This instructable is intended to familiarize you with the basic workings of Radio controlled aircraft. It is not a complete guide to everything about the subject, its intended to inform the reader on what is involved and help you choose the right aircraft for you.
I grew up around this hobby, my Dad built and sold them back then. Me and him fly them when we get the chance. His airplanes will be pictured here as well as mine. Together we have more than 35 years of tinker time with this hobby.
Its both a relaxing and exciting hobby.
I must also warn you its addictive and don't worry we all crash our aircraft, but if you start out with the right trainer and simulator you will repair and fly again.
First a crash course in what the types of aircraft have in common.
I grew up around this hobby, my Dad built and sold them back then. Me and him fly them when we get the chance. His airplanes will be pictured here as well as mine. Together we have more than 35 years of tinker time with this hobby.
Its both a relaxing and exciting hobby.
I must also warn you its addictive and don't worry we all crash our aircraft, but if you start out with the right trainer and simulator you will repair and fly again.
First a crash course in what the types of aircraft have in common.
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Signing UpStep 1: Common to all types of RC airplanes-Radio
First before you choose the type of airplane you want to build and fly, lets go over what is common to most RC airplanes.
The radio transmitter and receiver: This is your link to the aircraft never scrimp when it comes to the radio, if it glitches you can crash or worse hurt someone. Radios come with two or more channels, the channels are also not what you think, they are not separate frequencies, instead they are each control. Most airplanes have 4 channels, rudder, ailerons, throttle and elevator. Sailplanes have just two or three. Radio transmitters are also on several radio frequencies and are set by the user by changing the matching crystals in the transmitter and receiver. Unless you have a newer radio that uses ultra high frequencies in the 2.4 gigahertz range, these radio's do not require crystals.
The radio receiver on gas powered aircraft is powered by a rechargeable battery, on an electric it can be powered by the same battery that powers the propeller threw a battery eliminator circuit.
The power is usually 4.6 to 6volts.
I have used several brands, most were good, as long as its a name brand one like Futaba, Airtronics, HiTec, or Tower hobbies (made by Futaba).
Its also a good idea if you plan on having more than one airplane you can get an extra receiver on the same frequency and use one radio with several airplanes. This is what I do, I have a programmable radio with six memories so I can switch between them. I simply bought a receiver for each airplane, much cheaper than another radio.
The radio transmitter and receiver: This is your link to the aircraft never scrimp when it comes to the radio, if it glitches you can crash or worse hurt someone. Radios come with two or more channels, the channels are also not what you think, they are not separate frequencies, instead they are each control. Most airplanes have 4 channels, rudder, ailerons, throttle and elevator. Sailplanes have just two or three. Radio transmitters are also on several radio frequencies and are set by the user by changing the matching crystals in the transmitter and receiver. Unless you have a newer radio that uses ultra high frequencies in the 2.4 gigahertz range, these radio's do not require crystals.
The radio receiver on gas powered aircraft is powered by a rechargeable battery, on an electric it can be powered by the same battery that powers the propeller threw a battery eliminator circuit.
The power is usually 4.6 to 6volts.
I have used several brands, most were good, as long as its a name brand one like Futaba, Airtronics, HiTec, or Tower hobbies (made by Futaba).
Its also a good idea if you plan on having more than one airplane you can get an extra receiver on the same frequency and use one radio with several airplanes. This is what I do, I have a programmable radio with six memories so I can switch between them. I simply bought a receiver for each airplane, much cheaper than another radio.
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just build the 8ft wingspan cub, but with more power, and 2 flaps in the bottom with servos.
Since you're a photographer, have you experimented with mounting a miniature camera on an aircraft?
It seems to me that something modeled on a P-38 would be a hot aircraft with it's 2 engines.
Slope lift means you can keep going for as long as your batteries can.
More reliable than thermals, easier to find too. :-)
I have to admit, a glider is such a stress-busting way to start, no noise, no dirty exhaust to clean, no refueling, just pitch up and launch.
Take a look at this guy making the most of slope lift...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xo6N6_9rNQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TwOKtv8PnY
Enjoy :O)
Also, my uncle used to make planes and some of his he would put chainsaw or lawnmower engines in.
We all crash sometimes, that's just part of the game :-)
You just learn to roll with it. Re-build and star again.
In step 2... connections shown in picture are of analog transmitter or any other connections....?
please tell me detail connections of transmitter.....????
please tell me..
It makes slow rolls and multi point rolls easier to handle as counteractive rudder and negative elevator are on one control.