Re: Electric RC Planes - Newbie questions

jayanthigk2004@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

I'm a newbie to rc flying but did some homework in net trying to
understand all the jargons.

I do have some critical questions before I start shelling out money.
Could you pls throw in your thoughts?

The following question are relevant only to Electric RC planes

1. Is there any ARF electric plane currently in market that uses more
than 6 channels?

Not that I know of. Probably not more than 4.

2. Is PCM radio worth for electric flying for weekend fun.

That depends on how much spare cash you have. I've always used PPM radios, and never had a problem or a gripe.

2a. Does PCM radio need expensive or special servos or receiver?

It needs a PCM receiver. They're more expensive and you'll have less selection in really lightweight receivers with PCM. I notice that many of the modern PCM transmitters will allow you to choose to use PPM -- you'll want to check this on a transmitter-by-transmitter basis, however.

3. When I buy a radio, should I buy receiver / servo / from the same
brand / company?

That's not necessary, as long as the receiver is compatible. You need to have the right PCM coding if that's the way you go; if you are transmitting PPM you need to have the right frequency shift. 3rd-party receiver companies will help you select the right one for your brand of transmitter.

4. Will any servo (brand, size, torque) work with any radio / receiver?

Generally, yes.

5. Can I use a brushed or brushless motor on any type of lipo battery
pack? I'm plannning to buy a lipo that would give me longer fying time
( > 15 minutes). Does high capacity lipo require special motors?

As long as you don't draw more current than the pack can deliver (LiPo packs have an automatic detection/notification of over current. They use a special indicator called 'smoke and flames').

6. I'm convinced on a 6 channel futuba / JR / Hitec. Your
recommendation? I will be flying only electric planes / glider / simple
helis in the near future. Should I go for the ones with more channels?

I don't think you'll need more channels for a long long time. Six channels gets you the four 'main' channels plus flaps and retracts. Unless you go into scale flying, what more do you need?

7. Will any ESC work with any receiver / motor?

No. First, brushless motors require a brushless ESC and a brushed motor requires a brushed ESC. Second, you need to get an ESC that can handle the current that the motor is going to want to draw -- you certainly don't want your performance limited by the ESC, or worse your ESC burnt up.

8. I know what BEC is, but Is this a part of the receiver or something
else?

It's usually part of the ESC, but you can get them as separate circuits for applications with lots of motor cells.

9. What is a synthesizer? Does it mean I can fly my plane at the same
time when someone else is also flying?

You can fly your plane at the same time as someone else as long as your radio is on a different channel from theirs. Radio frequency can either be set with a crystal or with a synthesizer. A crystal is basically installed in the radio (or RF module), so you are locked into that frequency. A synthesized transmitter will let you choose what channel to fly on at the field.

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com

Posting from Google? See http://cfaj.freeshell.org/google/
.

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