Aereo radiocomandato, voliamo elettrico!
Friday, March 28th, 2008 2,766 views
Le meraviglie del volo…la leggerezza dell’aria, la silenziosità di un aereo a propulsione elettrica o ancor meglio la totale assenza di rumore del volo libero, sfruttando le termiche…
Mai pensato di comprare un aereo? Di prendere il brevetto di volo?
Ah…troppo costoso? Esatto…sicuramente è un hobby per ricchi, ma almeno è alla portata di molti comprare un bell’aereo radiocomandato, meglio sicuramente se con motore elettrico. 
Quelli più piccoli e lenti possono essere fatti volare nei parchi pubblici, nelle zone senza persone che nelle aree verdi più grandi ci sono sempre. Meglio se in giornate con pochissimo vento (meno di 10 km/h)
Quelli più veloci è meglio usarli in aeree dedicati, che possono essere i campi volo ufficiali e relativi aeroclub, o in quegli spazi che per pratica diffusa sono diventati dei campi volo non autorizzati, ma realmente usati ogni week-end da decine di appassionati di volo elettrico o a motore a scoppio.
Per chi ha questi pensieri…iniziamo da alcuni modelli acquistabili subito online, quelli RTF sono Ready To Fly, cioè pronti al volo con al massimo 2 ore di lavoro per il montaggio dei pezzi e la ricarica della batteria, ma le scatole contengono tutto il necessario per volare, come radiocomando, servocomandi, caricabattarie, ecc.:
Cosa sono i canali?
Rappresentano le possibilità di manovra del velivolo: 2 sono il minimo per governarlo…cioè gli stessi che hanno i piccoli giocattoli della Silverlit, quindi acceleratore e la possibilità di virare a destra o a sinistra. Nei giocattoli accade tramite la variazione di potenza dei motori, mentre nei aeromodelli con il timone di coda.
Poi possiamo avere altri alettone governabili sul profilo delle ali e sul profilo delle ali della coda.
Più canali si hanno e più potente è il motore e più possibilità si hanno di pilotare nel vento o eseguire manovre…però è anche tutto più difficile! Quindi l’ideale è cominciare da un aereo a 3 canali e poi aggiungere il quarto canale, se possibile, oppure comprare un aereo a 4 canali.
AeroModelli RTF 3 canali:
AeroModelli RTF 4 canali:
Modelli da costruire e accessori:
Il famoso Slow Stick
Radio economiche (minimo 4 canali):
http://modeltoy.it/product_info.php?cPath=163&products_id=732
http://modeltoy.it/product_info.php?cPath=163&products_id=854
Infine vi lascio con un testo in inglese che, seppure lungo e in lingua non italiana, ha al suo interno praticamente tutto lo scibile relativo alla scelta di un aeromodello per principianti puri (come lo sono io…visto che al momento ho solo un Silverlit x-twin jet!)Getting your first plane? What should you get
If you have an instructor, follow his/her advice as to what to get as your
plane. Getting info here is good, but
discuss it with the instructor before you buy.
If you are going to be helping a new flyer learn to fly,
this thread might be helpful. Here is the method I use to
teach:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=499281
Helping people Learn to Fly
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5767
RTF, ARF or KIT? What does this mean?
An RTF, Ready-To-Fly, typically requires virtually no building. Everything
is built. You attach the wing and perhaps the tail and you are done.
Typical investment of time is 15 minutes to 2 hours. The Aerobird
Challenger is a good example of an RTF plane.
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/pro…sp?prod=HBZ3500
RTFs ALWAYS include an installed radio system an may also
include the battery and charger.
ARF vs kit. How are they different? Depends on your definition.
ARFs and kits always require you to buy and install the electronics.
However some of the makers, such as Mountain Models and GWS,
offer select packages that include the kit and the electronics. You still
have to assemble/build, but all the guess work is taken out of what
electronics to buy. This makes it very easy for the first time builder
to get it right. The radio itself is usually not included in these
“complete packages”
Most wood KITS are a box of sticks and sheet parts that are cut from larger
sheets. You glue them together to form the structure then you cover it with
heat shrink film, some other covering, or paint the finished structure.
Build time could run 10-30 hours including gluing, covering and fitting out
with the electronics. The Mountain Models Switchback would be an example.
http://www.mountainmodels.com/switchback.php
As an example, Mountain Models wood kits, are typically very complete and
often include the motor, the hardware and the covering material. For some
people, kit building is as much or more fun than flying the planes. If you
want to try your first wood kit, Mountain kits have an outstanding
reputation for ease and completeness. This thread talks about their planes:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=295225
Wood ARFs are typically kits that are already built and covered into major
structures such as fuselage, wings, tail, etc. Here you are doing final
assembly. The Ascent is a good example.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/By…?ProdID=EFL1075
Typical build time is in the 3-10 hour range. Much less time and
much less skill is required. Then you install the electronics.
All foam kits, in my opinion, are more similar to ARFs than they are to wood
kits. They typically consist of large molded pieces that glue or friction
fit together. Typical is 3-10 hours to complete. The Graupner Tipsey is a
good example.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/tipsy.htm
Some foam kits call for covering but the Tipsy, for example, does not.
When required, covering can often be done with tape which can be very easy
for the new builder. So I consider most foam kits to be more ARF than kit.
Multiplex and GWS kits fall into this kit/ARF class and are usually very
complete. As a first step from an RTF, these can be very good choices.
Foam/wood kits are likely to require some stick and sheet assembly, but
typically much less work than an all wood kit. The Mountain Models
SmoothE is a good example.
http://www.mountainmodels.com/smoothe.php
The fuselage is wood but the wing is foam. Very easy for the first time
builder to be successful.
There are many other brands that provide very high quality products. I use
these companies as examples because I often recommend their planes.
SPACE
How much space do you have for flying? If you have totally
clear space of at least 600′X600′, about 9 square acres, approx
4-6 squarefootball/soccer fields, then I can recommend one
class o plane.
If your space is more like 200X200 (one square acre or one
soccer field ) then a different plane is in order. If it is
ess than that, different again.
These are my own designations and are based on my subjective
ranking of the sace a new flyer should have when learning on
his own. An experienced fyer can fly faster planes in smaller spaces,
but a new flyer wants to have more space so you are not in a constant
state of panic trying to turn. Now, you
can get above the edges of the field and expand your space,
but if you lose control, you drop in woods, on top of kids or smash
someone’s windshield. If that windshield is in a car is traveling
down a road when you hit the windshield, you could cause an
accident or worse.
So much for space. You get the idea.
I don’t recommend most pretty planes as first planes. They
are too easy to break, too hard to fix and look bad in short
order. There is only one semi-scale plane that has a reputation of being
super tough that I do recommend, the HobbyZone Super Cub.
I don’t recommend two channel R/T or differential thrust
planes, the ones with two motors, so you won’t find any on
the list. If you want one of these, I would suggest the Firebird Commander 2
from HobbyZone or the AeroAce from Air Hogs. They can be very
easy to fly and can be a lot of fun, but they can also be very easy to lose. You
should plan to fly them in calm air when you are first starting or the
wind can just carry them away.
I feel a high wing three channel R/E/T plane is your best choice for a first
plane. R/E/T will require a little more learning than the two channel R/E
planes but is a better choice as a first plane, in my opinion. These use
the same control inputs as more advanced planes and can be flown in
more wind once you have mastered them in calm conditions.
Below I list electric planes for beginners. Some come ready to fly, some are
almost ready to fly (add your own radio gear) and some are kits. All of them are
electric. If you are looking for your
first plane, you should find something here to peak your interest.
If you are totally new to RC Flying, this article may be
helpful.
Six Keys to Success for new e-flyers
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355208
READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Electric Parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box. These also
glide well so you can thermal soar with them under the right conditions.
SMALL SPACE FLYER
Can fly in 200X200 or even a large gym
Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 -
I have flown the slo-V.
Best flown in still to 3 mph breeze. This is the best choice for
people who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor
place to fly, such as a large gym or similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pr…sp?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/tm.htm
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/…?article_id=426
Video
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInf…_240×180_nb.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/m…=ViewMsg&num=-8
LARGE SPACE - AT LEAST 600×600
That’s about 4 Football/soccer fields
Shown in order or recommendation
Easy Star - RTF - $175
I have flown the Easy Star - Great plane for new flyers!
Super tough foam. Good parkflyer and a good glider
In the US the RTF package comes with a 72 MHz radio
system that can be used to fly other planes
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi…?&I=LXFXV0&P=ML
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350408
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=459096
Videos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv
Mods, upgrades and more
http://www.mpx-easystar.de/
Add Ailerons - Start at post 195
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show…8&page=13&pp=15
Travel Box
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show…25&goto=newpost
HobbyZone Super Cub - $159
This is the only semi-scale plane on my list. I have not
flown this one but the flood of excellent reports leads me
to recommend it to new flyers. If you REALLY need a plane that looks
like something people would be in, this is the one I will
recommend. It takes the same Xport accessories as other
HobbyZone and ParkZone planes so you can drop bombs, parachutes and attach
other accessories to extend your fun. It has a steerable tail
wheel so you can effectively taxi the plane. Great for ROG launches.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Product…?ProdID=HBZ7100
Photos and Videos
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Product…?ProdID=HBZ7100
Other Excellent Video - Hi res for high speed connect users
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show…625#post6040744
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show…hmentid=1051938
manual
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInf…nualCropped.pdf
Discussions on the Forums
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12218
http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/…521#post2130521
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show…044#post6385310
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=550899
T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $160-170
This company is really putting together some outstanding
packages. I have flown the T-Hawk. Excellent first plane.
Get the Extreme value package. It comes with an extra wing,
tail and battery. This plane stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Buddy Box 72 MHz trainer system - $279
This is really unique!
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/t72rtfpatrpa.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show…highlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html
Aerobird 3 - RTF Electric - $110 -
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have hundreds of flights on my Aerobirds. I
also thermal and slope soar this plane.
Flies well and stands up to hard landings. Their add on fun accessories for
night flying,
air to air combat and drop module add to the fun! The combat module makes a
great lost
plane locator, even if you don’t plan to fly combat. Great keep in the car
plane - take off the wing and it goes back
in the box fully assembled. Most can’t do that!
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Prod…?ProdID=HBZ3600
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Product…?ProdID=HBZ3600
AB3 Manual
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Prod…anual_LoRes.pdf
AB3 Review with video
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/…?article_id=884
Hobbico Sky Fly - $100
I owned one of these. Second best landing gear and ground
handling of the planes I list here. If you have a hard runway, this is
a good choice for ROG and runway landings.
Hobbico suggests only a 500 foot range but mine was good to
at least 1000 feet. 500 feet should be enough for most people.
This is the least aerobatic of the planes listed.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi…?&I=LXKLV7&P=ML
Video
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/h…1961-deluxe.mpg
Review
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489248
Discussion thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show…?t=493271&pp=15
Recommended wing reinforcement by mdp17681
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/sho…38&postcount=16
Firebird Phantom - $60
Basically this plane flies like a small Aerobird 3. It has good performance and
handles well in the air. It flies nicely at half throttle and has a good glide.
The radio has a 1300 foot range, which is plenty for this size plane. And it
incorporates ACT, Anti Crash Technology which can help you recover from bad
situations IF you read the manual and understand how it works. I have one and
I like it!
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Prod…?ProdID=HBZ4700
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Product…?ProdID=HBZ4700
Video - Quicktime format
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInf…phantom-240.mov
Hobbico Red Hawk $70
This is a very low cost 3 channel plane. It is good for low wind conditions.
It is a good value for the price, especially when compared
to the 2 channel planes seen at this price. It looks very much like the
Aerobird Challenger, listed above, but is not as responsive or aerobatic in
stock
form. Select this one on price, not performance. It will get you in the air.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi…?&I=LXKLV8&P=ML
Reports
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/sho…0&postcount=131
ESSENTIAL ADD-ONS AND POINTS TO CONSIDER
When evaluating costs, add the following items to your list.
For the Aerobird, Red Hawk and the Sky Fly buy 1 Spare wing
and tail ($15-25) and an extra battery pack (about $20 each)
The T-Hawk comes with spare wing, tail and two battery
packs, so factor that into the price and you will see it is
closer in price than it first appears.
For the Slo-V, two extra props and 1 gearbox seem to come in
handy as this is a front motor plane and these parts really
take the damage of nose in crashes. Don’t know about other
parts. The others are pushers so props are less at risk. Add that
extra battery pack.
For the Super Cub, get an extra 7 cell battery and a couple
of spare props. (about $30-35 total). No need for a spare
wing right away and you may never need one.
The Easy Star - add-on battery packs should be at least 7
cell 900 MAh 2/3A or 4/5A battery packs, about $25 each. If you have an
8 cell charger you can go to 8 cells, 9.6V, Be sure to check the balance
with the different battery packs.
