Weekly Beginner’s taxiway 2020-11-11
Reviews, thoughts, and events from the week in RC Airplanes
Term of the Week – Transmitter
The Remote-control transmitter is the device that sends instructions to the remote-control airplane’s onboard receiver. These transmissions are how you control your airplane. Current transmitters are on the 2.4GHz band. The 2.4GHz band is used for most RC transmitters because the FCC has designated this band as free.
Transmitters are further designated by how many channels they support or can control. For example, Throttle control is a channel; Flaps are a channel; Landing Gear is a channel. Etc. The more channels a transmitter supports, the more functions on an aircraft it can control, and the more expensive it is.
A 6-Channel transmitter is a good beginner transmitter. I would not go below six channels, and I would consider 8-Channel a good sweet spot.
A receiver and transmitter from the same manufacturer will give you optimal performance. For example, the Spektrum brand of transmitters requires receivers that use the DSMX or DSM2 algorithms. It is best to stay in the family once you decide on a transmitter.
The transmitter is more costly, so first, pick a transmitter brand and then the receivers.
Plane Reviews
The RC Saylors posted a great review of the Carbon Cub S 2 Beginner RC Airplane. Check out their review here. This plane is one of my top 6 beginner/trainer planes. Check out the other planes on my Top 6 Starter and Beginner Remote Control Airplanes post.
RC Informer posted a review here of the FMS CJ-6 V2 1200mm aircraft. This is another good beginner / intermediate plane.
Events
This year, in-person RC fly-ins have been canceled. One that took place was the celebration of National RC Day. Here is Merry Boozer’s review of the National RC Day at IRCC.
A tool of the Trade
The Metal Ammo Box – Incorrect handling of LiPo batteries could potentially cause a fire. I store and transport my lipo batteries in a metal ammo box. I use the Harbor Freight ammo box. These boxes are inexpensive and are easy to transport in my car. I sort my batteries by box.
A quick tip – add Velcro to the inside of the ammo box lid and on the back of your lipo tester, and you will always know where your tester is, and it is safe and out of the way. No more digging in your pockets to test your battery.
Until next week safe flying!