Looking to get started in RC soaring

[Andres]

Hi Gang,

Any advice on what should I get as my first sailplane and radio(something that I could use beyond the beginning stage). Thought, about the highlander, DAW 1-26, Spirit, Spirit 2M and Aspire. Thanks in advance.

Andres:)

[Jeff Carr]

Andres

My vote would go for the DAW 1-26. Im building one now for the Downeast Soaring club. It going to be our club trainer. One of our members has one and he flies it everywhere.

You should get on the Soaring Exchange Soaring@airage.com. There are a bunch of guys down in your area of Pa. I know the ESL has a very strong presents in the area. The Daniel Boone Soaring club in Reading has some good guys that would probably fall all over you to help out.

One good thing about the sailplane group is there is always someone willing to help.

Jeff
Downeast Soaring

[Jere L]

I taught myself how to fly RC with the Aspire Arf that comes with the electric motor and prop installed. I can't say enough for the quality of the kit, and it handles like a dream.

I'm still not at the ace level of flying, but I've found that the plane is a good way to go because of the wing's light loading and polyhedral.

Another great point for it is that its repairable...I know, I learned the hard way a few times. ;)

One thing I do recommend is to find an instructor. It would have saved me a bit of learning time, and I plan to get one when I decide to transition to gas powered. Though I like sailplanes so much, that might not be for a while.

If your looking for a kit to build, I'm currently working on Carl Goldberg's Electra. Its a build up kit that comes with the motor and prop. And I'm having a blast with it.

Good luck.

Jere

[Andres]

Hi gang,

Any advice on radios with sailplane features? Hitec, JR or Futaba?

Andres

[saint152]

Glad to hear that you're just starting out and asking questions first! I started with a Gentle Lady and built it myself. Kits will give you more experience with repairing your sailplane. I see that you had a post about the Spitit Elite RTF. The Spirit is a GREAT glider. I have a couple of these (one with spoilers and one without). As far as Radios......I would suggest to go with something that can grow with you such as a hitec flash4 or 5(computer radio) with micro servo's. For the money these work great!

[Jeff Carr]

Andres

Get a radio that is at least 4 channels. I know the Hitech 3 FM is good but you will out grow it. Look and see what equipment people in your area fly. If it JR then I would recommend JR. They are all good.

RCONLINE.Com has a great deal of radios listed daily in the swap section. I have bought JR recievers on the list. There are good deals to be had. Try to get one that has some mixing in it. Like elevon V-Tail Flapperon. These make it so easy.

These are the list if radios
JR
Airtronics These are positive shift radios and can be intermixed
Multiplex


Futaba Negitive shift and can be intermixed
Hitech

I have had good luck with all the servos from all these manufactors.

Good luck I hope this helps

Jeff

[aeajr]

Hi Gang,

Any advice on what should I get as my first sailplane and radio(something that I could use beyond the beginning stage). Thought, about the highlander, DAW 1-26, Spirit, Spirit 2M and Aspire. Thanks in advance.

Andres:)

It has been a few years since your original post. I am always interested in what happened.

Did you ever get that first sailplane? If so, what did you get and where did it take you?

[GoOgle]

saint152, your bringing back memories. I'm 33 now and learned to fly at age 12 (I think) on a gentle lady that my dad and I built...mostly him. we used an engine pod and a .049 engine to get it up. I traded that plane for a few boats...big mistake. At any rate, i'm getting back into things now and looking to purchase a new glider. The gentle lady was pretty easy to fly you only had to worry about rudder and elevator. What might be the best entry level plane with aeileron as well? I also like you comment about buying a 4-5 channel radio as well. That leaves room for growth.