Information on RC airplanes
Suppliers
I think these guys are located in Phoenix. Just their standard shipping usually gets to Santa Cruz in a day or two. Good prices and a large selection.
The only place to buy LiPo batteries. They have a huge selection of batteries and accessories, and the best prices. One thing you need to know about when purchasing batteries is the discharge rating. This will be a number followed by a C. For example, 8C, 12C, 15C, 20C, etc. This is the current draw the battery can support continuously. The C represents the amp hours of the battery. So for example, a 8C 500mAh battery can support a current draw of 4A continuously. A 15C 500mAh pack can support a draw of 7.5A. A 20C 2200mAh pack can support a current draw of 44A.
As for batteries in powered aircraft, LiPo batteries are the only way to go. However, they can be dangerous, so you need to follow the directions (especially when charging). Never allow a person who is not totally familiar with the requirements of LiPo batteries and proper use of the charger to charge batteries. Also, batteries should be charged in a firesafe container. I use a cinder block with a cinder block base and lid.
Another hobby store with lots of things for park fliers. They sell the Spektrum radios.
Radio
For all these planes, I recommend a
Spektrum DX6 radio. You can get conventional radios, but the Spektrum has no interference from the model or other transmitters. They work very well. Also, the system comes with a receiver and four servos for $200.
Horizon hobby sells them mailorder.
GWS Tigermoth
This is the GWS Tigermoth plane. Small, light, very forgiving, flies slow, easy to fix. A great first plane. This plane can be a challenge in the wind, so first time fliers should wait for calm days. A key to building it is the plane needs to stay light. If you get the unpainted plane, only use a light dusting of spray paint (make sure it is foam safe) when painting.
The plane comes with a brushed motor which I have used on an unpainted model with goo success. It is a little underpowered though. I have another painted model with a brushless motor that has better, but not great, performance with a 2 cell battery. I am going to play with using a 3 cell battery. Remember, if you use the stock motor, then you will need to buy a brushed speed controller.
For batteries, mostly use an 800mAh 2 cell LiPo. I would recommend a 700mAh battery as the 800 may be just a little heavy.
You will also need a connector to connect the battery to the speed controller. The best ones are the Deans Micro Polarized. The connectors have no gender, each has one male and one female pin. I think I wire mine such that the positive battery terminal comes out the male pin on the connector.
| store | description | price |
| All e RC | GWS PICO TIGER MOTH UNPAINTED ARF | $36.75 |
| All e RC | FEIG12MMIPS:FEIGAO 12 MM BRUSHLESS MOTOR (4100 KV) | $33.26 |
| All e RC | CASTLE CREATIONS PHOENIX 10 MICRO SPEED CONTROL | $54.95 |
| Tenergy | LP-2S-700-15 700mAh 15C 2 Cell LiPo battery | $16.95 |
| All e RC | Deans Micro Polarized Pair - Red (DEANSMICRO2R) | $1.55 |
