Best products from r/RCPlanes

Happy cake day! I recommend you get these ones (make sure your battery specifications match the packaging in this photo):

• New battery day! 24 AA Eneloop NiMH batteries in 16 and 8 cell packs. : r/AAMasterRace
  
  Get this package first to get the highest quality charger on the market:
  
  
• AmazonSmile: Panasonic K-KJ17MCA4BA Advanced Individual Cell Battery Charger Pack with 4 AA eneloop 2100 Cycle Rechargeable Batteries: PANASONIC: Electronics
  
• HKJ Review of Charger Panasonic BQ-CC17 - lygte-info.dk
  
  > A nice -dv/dt termination with only a small temperature increase and no trickle charge, this looks very good. [...] The charger is very good at filling the batteries.
  
  You need that charger to get the full life out of Eneloops. If you take care of them, Eneloops will last at least a decade, maybe longer. They achieve maximum longevity when you charge any time before they reach 60% depth of discharge (40% remaining capacity). So, if you charge them when they're half discharged or sooner, that's easy to remember.

Looks to use one of these motors

https://www.amazon.com/Traxxas-6634-Alias-Quad-Copter-Motors/dp/B00HS48VM0

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https://www.amazon.com/Traxxas-LaTrax-Quadcopter-Bearings-3x6x2mm/dp/B01M4HEWXU

not sure what these bearings are for but they're on the list.

Don't see replacement gear/ propshafts for it but here is the vehicle he gutted to make his

https://latrax.com/products/alias?t=overview

props can be gotten from traxxas/ latraxx probably easily found on amazon too. Might be able to get gear/ propshaft too.

Then carbon rods, tubes, balsa wood, superglue can be gotten in appropriate sizes from amazon quad hobby sites maybe hardware stores.

Reciever just type in the name of the reciever. Don't see it on amazon looks discontinued. The servos are on the reciever so you want somethings like that. Found one 6400 or 6410L looks pretty similar and has 2 attached servos for the elevator and rudder.

https://www.amazon.com/AR6410L-6-Channel-Receiver-Intergrated-Aircraft/dp/B07RJ17WRT?th=1

Also

This is a gearbox/ motor combo so wouldn't need the latraxx motor and has gearbox and propshaft.

https://www.amazon.com/HobbyZone-Gearbox-with-Motor-Champ/dp/B003DYUTB0/ref=pd_sbs_21_t_2/142-3762669-0460137?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003DYUTB0&pd_rd_r=af157c17-626f-478f-bbde-00df134f7216&pd_rd_w=0AqTh&pd_rd_wg=X0CL3&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=JBYKEA2F4V3SDABS9H2G&psc=1&refRID=JBYKEA2F4V3SDABS9H2G

You'll also need a tx controller that matches with the reciever or get a different reciever. There are others with attached linear servos or you can buy 2 small linear servos.

Check to make sure your needle valve is open 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 turns.

If you can get to the carb inlet, hold a finger over the opening, sealing it shut. With OUT power to the glow plug, turn the prop over by hand a few times. This creates a suction, pulling some fuel through the lines.

Connect glow power and give it a try.

Learning how to set the mixture is a bit of a learning curve. It’s a lot of “listening” involved and knowing the subtle differences between rich and lean. Too rich and it lacks power. Too lean and it overheats. If the engine ever locks up from heat, then you’re too lean.

heres a good book to pick up, very thorough

I would hand launch it personally. I picked up a tip awhile back of putting Modge Podge on the bottom of my hand launched planes. Its light weight and protects the foam pretty well. I apply it with a small paint brush borrowed from the wife.


Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish (8-Ounce), CS11301 Matte Finish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HWY6EM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8NjODb2JCQG1X

Your receiver has to be the same protocol as your transmitter.
The battery you chose must have the same plug as your ESC (I use XT60, probably the most common). You can actually solder new connectors onto your battery or ESC but this can be a bit dangerous if you're inexperienced.
Those are pretty much the only two compatibility issues you may run into. Use a known powerplant (motor/prop combo) if you're inexperienced as pairing motors and props can get a bit complicated (kV, prop, power, battery voltage all are factors). The 2200kv turnigy motor with a 6x4 prop plugged into a 30A esc on 3 cells is tried and true.
For example these would work together: motor, ESC, Battery.
Good luck.

Great. Thanks! I think I'll build the landing gear and lightly tape in place to get CG correct before I fix permanently. I'm excited to try the snow skis! They seem to weigh next to nothing:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BOBGF8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Also, do you have a LiPo charger? If not you can check out the iMax B6AC V2 which is probably the best bang for the buck. Watch a youtube video or two and you will be good to go.

If you need help picking out batteries or any other accessories just post in this sub and ask.

What about planes like this:

VOLANTEXRC RC Airplane 2.4Ghz 4-CH with Aileron Sport Cub 500 Parkflyer Remote Control Aircraft Plane Ready to Fly with Xpilot Stabilization System, One-Key U-Turn Perfect for Beginner (761-4 RTF) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N5X2RB3/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_4FD1DbYCZ5608

Was thinking about an RTF to get started on.

Oh yeah. If you need more filling and/or stronger joint, you can get some fiberglass cloth and cut it/tear it into a bunch of 1/4" loose fibers and mix it into the epoxy. Be sure to scuff up the plastic with sandpaper and clean with alcohol for good adhesion.

Epoxy: https://www.amazon.com/Bob-Smith-Industries-BSI-201-Quik-Cure/dp/B0166FFFD4

Fiberglass cloth: https://www.amazon.com/Bondo-20128-Fiberglass-Cloth-sq/dp/B002JRGOT8/

I’m pretty new to the hobby but yes, to a certain extent. Some props are made for slow flyers and some are made for performance airplanes. Here’s the one I’m using on my cub: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKR9BPY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Spektrum Super Cub DSMX Safe Receiver/ESC Unit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQPP1ZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_S4Hbzb8Q6FCW6

They make foam safe Super glue but I prefer two part epoxies it’s not as runny and forms a much stronger bond. https://www.amazon.com/Bob-Smith-Industries-BSI-201-Quik-Cure/dp/B0166FFFD4

That says it's an XT-30 connector, so you will need to get an adapter (But EVERY charger you get, you'll need that adapter...Most chargers come with XT-60, Deans, and EC-3. The adapter is an XT-30 to banana plug, which will plug into any charger.


From there, you want a 3S capable charger that won't overcharge the battery (So one you can set to an 850mA or 1700mA charge rate). The one I use is the HiTec X2, which will charge 2 batteries at the same time (But you will need a second adapter for the second battery).


Alternately, if you're looking to save a bunch of money on the charger, the Prophet Sport Mini will do the job. It isn't as good for the battery though.


Realistically, there are 0 chargers on the market that will fit a battery with an XT-30 connector right off the bat. You will need one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Venom-RC-Battery-Charger-Adapter/dp/B06WVPX1BJ


After you have that, there are no standard chargers that WON'T be able to charge it. (It's only when you get up to the 7S+ batteries that you start needing specialty chargers)

I had bought a HobbyZone Champ RTF (https://www.amazon.com/HobbyZone-HBZ4900-Champ-RTF-Airplane/dp/B003DZ35GK/ref=sr_1_5) as a starter plane that was cheap and easy to get started with. It was pretty easy to get going and i've made some minor repairs.

However, now that I've trashed this (flying in too windy conditions and in a bad environment), I'm considering next steps to get into this hobby more. I want something more robust but not sure how much money I want to sink into it.