Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Reto on August 10, 2009 at 1:35pm

With the TH RTF kit, you'll get only a 3 channel Tx. This is not enough for a later UAV setup which needs at least a 4th channel with 3 phase toggle switch. And I do not know wether the preinstaled Rx is only 3 channels too or more. But for sure this kit seems enough to get into basic RC flying.

• ▶ Reply

3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on August 10, 2009 at 1:44pm

I'd avoid the RTF kit. As Reto mentions, the radio won't carry you into the UAV world and the stock brushed motor is woefully underpowered.

If you just want to learn RC, get a cheap Hobbyzone Firebird and expect to eventually destroy it. Then get a bare EasyStar kit and get proper RC gear and a brushless setup for UAV use.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Drone on August 10, 2009 at 3:20pm

What brushless/esc/battey setup are you reccomending for the bare-kit easyster?

• ▶ Reply

ModeratorPermalink Reply by Sgt Ric on August 10, 2009 at 3:30pm

I use this setup on both my EasyStars...

Align 430L 2550 KV brushless motor
CastleCreations Phoenix 35 w/ CastleLink
MasterAirScrew 3Blade 6X4 prop
3S 15c 2100mah lipo battery

(puts out 240 watts WOT@ 22.5 amps)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Patrick Mccabe on August 10, 2009 at 3:36pm

I use
a trunigy 2200rpm brushless motor
40 amp esc
5v 2amp UBEC
2200mah 25c lipo
all above from hobbyking.com there very cheap
6x4 pusher prop
a 3.2mm collect adapter for the prop

• ▶ Reply

AdminPermalink Reply by John C. on August 24, 2009 at 3:50pm

Hello All,

I picked up the latest issue of Make, and have always wanted to try RC airplanes, and this drone idea finally put it over the edge for me.

I was looking online, and no-one seemed to have the easystar right now.

I went to my local hobby shop, and sure enough, there's the basic easystar kit with motor for $59.99

I wasn't planning on buying all of this stuff today, but I did...local shop comes through strong, so I feel it's best to keep my money here in town. I know it's not the best setup, but I have ZERO experience with this stuff. I just need to get off the ground and actually fly a bit, and then start adding this fun stuff. Here's what I wound up with.

I had a crappy old Airtronics VG400 4 channel transmitter that someone gave me.
Easystar kit
Berg 7p programmable receiver
Kept the stock motor while I learn the craft here...will upgrade to brushless next
ElectriFly C-12 ESC with LiPo cutoff - replaced when I move to brushless
2 x E-flite S75 Sub-Micro Servos
Pro-Peak Quattro LiPo charger
2-Cell 7.4V 20C Pro Lite V2 LiPo Battery

So that's where I'm at. I've bench tested it, and everything seems to work. I may try and get it together tomorrow.

Is there a "Total Newbie" FAQ on RC aircraft?

Looking forward to expanding on this.

Thanks!

JC

• ▶ Reply

3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on August 25, 2009 at 11:24pm

JC, there are loads of noob RC FAQs out there, but not here. (Check RC Groups, etc). You'll need at least a 6-channel RC system to use an autopilot, but otherwise you look in pretty good shape.

• ▶ Reply

AdminPermalink Reply by John C. on August 27, 2009 at 12:16pm

Thanks for the reply. You aren't kidding....I've found the easystar threads over at RCgroups, and it's pretty insane.

I think I'm going to poster tape my fuselage together, and modify the rudder. Used goop for the motor, and ran a third wire for going to brushless. I broke the original motor in in water, and that seems to be a pretty good tip. It's noticeably smoother.

Anyway, I look forward to talking with you guys some more when I have a few flight hours under my belt, and a few extra dollars to add the autopilot.

Thanks!

JC

• ▶ Reply