to say - I got up and running. after a few tries and few repairs I got the plane off the ground. Flew OK - but the ARF trainer was pretty junky and didn't fly all that well. After about six or seven flights, I tried to roll it. It flew out of control and into a tree. Its history now and I just about have an old Great Planes PT 40 finished. Boy - its a much better plane. Hope to be flying in a few days.

[jitendrakumar]

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[aeajr]

lbk,

Welcome back to the hobby.

[dnkehl]

How is the PT 40 coming along?

[lbk]

How is the PT 40 coming along?

I flies great. I actually bought a stunt plane and I'm getting that ready to fly again, after I smashed it up. I had an old OS .40 o it and flew it once without problems. On the second flight, the engine died and she came crashing down. All fixed if though and i got a new OS AS .46 for it so I'm just waiting for the snow to melt so I can get it up in the air.

I have a DeHavilland Beaver w/ floats that is waiting for me too - although, its not an ARF so i need to find some time to get started on that. I just had a baby so I don't think I'll be building plane anytime soon.

What kind of plane(s) do you fly?

[dnkehl]

Congrates on the baby! I have a 2 year old grandson. I still have the chuck glider and then built a capricorn. Now am scratch building a simple grasshopper look a like. I made a foam cutter and cut some wings out and I am gluing the balsa and plywood fuse together now. the stab and rudder are balsa attached to an old arrow shaft. Will let you know how it comes out.