Range test question

[Blueshark]

Hello,

I purchased a used Parkzone T-28 Trojan some months ago but never had a chance to fly it. I've had a few hours of practice on the FMS simulator and about half an hour of flying in a real Cessna 172 about 2 weeks ago (it was great!). No flight time on any R/C at all. I know that this plane is not the best for a beginner but I'm confident that I can handle it.

I decided to do a range test on the T-28 today just to get an idea of the transmitter's range... My son held the plane while a walked away about 100 feet and activated the various controls: no problem. Same at about 300 feet.

Then, at around 350 or so, my son indicated that all the components were reacting randomly (except the motor), but I wasn't touching any controls.

The original owner told me that he flew the plane only 5 times. So, the batteries in the transmitter should have only about 50 minutes of wear on them. Could that be the cause of the problem? The "low batteries" indicator on the transmitter does not turn on when I'm using it.

Any idea why this is happening? I don't want to fly the plane if the controls go crazy once the range is more that 300 feet.

Thanks for your help.

[Leo L]

Hi Blueshark,

What was the extension of your antenna on your transmitter? If you had it all the way in, then your plane's reaction was normal; but if you had it fully extended, then you have cause for concern. With the antenna fully extended, you should have complete control of the plane for well over 1000ft.

I would repeat the test at a different location to see if there were outside signals interfering with your plane or not. If the same thing happens again, then its probably time to replace the receiver.

Most transmitters have their weakest signal along the line of the antenna. If you were pointing the antenna directly at the plane, you were giving it a very weak signal. Try the test again with the antenna pointing significantly away from the plane.

I would STRONGLY URGE you not to use the T-28 as your first palne, unless you havwe an instructor helping you. The T-28 is a terrific SECOND plane, but is definitely not for a beginner. Unfortunately, your time in a real plane counts for nothing (it can actually be counter-productive) and a few hours on the FMS simulator does not begin to give you the type of experience that you need to fly this plane. If yu said that you had several months of experience with the simulator, then you might stand a chance. PLEASE get a good beginner plane, learn to fly and then enjoy the T-28 when you are ready for it.