R/C Airplane - Complete Setup for first time electric - GWS Slow Stick

[mrVW]

Based on being on way too many Anandtech deals, I can just tell that there are a group of Hot Dealers out there who want to get into a _real_ hobby quality Radio Controlled Airplane!. I feel that based on the groups expertise and purchasing patterns, an electric (instead of fuel) is the way to go.

My research so far says that the GWS Slow Stick is a great trainer. It is not a racer, it goes slow and steady - and it can be flown in your nearby open area. The Slow Stick can also carry extra weight! Put a digital camera or video camera on your airplane and take awesome shots.

NiMh batteries and chargers, digital cameras that require mods, I can't be the only Anandtech hot dealer wanting to get into this!?

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Current Hot Package Deal

I'm splitting out the chargers, as that is "ground gear" that I think we can shop for seperate. I started a thread on RCGroups.com to get advice on first-time parts list.. I'm RoundSparrow on their forum. Already one other newbie is wanting the same information.

I already wrote AlleRC.com to ask for a package deal, still waiting on a reply. Here is what we have as a starting list based on their basic web site prices:

GWS Slow Stick (airplane and motor) $34.95, AlleRC Link
GWS Transmitter $32.95
GWS Pico Receiver $24.95
GWS 300 Speed control $17.95
Radio Crystal for receiver $7.25
2 Naro servos $14.95 each
8 cell NiMH 800 pack $18.95
And any charging connectors we will need

Update: Allerc wrote me back saying they will discount 8% if all the parts are purchased on one order. Again, they also do free shipping on orders over $100.

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Chargers

I went "midrange" price on the charger. I got the Great Planes Triton from TowerHobbies at $129. They also have a couple coupons floating around. $10 off $100, and $15 off $150 (right on their home page).

The Triton is sometimes in short supply.

Other chargers that aren't so fancy can be had for $50 or so. $200 should be able to get you a complete package.

Help make this a really hot deal, we can compare notes on construction and talk about mods and alternate purchase options - like any good Anandtech Hot Deal Thread! I will update this first post as we find better deals.

 

[wirejockey]

I'm in.................... thanks for the effort!

 

[alm99]

thanks for the post, I am almies over there, I responded to the thread as well. I am completely new to this. After I bought the RC Stealth in the other thread, I knew I wanted to get into this. How do you know what transmitter goes with the different recivers, crystals and the like. How do you know what are the correct model numbers that correspond with each component?

 

[vulcanman]

I am new to this ... have a 6yr old ... so might get into this for his sake. Can someone tell me if these things are easily damaged ... what types of crash can it survive without repairs. Thanks.

max

 

[Undream]

Thanks for the post. I might be in on this in a few months. I've got to get used to flying with my Firebird II, then I'll move up. I'm pretty happy with my decision to start with a cheaper plane (paid $81.xx shipped, with tons of extra parts), so that the learning curve won't hurt me too bad.

 

[msn]

Neat, I'm up for how to equip with a digital camera.

 

[SuluTimmy]

Count me in on this too! My brother and I have had
1 Sig Kadet LT-25 (balsa)
1 Hobbico Sturdy Birdy (foam)

We've crashed both! Doh...Now if we could build something easier to fly and cheaper too, that would be awesome!
Thanks for the info/post. I'll be following both threads closely.

-Tim

 

[mrVW]

So far, AlleRC is holding good on price. Someone pointed out to me that they Free shipping on orders over $100.

As far as electric airplanes go, the Slow Stick is supposed to be a good one for carying extra weight. http://webhome.idirect.com/~ironsidz/airfoto.htm has some info, and I suggest reading the RCGroups.com forum on Aerial Photography. Here is a site with details on putting Aiptek camera on the GWS Slow Stick airplane. These cameras can be purchased for about $50 and are well suited for remote control.

Personally, I am doing the camera thing as an upgrade later. Because I have to learn how to fly first

 

[mrVW]

Oh yha, one thing my wife pointed out ot me.

The Slow Stick is easier to fly because it is big. Wings are large. We live full time in a Bluebird Bus, so having a place to put it is a factor for me. After thinking about the problem, I figured I could hang it on the ceiling above our bed Just like a 8 year old kid again (I'm 34) with airplanes above the bed.

Anyway, the instructions for assembling the Slow Stick flyer have a way to do it so you can fold the wings to get it into your car. I haven't even ordered my Slow Stick yet, so not sure exactly how it looks folded (anyone able to find a photo on the web)?

 

[us]

8 cell NiMH 800 pack $18.95

I'm wondering if you should just buy 8 1.2v AA NiMH 1800mah or higher batterys that people usually have on deals here and make a batterypack that will be half the price of that one and last you twice as long or more.

 

[mrVW]

I agree on the battery pack. 7 cells of the 1800 (AA) or 650 (AAA) NiMH sold by bydusa are supposed to be a good bargain pack for the Slow Stick. Bydusa is somewhat of an unknown, some have great some complain they don't deal with high amp draw well. Everyone agrees price is right.

AAA or AA are supposed to be good sizes for the Slow Stick. People experiment with either 6/7/8 cells.
Anandtech thread on BydUSA.

 

[Cybordolphin]

I used to just strap in a disposable or instamatic camera in my gliders, and work them off of an extra micro servo attached to a trip lever.
These cameras are much cheaper, and you won't be out a lot of $$ if you do crash. Auto forward to the next frame would be nice though.

Another option for you guys/gals would also be to consider a prop driven glider (with retracting prop). Gliding really is a good first step towards flying a power plane. The prop driven glider will make it easier for some to get to altitude, before shutting down the prop and glide back to the deck. Personally I found it easier to learn without a prop, but rather using thermals for lift.

IMO 6 yrs old, is too young for anything with a prop on it. You are asking for trouble. Start the youngster out with a glider.

I still prefer flying RC gliders over a RC powered plane. I find it much more rewarding, and the flights are much longer in duration. Also there are more places you can fly a glider. You can take it with you on that fish trip, or when you go camping, or whatever. I suppose it would be likened to boating though. Some like to get in and go fast, and others like using just the wind as their source of power.

One thing is for certain. You are going to crash. If you don't want to spend the time making repairs (I did not mind it), keep that in mind when making your purchase. Many of the new trainer planes have fewer breakable parts (easier to get back in the air). But balsa is generally easily repaired (in most cases).

I still highly recommend a "Spirit" or "Spirit 100" glider. You have to build them from scratch, but you can do it. And you will be REALLY happy with the end result.

Find a local West facing hillside with no trees. The wind coming up the hillside will create lift, as will the thermals. You will likely find others in your area that already have the hot spots found. I used to fly with old retired engineers , who flew the same hillside every day.
They taught me a lot about flying, and building planes. There are little secrets to building a better plane.... and these old pilots/engineers are a great source for information.

Have fun!

 

[mrVW]

Bump for afternoon crowd. I intend to order Monday, anyone tracked down better prices or have questions?

 

[alm99]

Originally posted by: mrVW
Bump for afternoon crowd. I intend to order Monday, anyone tracked down better prices or have questions?

are you emailing the guy at AlleRC about the exact components you need or do you know all the exact matchups?

 

[RossMAN]

Is this for me if I am a NEWBIE and don't want to crash an expensive $100 plane?

 

[mrVW]

RossMan:

I've debated that too, but you have to look at it this way.

1. With a $50 charger, you are going to have under $200 in it for EVERYTHING.
2. Your charger and remote control aren't going to be wrecked in a crash. The only parts you are putting in the air are about $100 worth. And even then, unless you fly it off into the ocean and total it - you are likely not going to damage your battery pack, receiver, servos.
3. The Slow Stick is well built and in most cases can be easily repaired. The airplane itself, including motor, is only $35... and new wings are only $17.
4. There are simulators you can get if you really want to be sure.

There is assembly required, which others have said takes about 2 hours. The point is, it is a kit, so you just replace what you break.

I suggest reading this thread on RC Universe - it is considered by many to be a great starter airplane. But make sure you wait for a calm day for your first try (snow is OK, just not wind). Also all us first time builders might want to stick with the same battery pack so we can be sure to build it balanced... read the thread...

 

[BarneyFife]

I've heard the megatech x-ec diversion is a pretty fun mini plane to fly and can be had for $70 and under. Flying can be fun but it can also be very frustrating and costly.

 

[MrPhelps]

For beginners polyhedral wings or dihedral wing style will help you fly. The flat/straight symetrical wings are much harder to fly.

BTW the slow Stick is a dihedral wing plane and would be ok for a beginner.

Polyhedral wings have a break in the center.
Dihedral have a break in the center and at the tips(even easier to fly)

Good deal!!!!!!!!

 

[BurninFire215]

The GWS A-10 DF looks nice, i might consider getting that...

 

[TTM77]

I just sign up/register for this forum.

I am new to RC. What is the most expensive part in an RC plane? I saw this websight and it look kinda too cheap. Link My cousin paid for $200 and his plane isn't come close to these less then $200 planes. Am I right to think that these plane so cheap because it has no motor or hardware inside?

After flying my stealth plane, I think plane should have "air break". When U see it's heading to a wall or attracting to a tree, and there isn't enough time to turn then breaking option would work great. Instead of having the plane full speed crashing into that wall, why not pop a parasuite? The plane will be slows down enough that it won't crash hard or even crash into that wall. It would just slow down real quick and land softly using the parasuite.

 

[RossMAN]

Thanks mrVW for the excellent post and referral to that thread.

I may wait until summer time when the weather (WIND) calm down a bit.

I'll definitely play it safe and try the beginner route first instead of going gung-ho and crashing a $500 plane within 2 seconds.

 

[ramuk]

I think it would also be worthwhile to look into building our
own planes, because they are too simple to overlook.

http://www.spadslopers.com/U-Can-2/Default.htm

has the plans for a soaring plane which can be built easily and cheaply. It's
a beginners plane with 2 controls and dihedral (not flat) on the wings. The material
needed for this plane are an Aluminum tube and some coroplast (can be obtained from
roadside signs). It apparently builds in a few hours from scratch.

Since it needs only 2 controls, we can perhaps take the receiver from the B2
and hook it to 2 servos and see if we can use the B2 equipment on this plane.
The only obstacle is in finding servos which will operate via the B2 receiver. If anyone
has any info on this, please post.

 

[SmoothSL]

Hey guys.. I think it is great everyone is interested in the R/C airplanes.. I saw the other thread with the stealth plane.. I may be able to offer a little info for people wishing to enter the R/C flight field.... I started off with a Zagi from TrickRC... It is made of high density foam and quite easy to build.. Just a little glue and colored packaging tape... There site is http://trickrc.com I would stay away from the pretty Zagi Fixx on the first page.. It has not been tried and tested.. And I don't feel it is a good beginner plane... Also.... If you are looking to get into this and maybe have another plane... The big company in flight transmitters, Hitec, has a great transmitter.. It is called the Flash 5SX... It has 5 seperate model memory and can fly most all planes out there.. And can also be found on ebay a lot.. HERE is a picture of my Zagi getting ready for the next century with state of the art Kokam Lithium Polymer batteries and brushless motor.. It can fly flat at approx. 50mph and will fly for approx 40 min's... But this has been about a $450 upgrade.. You too will upgrade! But the Zagi as a stock unit flies great.. And pretty fast.... Just don't get stuck with making bad purchases up front.. Get a radio that will follow you through the years and have a blast.. I only have 4 planes in my fleet right now.. But there are many with LOTS more.... And yes, the GWS planes are suposed to be great.. I just think they are not too pleasent on the eyes... Althought they do have some new ones out that are pretty sharp looking!! Take care!! GOOD LUCK!

 

[BoleyWV]

Well, did anyone else end up getting into RC aircraft? This thread prompted me to pickup a slowstick and some other gear to get flying again (already had some components from my glider days).

I hope to get in my maiden crashes this evening with the slowstick.

B

 

[alm99]

Originally posted by: BoleyWV
Well, did anyone else end up getting into RC aircraft? This thread prompted me to pickup a slowstick and some other gear to get flying again (already had some components from my glider days).

I hope to get in my maiden crashes this evening with the slowstick.

B

I want to, but I don't have enough for the initial start up cost. How much did the whole package run you?