ncpd25
Flying officer
Posts: 5
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Post by ncpd25 on Nov 4, 2012 10:11:33 GMT 1
Hey Everybody,
Just registered and wanted to introduce myself. Should be getting my Hobbyzone Super Cub (seems like a no brainer). Currently awaiting my Phoenix RC Simulator to arrive (took many flyers advice to start with that).
Now I'm wondering if I should get the 7380 BNF and use the transmitter that comes with the simulator or if I should go with the 7400 RTF. Is there any difference between the RTF and BNF planes or are they identical?
Look forward to taking a good look around the site and picking up on some much needed tips and suggestions from experienced people on here.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Greg
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Post by spindeepster on Nov 4, 2012 14:26:27 GMT 1
Welcome! If you got the DX5 with the simulator, purchase the BNF. The 7400 RTF comes with a DX4. With the DX5, you already have the "upgrade". Don't buy another transmitter of lesser capability with the RTF that you don't need.
Just my opinion.
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ncpd25
Flying officer
Posts: 5
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Post by ncpd25 on Nov 4, 2012 17:29:39 GMT 1
Hey Spin,
Thanks for the response. I thought the BNF would be the obvious choice but, better safe than sorry. I see things on different seller sites that make me question myself at times.
I didn't want to jump in and then have afterthoughts. I plan on buying some spare parts (cowl, prop etc...) but also want to get some bigger wheel for grass landings. Thinking Dubro 2 1/2".
Also want to get some LED Nav lights. Not necessary but, I want to have some fun with this so, why not!
Before long, you'll be reading about my first flight/crash!! Ha!!
Regards,
Greg
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Post by spindeepster on Nov 4, 2012 18:58:14 GMT 1
They offer the option to purchase a second battery at 1/2 price. By all means BUY IT. If you can swing it, buy a 3rd battery (at regular price I'm afraid). This will allow you to walk onto your field and fly with three charged batteries. Your cub will come with a charger that plugs into your car 12v port (cigarette lighter) After a flight period, charge battery #1 and put in battery #2. After that, put in battery #3. If you make a point of flying slightly better than 1/2 throttle, you will extend your "fly time"quite a bit. To extend battery life even more, I have cut the throttle back even further once I have achieved a comfortable altitude. Finally, battery #1 may have quite a charge by the end of battery #3. Pop it in and fly some more. By this time you may have close to an hour in the air (IF you minimize throttle, AND hand launch). AVOID WINDY DAYS!
I'm new to all this, but this has been my way of flying and it's worked out pretty good....so far. I flew quite some time this morning before my hands got cold. Also, be prepared to crash your plane and be "grounded" while you're waiting on replacement parts. Sorry to have to say that, but it's true...
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Post by flydiver on Nov 4, 2012 19:14:28 GMT 1
The 1/2 price 2nd battery is probably worth it. A full price one from Horizon is not. They are over priced and under performance. The biggest advantage is you know they fit and you don't have to solder new connectors. If that's good enough for you, go for it. Low hassle is worth something to start. You'll have other issues to deal with.  |
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Post by spindeepster on Nov 4, 2012 23:20:01 GMT 1
flydiver,
I'm new at this too. What would you recommend in the battery department? Can you post a link please? I have no problem soldering....where would I find the connectors? Thanks in advance!!
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Post by flydiver on Nov 5, 2012 3:48:10 GMT 1
Look in the battery section. Lots of options. I personally (right now) tend to prefer Gens Ace from HobbyPartz.com. BUT...batteries are a subjective topic, HIGHLY influenced by opinion, and with plenty of people to tell you what they think they know. It's interesting that what would appear to be something that could be quantified and measured is definitely not when in the hands of most RC fliers. In 6-12 months you'll maybe understand that. Also, anything larger and you need to start cutting up the battery box, which is not necessarily a bad idea. Lots of info available for that too. Connectors are ALSO a BIG subject of opinion. I use Deans, but the stock EC3 or the XT60 are fine. Connectors generally can be had from the same source. Decent soldering skills are a requirement in this sport. A good vendor with lots of stuff, cheap shipping and some excellent help is: www.headsuprc.com/servlet/the-2410/11.1v-1300mah-30C-DBY-dsh-Power/DetailBe SURE to read his help files (middle part of the page): www.headsuprc.com/servlet/StoreFrontFWIW his batteries will be fine too. The Cub is not high performance in stock form. The stock battery is low performance. |
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ncpd25
Flying officer
Posts: 5
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Post by ncpd25 on Nov 6, 2012 15:40:57 GMT 1
O.K.-I took the plunge and ordered my Hobbyzone Super Cub BNF and took advantage of the extra battery. I also ordered, larger wheels (Dubro 2 1/2") and a slightly larger tail wheel as well (cheap enough). I bought an extra cowl, extra struts (didn't know if I would need them but...), rubberbands and a couple of extra props (I didn't get the stock ones-I saw one listed on the Hobbyzone website-2 for $4. and change. 9x6's. Says they're durable and the configuration cuts the drag and increases thrust. I saw others say the stock props break easy. (I'm sure I'll test their theory out!). We have a Nor'easter creeping up the coast. Maybe I'll have my Cub in time to test my skills!! (Just kidding). I'd like to throw some nav lights on it too and have been looking around. Narrowed my choices down to 2 sets. There's a set on Ebay for $29.99 that has wide angle 8mm red/green nav lights, a 8mm landing light and a 5mm red beacon. Extremely bright lights. The other ones I liked was the RC Aerodyne set. Comes with 5mm nav lights (red/green), 2 red beacons, 2 white strobes(flashing) and 2 landing lights (10mm-kinda big in my opinion-could perform surgery under these babies!!). Also has a controller labeled for all the connections. Has 2 switches to turn the landing lights and other lights on/off I think from the transmitter? Aerodyne lights seem nice and bright as well- saw some on a video. may set aside one of the landing lights and one of the white strobes if I get this set. the Ebay set is nice and simple. Clean looking. Both sets are plug and play. I was even thinking of painting the plane. After looking around, I found a cool paint scheme. Maybe I should fly it first and crash it a few times before making it look all nice and then being real disappointed when I fly it into the side of a building!! I wanted to get into this as my Dad was a private pilot and use to take me to a couple of municipal airports when I was a kid. He'd point different types of planes out and hold me up so I could look inside. we also use to watch a club fly their gas planes (no electric then). My father was actually flying before he was driving. Started on an Aeronca and also flew a Cub in the early years. Later had a Cessna 172. He and my uncle restored a Cub back in the mid-80's. My dad passed 24 years ago and I still think about our trips to the muni to look at planes. I thought this would be a fun way to spend some time with him. I'm sure he'll be watching!!  |
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Post by flydiver on Nov 6, 2012 17:57:13 GMT 1
Suggestion - when learning don't bother to add anything or do any significant mods that don't work toward directly improving reliability or crash resistance.
I can't tell you the times people have put hours into a plane build to have it become rubble in the first couple minutes. Crashing is bad enough. Crashing a plane with a lot of serious work in it can be really tough.
The first few minutes (seconds usually) of a new plane's life are the most precarious, especially in the hands of a newbie.
There'll be plenty of time for well dressed planes later.
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Post by spindeepster on Nov 6, 2012 19:41:43 GMT 1
As new as I am at this, I'm inclined to agree with flydiver. I have replaced several props, I'm on my third cowl, most recently it was the gear box/prop shaft assembly that grounded me. I bought this plane to LEARN to FLY! The drawback to painting is the added weight to the tail section (so I've read). Some have resorted to adding weight inside the cowl to compensate for paint on the tail! I'm more inclined to leave it stock and "get my wings" so to speak. Then I'm moving on to a P51 Mustang, then my MIG... but that's just me...
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Post by flydiver on Nov 6, 2012 20:05:45 GMT 1
I know....you just want to LEARN to fly. That's how everyone feels when they start. Crashing is generally not on the radar. Think about it-would you learn to fly a real plane and expect to do it without a disaster? RC is maybe harder, it just doesn't kill you. It can ding your wallet and ego pretty well though... Painting can screw up the CG. It' a lot of extra weight and the majority if behind the balance point. Spend some time in the [Crashed? Photos and Discussion] thread. That's reality for most folks, most of the time starting out. |
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ncpd25
Flying officer
Posts: 5
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Post by ncpd25 on Nov 7, 2012 4:04:37 GMT 1
Flydiver,
I agree 100% regarding getting some time in the sky before spending a lot of time dressing it up. I thin the initial thought was to make it look as nice as I could.
That's like buying an expensive set of golf clubs when you've never played before. Walk onto a golf course and people will think "Wow, look at those clubs, he must be good?" Then you tee a ball up and can't hit it!
My simulator came in the mail today so, I'll spend some time on that at first and leave the looks for much later. I know I'd be upset if I spent alot of time detailing the plane and then crashing it (and I know I will). I never realized the paint could have such an effect on the balance of the plane.
Obviously I need to learn a lot!! I'm glad I found this site. You guys are a real "plane saver". At the very least, saving me some dings and crunches!!
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Post by flydiver on Nov 7, 2012 19:12:50 GMT 1
I never realized the paint could have such an effect on the balance of the plane. My buddy built a small flat foamy. He got fired up and painted it with Latex spray paint (heavy but doesn't eat foam). It ended up so heavy it wouldn't fly at all. You'd be surprised how much weight a couple coats of paint can add. FWIW it also doesn't stick well to the Z-foam so tends to flake off. |
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