Information for a new RC hobbyist

[nerdnic]

Hey guys!

I am trying to put together the ultimate list of how to videos, parts, and info about how to start from 0 with RC planes as a scratch builder. I took an out of town coworker flying with me the other day and he was hooked after just seeing my first flight. His response to me was something along the following:

This is my new thing. I've been wanting to get into RC flying forever and now it's time, what do I need to do/know?

General comments about the specific individual I'm initially making this for:

1. He wants to start from square 1 and learn everything. I thought about using the FT Power Packs but getting each part individually fits for him better.
2. He's not local to me so I can't offer hands on assistance.
3. I already spoke to him about the TX/RX options and he's not interested in starting with a 4 channel and then needing to upgrade in X months so he's gonna start with a Taranis. The one TX to rule them all.
​

What am I missing? Thoughts?

Simulator
Free - RC Desk Pilot http://rcdeskpilot.com

General videos
FT beginner series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6IuSFWz4ktvupu_gxw1vn-sjBGOkJFHV
Connecting electronics - http://youtu.be/fcsgyed2Mhs
Lipos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJHlJYDJohc
Lipo charging - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvr-25yGeVk
Lipo storage - http://flitetest.com/articles/lipo-battery-bunker
Soldering - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS0bEuYPJoA
ESC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22CpRl2_TRI
Brushless motor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQkTm-vuFGI
Taranis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuh3-vyEQfk&index=1&list=PLMHmTVklKwOJxLKf43yQFWt0qlU0q3vJR
Scratch build tips - http://youtu.be/B_IOt-Jjaqo


1st plane - FT Flyer
PDF plans - http://assets.flitetest.com/article_files/FT-Flyer-Swappable-FULL-SIZE-PLANS_1360987085.pdf
Build video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrnL1q1TBMQ&feature=youtu.be
PowerPod video - http://flitetest.com/articles/ft-swappable-power-pod-kit
Forum thread - http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?2587-FT-Flyer-Scratch-Build

2nd plane (use same parts as 1st plane) - FT Mini Scout
PDF plans - http://stonekap.net/ftplans/FT-MiniScout-FULL-SIZE-PLANS_TEMPLATE.pdf
Build video - http://flitetest.com/articles/ft-mini-scout-build-mighty-minis
PowerPod video - http://flitetest.com/articles/mighty-minis-power-pod-build
Forum thread - http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?13442

1st/2nd plane parts
2x 9g servo - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=22928
ESC - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=30683
MOTOR - http://www.altitudehobbies.com/suppo-motors/suppo-m2208-1000-brushless-multicopter-motor-cw
BATTERY - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21330__ZIPPY_Compact_500mAh_3S_25C_Lipo_Pack.html
PROPS - http://www.altitudehobbies.com/apc-style-props/apc-style-e-series/apc-style-electric-propeller-8x4e
Control horns - http://flitetest.com/articles/the-cheapest-quickest-control-horns-ever
Foam - http://www.dollartree.com/Readi-Board-Foam-Boards/p16450/index.pro
Push rods - http://i.imgur.com/g49QR0d.jpg
Firewalls - http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40041131/

General parts
Colored tape - http://www.tapebrothers.com/Colored-Carton-Sealing-Tapes-s/218.htm
Transmitter - http://www.alofthobbies.com/frsky-taranis-plus.html
Receiver - http://www.alofthobbies.com/v8r4-ii.html
CHARGER - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...scharger_1_6_Cells_GENUINE_US_Warehouse_.html
POWER SUPPLY - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...g_Power_Supply_100_240v_5A_US_Warehouse_.html
LIPO BAG - http://www.altitudehobbies.com/battery-accessories/lipo-charging-sack-regular
VOLTAGE ALARM - https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=34120
JST connectors - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...tail_12cm_length_10pcs_bag_US_Warehouse_.html
VELCRO - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...dhesive_side_V_STRONG_1mtr_US_Warehouse_.html
3.5 mm bullets - http://www.ebay.com/itm/40-Pairs-3-...Female-for-RC-Battery-ESC-Motor-/281263550543
Hot glue sticks - http://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Tech...d=1425430242&sr=8-1&keywords=ad+tech+hot+glue
Hot glue gun - http://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Tech...d=1425430242&sr=8-4&keywords=ad+tech+hot+glue
Soldering iron - http://www.amazon.com/Weller-SP40NK...qid=1425430304&sr=8-6&keywords=soldering+iron
Solder - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DCEUV1Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Soldering iron stand - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002LLWEU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Helping hands - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RB38X8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Balu]

A simulator for the Mac guys would be nice, but there only seems to be a commercial one.

 

[RAM]

Is there a video that honestly covers initial costs just to get started in the hobby? Something realistic showing options, costs, vs limitations of various components.

 

[nerdnic]

That would be a cool thing to reference. I think going with a RTF champ is probably the cheapest all in one buy, but it limits you to just that frame and will have to re buy/up buy everything after that. If you buy a larger RTF, you'll get more but each plane cost doesn't go down. Full on scratch building is probably the most costly up front but each plane is a fraction of the cost moving forward.

 

[Tritium]

Cost of getting started. RTF Plane with battery, charger, transmitter.......$100 minimum.

Cost of getting started with some quality components.......$500 minimum.

Cost of wandering from the given path recommended by knowledgeable friend.......$Everything you have including your wife and firstborn son!

Thurmond

 

[MPS1985]

maybe helps for someone!
Metal hangers good for landing gears!

 

[Bricks]

You are hoeing a tough row so many variables TR any where from used DX6i used for $30-60 sky is the limit. Shopping used can save a ton of money on transmitters right now on RC groups is a 2014 DX6 for only $130 If one can buy used at the right price then upgrading is easier. Receivers $12 for an Orange to $20 for Lemon Stabilizing RX, name brand Spectrums $$$$$

A person has to decide where they want to go in this sport.

Hardest part for me being the last time I flew RC there was no such thing as proportional. Was the electric part Motors and what every thing means KV I finally figured out had nothing to do with any power rating gas engines were so much easier. Battery chargers was another big thing to understand and all the D-m different connectors what a nightmare getting started.

So my hat is off to you and hopefully it all comes together for you.

 

[BridgeInspector]

Unless I missed it.

Hot glue gun & sticks
Solder iron, solder, helping hands

 

[RAM]

helping hands

that reminded me, found this interesting idea the other day.

 

[nerdnic]

Unless I missed it.

Hot glue gun & sticks
Solder iron, solder, helping hands

Added!