Flite Fest 2026 Ideas and general information

[mindstormer7]

I will definitely be returning with The Krakening Part 2: Bigger and Better (possibly with wings that aren't Krakens this time 😅)

I might use the janky trainer signal into an audio splitter again or I might use multiple little ELRS receivers plugged into the other radios to do the trainer signal that way



For those who didn't get a chance to talk with my group this year, The Krakening was that sketchy looking three Krakens on a single fuselage tube in the last combat. The idea was to have the wings able to separate and fly on their own after taking off together but sadly the wind and a failsafing flysky receiver took us out before combat could actually start

 

[LitterBug]

I will definitely be returning with The Krakening Part 2: Bigger and Better (possibly with wings that aren't Krakens this time 😅)

I might use the janky trainer signal into an audio splitter again or I might use multiple little ELRS receivers plugged into the other radios to do the trainer signal that way



For those who didn't get a chance to talk with my group this year, The Krakening was that sketchy looking three Krakens on a single fuselage tube in the last combat. The idea was to have the wings able to separate and fly on their own after taking off together but sadly the wind and a failsafing flysky receiver took us out before combat could actually start

Curious if you were using a flysky transmitter or a 4-in-1 module on something else. I had a failsafe this year on Spektrum but I was using a 4-in-1 not a spektrum transmitter module (which I have). In the past, I never had issues with Spektrum, but was using a spektrum transmitter.

Seems like a LOT of people were having issues with a variety of protocols this year, and I am curious if they were on 4-in-1 modules which potentially have lower RF output than native protocol transmitters.

 

[mindstormer7]

Curious if you were using a flysky transmitter or a 4-in-1 module on something else. I had a failsafe this year on Spektrum but I was using a 4-in-1 not a spektrum transmitter module (which I have). In the past, I never had issues with Spektrum, but was using a spektrum transmitter.

Seems like a LOT of people were having issues with a variety of protocols this year, and I am curious if they were on 4-in-1 modules which potentially have lower RF output than native protocol transmitters.

The flysky one was running on a tx16s mk1 internal 4in1

I was previously running my FrSky equipment off of my TX16S Mk1 4in1 module with the proper rftune done and I have never had a combat failsafe before. This year I had them constantly but I had my plane set to failsafe to level with my S series receivers so I was able to recover

I'm fully switching to ELRS for everything combat or expensive now. The cheaper stuff I have I might stay on FrSky but I am no longer risking it for anything else

 

[LitterBug]

That's the same I was running. I have an actual transmit module from a Spektrum radio that will plug in to the external bay.... just wasn't thinking about it. I sold my DX8 that I had used previous years with no issues. Trying to reduce the number of transmitters to carry.

I have been switching my most flown birds over to ELRS except some of the stuff on R9. It's easy enough to swap the external modules.

 

[mindstormer7]

From what I've read the 4in1 module in the TX16S outputs either the same or more power than the QX7 on ACCST but it would be interesting to see if somebody would hook up a RF meter to check what the actual output power is between the protocols

Like some sources say that they all transmit at 100mw and others say that they transmit at the same power as the stock radios of that protocol do (60mw for the QX7 on ACCST from a quick google)

 

[LitterBug]

I have a handheld meter, but it is not really a great option for testing. I would rather use an SDR which has finer resolution....

From what I've read the 4in1 module in the TX16S outputs either the same or more power than the QX7 on ACCST but it would be interesting to see if somebody would hook up a RF meter to check what the actual output power is between the protocols

Like some sources say that they all transmit at 100mw and others say that they transmit at the same power as the stock radios of that protocol do (60mw for the QX7 on ACCST from a quick google)

 

[LitterBug]

Still want a HackRF One SDR, but $$$ for how little I'd use it. Did order a Nooelec HamItDown which will let me use my SDRs in the 2.4Ghz band. I'd like to do heatmaps and waterfalls during FliteFest to see what the 2.4Ghz band looks like, especially during Combat. LOL.

I'll have to play with mounting some gear on a plane to do RF survey work. Probably use my Stratosurfer since I am running FrSky R9 900mhz and not 2.4ghz. Have ArduPulot on it so it would be easy to set up automated course runs.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Speed Contest. (go figure that I'd say that😂)

Yeah! If there is a speed contest then Mr Speed has to be there!

 

[FoamyDM]

I will definitely be returning with The Krakening Part 2: Bigger and Better (possibly with wings that aren't Krakens this time 😅)

I might use the janky trainer signal into an audio splitter again or I might use multiple little ELRS receivers plugged into the other radios to do the trainer signal that way



For those who didn't get a chance to talk with my group this year, The Krakening was that sketchy looking three Krakens on a single fuselage tube in the last combat. The idea was to have the wings able to separate and fly on their own after taking off together but sadly the wind and a failsafing flysky receiver took us out before combat could actually start

Oh yeah do you have a thread or video talking about how you set that up? I was VERY curious about that.

 

[FoamyDM]

My observations on what FF has been lately:

• Combat combat combat (2 ways)
  • Build something Large and eye-catching, then let it be targeted
  • build a combat plane(s) to attack and take down a large or small beast
• Build large to fly with other Giant birds!
• STEM Tent
• F-18 Jet formation flights
• Dawn Patrol (I never get up in time

It is no longer Build Sketchy there, and see.
What it could be:

1. Community (like the Wonders ARCN Noob Wonders)
2. Warbird Combat
3. Gotha Gaggle
   
   
4. Under the Sea
   • Sharks
     
     
   • Profile fish
   • Flying Turtles
     
   • Manta Rays
   • Quad based Jelly Fish
5. Everything is Awesome Flight (All Lego-like Planes)
6. EZ-Gaggle
7. Night Radian Flights
8. Barn Storming! - Pop-up Barn, and Bi-planes
9. Mock-Carrier Landings
10. Airborne Aircraft Carrier

I have ideas for ALL these things. It feels right that the community here would spear-head it and get it to be part of FF and try and get some of the creative fun back. I think some of what helped in the past was a tight-knit group of OG's who decided to all do a thing, and it took fire (the Night Radian Evening Flights).

the Noob Wonder Gaggle was an example of Dan Sponz working on a Wonder Workshop, the Aviation RC Noob Podcast had him as a guest and we developed the "Noob" Variant. Then listeners to the podcast built theirs, inspiring us to build 300% versions, as well as EZ sized ones


This goes on, and on...
My thought is we Pick 3 on this list in a Month. A volunteer Champions one of them to write the Article and start and monitor the thread here, To rally interest.
A pattern I've seen is to have Big idea/Plane. That Big idea is coupled with ways the Typical FT forum member can be part.
A way to take it bigger, is to also figure a way to Host Build Workshops or EZ classes. That way folks at FF who aren't forum goers can be part.

That's my two Cents. What's yours?

 

[LitterBug]

I still want to build a giant FT Slow Stick. Big carbon kayak paddle for the tube maybe.

@Captain Video said he had a barn setup for this year. I need to get with him and check it out.

Night Flying with a POV display. I have the stuff, didn't execute this.

I have been taking things to retire to put in combat.

 

[mindstormer7]

Oh yeah do you have a thread or video talking about how you set that up? I was VERY curious about that.

I don't have a thread or video talking about it yet but I really should look into making one.

I was hoping to make a video talking about the whole thing at FF this year but we were in mad crunch mode trying to catch up so that idea fell by the wayside.

I think I'm going to look into borrowing my brother's QX7 to make a video with my QX7 and TX16S to show how the whole process works with a little desktop model of the big plane setup when I actually do make a video about it.

Also a video about the way that I set up a sort of reverse buddy box setup on his radio so all of the mixing for his airplane is on his radio and I can plug in a second radio to take over control. Kinda like the master trainer even though it's the slave trainer in terms of setup

 

[LitterBug]

I still want to build a giant FT Slow Stick. Big carbon kayak paddle for the tube maybe.

@Captain Video said he had a barn setup for this year. I need to get with him and check it out.

Night Flying with a POV display. I have the stuff, didn't execute this.

I have been taking things to retire to put in combat.

@Captain Video gave the barn to someone who lost a popup in the wind storm. We will come up with another!!

 

[FlyerInStyle]

I want to try to make a giant seaplane theme for next year in some sort of way. Would anyone be willing to participate? I would make a huge sea angel, (probably modded for a different power system) there's the sea duck, sea otter, probably something on floats could count, not counting the tons of community designs to scale up. Maybe some smaller ones would be great too! Would anyone be willing to participate?

 

[Houndpup Rc]

I want to try to make a giant seaplane theme for next year in some sort of way. Would anyone be willing to participate? I would make a huge sea angel, (probably modded for a different power system) there's the sea duck, sea otter, probably something on floats could count, not counting the tons of community designs to scale up. Maybe some smaller ones would be great too! Would anyone be willing to participate?

Hmmm, I might be able too!

 

[FlyerInStyle]

Hmmm, I might be able too!

What plane would you build?

 

[Houndpup Rc]

What plane would you build?

Super scout with floats?

 

[FlyerInStyle]

Super scout with floats?

Great choice!

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Great choice!

I wonder if I could put floats on the A-10 I am going to be building shortly......

 

[mindstormer7]

I want to try to make a giant seaplane theme for next year in some sort of way. Would anyone be willing to participate? I would make a huge sea angel, (probably modded for a different power system) there's the sea duck, sea otter, probably something on floats could count, not counting the tons of community designs to scale up. Maybe some smaller ones would be great too! Would anyone be willing to participate?

I've been really wanting to build a large PBY Catalina for years 👀