To RTF or not to RTF...
The only thing worse than a noob asking a boring question is a cheap noob doing the same...
I am buying an easy star (shocker, I know) and looking at the RTF kit, I have a bad feeling that I am paying more for servos and a remote that could be found elsewhere. Since many of you have faced this problem, I figure somebody may have some advice. Can I do better by just buying the $70 easy star and some other remote/servos?
I am buying an easy star (shocker, I know) and looking at the RTF kit, I have a bad feeling that I am paying more for servos and a remote that could be found elsewhere. Since many of you have faced this problem, I figure somebody may have some advice. Can I do better by just buying the $70 easy star and some other remote/servos?
Replies to This Discussion
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
Yes. The RTF kit is a disaster, with a badly underpowed brushed motor and ancient FM radio--the kit hasn't been updated since it was introduced in the mid-2000s. You'd have to replace nearly everything. Do it right, with a bare airframe, brushless motor and ESC and modern digital RC.
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Permalink Reply by Adam Conway on -
Thanks Chris - I take it the Futaba 7C that was recommended in your noobie guide is what you would recommend?
Looks like I went from trying to save money to getting something more expensive... :)
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Permalink Reply by Scott Plunkett on -
Adam, Chris is absolutely correct...I started on this with my son (he's 10, 11 in July) and I already had a really nice radio, but wanted him to have his own so I bought both a bare airframe and an RTF version that way we could both build together on our own project - big mistake. Needless to say he now has a better radio and we upgraded his ESC and motor after just 5 flights, and got the new receiver when we bought the new transmitter. Yes, you may spend a little more money on the front end, but you will save in the long run because you won't have to replace parts you got inexpensively. The nice thing about doing it this way is that you can save and budget a little bit at a time. My son saved his allowance and did extra chores to earn his new ESC and motor.
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AdminPermalink Reply by Thomas J Coyle III on -
Adam,
Good luck finding an ARF EZ*. All the major and independent Multiplex retailers are Out of Stock and have been that way for some time.
Regards,
TCIII
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Permalink Reply by Adam Conway on
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hahah, yup... Tower says they will be available in "mid-may"... makes me wonder which mid-may they are talking about.
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AdminPermalink Reply by Thomas J Coyle III on -
Adam,
Checkout BP Hobbies: http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V702096
They are out of stock too, but they have a good selection of EZ* parts and are generally cheaper than Tower Hobbies. I have bought two EZ* ARFs from them and miscellaneous spare parts. The have good service and respond to email enquiries very quickly.
Regards,
TCIII
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Permalink Reply by Adam Conway on
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Awesome, thanks so much.
AC
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Permalink Reply by Adam Conway on
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Okay, good news I think... I spoke to a hobby shop and they are getting Multiplex parts in this Wednesday and full kits in about 3 weeks. Lets see if the drought is over.
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AdminPermalink Reply by Thomas J Coyle III on -
Adam,
BP Hobbies just received a restock of the Multiplex EZ*. The EZ* ARF is available right now: http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V702096
Regards,
TCIII
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Permalink Reply by Adam Conway on
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Great, I am ordering it... about to be in business. Thanks for the help.
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