What plane should I get?

[bicyclemonkey]

You're missing the ESC, a power source for the charger, and you got the cheapest charger
The charger I chose has no need for a source. The ESC I want is the Plush 25A (BK)

The Bixler ARF comes with a 20A ESC and I picked the cheapest charger cause I thought you had a budget. You also need to be prepared to do some soldering if you go with the ARF. The Bixler ARF comes with a Deans connector already on the ESC but the HK batteries use XT-60 plugs.

 

[colorex]

The Bixler ARF comes with a 20A ESC and I picked the cheapest charger cause I thought you had a budget.

Sorry, it does not come with an ESC: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__16544__Hobbyking_Bixler_EPO_1400mm_ARF_.html

I have a quality limit too... HK brand is low level.

 

[bicyclemonkey]

Sorry, it does not come with an ESC

Interesting...My Bixler ARF came with the "no-name" 20A ESC as in the photo from HK

 

[colorex]

Thanks again, guys, I managed to squeeze down the price even more!

Instead of a 2200mAh, I'll go with two 1300mAh (which had a buddy code). 1300 x 2 = 2600mAh and cheaper!
Thanks again: http://hk.rc-international.info/swarm

List is now at:
---------------
TURNIGY Transmitter Strap (SWARM49811222) $0.73
T1300.3S.20 - Turnigy 1300mAh 3S 20C Lipo Pack (SWARM49263870) $5.80
TGY-3 - Turnigy 2S 3S Balance Charger. Direct 11.. (SWARM48823309) $10.73
TR_P25A - TURNIGY Plush 25amp Speed Controller (SWARM49644325) $12.48
HK-SS-ARF - Hobbyking Bixler EPO 1400mm - (ARF) $52.65
-------------------
Total: $82.40 2415g + $47.48 shipping
-----------------------
$129.88
-------------------
Total so far:
$130

 

[bicyclemonkey]

It doesn't look like you're actually logged into your HK account...I'm showing the price of the Bixler ARF from the international warehouse to be $49.82...that'll knock a couple more bucks off the price.

Hey that Turnigy Plush 25A ESC is on backorder....

 

[earthsciteach]

Colorex, what kind of tx and rx do you have? Are you sure it will work? Is the crystal available?
The RTF comes with a 2.4 Ghz transmitter and receiver.

As for power supply for the cheap battery charger, you can use ANY AC wall transfomer that puts out 12 volts. Just cut off the alligator clamps from the battery charger, cut the wires between the wall plug and terminal end of the AC plug, splice together, and you have an AC power source.

 

[FlyingMonkey]

Colorex, what kind of tx and rx do you have? Are you sure it will work? Is the crystal available?
The RTF comes with a 2.4 Ghz transmitter and receiver.

As for power supply for the cheap battery charger, you can use ANY AC wall transfomer that puts out 12 volts. Just cut off the alligator clamps from the battery charger, cut the wires between the wall plug and terminal end of the AC plug, splice together, and you have an AC power source.

I myself would go with the RTF version for your first plane. I don't normally recommend it, but Chad and Josh worked with HobbyKing on this, with the beginner in mind. You might notice this is the first, and as far as I know, only RTF plane that HK has in stock.

It comes with EVERYTHING. As you earn money, you can look for accessories to expand your flying experience. But for a plane to get you in the air, and get your skills ready for the next level of flight, this package is very hard to beat.

The only downside to it that I can see, is that it isn't in stock.

Don't rush and get something you won't be happy with. You weren't expecting to have a plane in the near future, no sense rushing into this, and getting something you won't be happy with. Trust me, I keep learning this the hard way.

 

[colorex]

It doesn't look like you're actually logged into your HK account...I'm showing the price of the Bixler ARF from the international warehouse to be $49.82...that'll knock a couple more bucks off the price.

Hey that Turnigy Plush 25A ESC is on backorder....

I have not bought stuff previously, so HK doesn't give me discounts. I haven't found a buddy code for it either...

Colorex, what kind of tx and rx do you have? Are you sure it will work? Is the crystal available?
The RTF comes with a 2.4 Ghz transmitter and receiver.

As for power supply for the cheap battery charger, you can use ANY AC wall transfomer that puts out 12 volts. Just cut off the alligator clamps from the battery charger, cut the wires between the wall plug and terminal end of the AC plug, splice together, and you have an AC power source.

JR XP652 + JR RS600 6Ch Computer radio. Old, but good. I obviously haven't tried range.

A power supply costs bucks here, or adds shipping weight.

The only downside to it that I can see, is that it isn't in stock.

Exactly. But I think I'm OK with the custom parts. My computer was built the same way, and I'm happy with it.

 

[earthsciteach]

"A power supply costs bucks here, or adds shipping weight."

Go dumpster diving! Look around the house/town. Do you have any electronic device that has a wall transformer? Maybe an old video game charger? As long as it is rated at 12 volts, you can use it.

 

[lobstermash]

I know this is Flitetest, but the Bixler isn't the only good trainer plane out there. And it's not indestructable. I had a mate completely destroy his (branded as a SkySurfer) in a week. The RTF Bixler is a great deal, and I've recommended it for a number of friends, but I also think that the Tuff Trainer or a J3 Cub variant are better as trainers. That allows you to pick your own radio too, of which you can't go past the Turnigy 9x... Shame it's no longer in the extreme bargain basement!

My recommended beginner setup would be:
The J3 PNF: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__13432__J3_Green_Airplane_Model_w_Brusshless_system_PNF_.html
1000mAh battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9163__Turnigy_1000mAh_3S_20C_Lipo_Pack.html
Charger: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8247__Turnigy_2S_3S_Balance_Charger_Direct_110_240v_Input.html
Transmitter: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8992__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Transmitter_w_Module_8ch_Receiver_Mode_2_v2_Firmware_.html
And of course glue: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__12583__HobbyKing_4_6min_Epoxy_Glue.html

It may work out to be a touch more than the Bixler RTF, but that Tx is worth every penny and more. Without the radio, that setup is just $62.15 (before shipping).

PS, the charger is a wall plug one

 

[bicyclemonkey]

Or the PNP AXN Floater Jet...99% the same plane as the Bixler and only $54.95 and only needs to add his RX and battery.

And they're in stock!

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8359__AXN_Floater_Jet_w_Servo_Motor_ESC_EPO_PNF.html

 

[colorex]

I know this is Flitetest, but the Bixler isn't the only good trainer plane out there. And it's not indestructable. I had a mate completely destroy his (branded as a SkySurfer) in a week. The RTF Bixler is a great deal, and I've recommended it for a number of friends, but I also think that the Tuff Trainer or a J3 Cub variant are better as trainers. That allows you to pick your own radio too, of which you can't go past the Turnigy 9x... Shame it's no longer in the extreme bargain basement!

My recommended beginner setup would be:
The J3 PNF: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__13432__J3_Green_Airplane_Model_w_Brusshless_system_PNF_.html
1000mAh battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9163__Turnigy_1000mAh_3S_20C_Lipo_Pack.html
Charger: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8247__Turnigy_2S_3S_Balance_Charger_Direct_110_240v_Input.html
Transmitter: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8992__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Transmitter_w_Module_8ch_Receiver_Mode_2_v2_Firmware_.html
And of course glue: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__12583__HobbyKing_4_6min_Epoxy_Glue.html

It may work out to be a touch more than the Bixler RTF, but that Tx is worth every penny and more. Without the radio, that setup is just $62.15 (before shipping).

PS, the charger is a wall plug one

Thanks, I'm going with that charger, and if my Tx doesn't work, I'll get the 9X.

"A power supply costs bucks here, or adds shipping weight."

Go dumpster diving! Look around the house/town. Do you have any electronic device that has a wall transformer? Maybe an old video game charger? As long as it is rated at 12 volts, you can use it.

Thanks, but I prefer the compactness of the one above.

 

[JimCR120]

I agree. The Bixler will bring the most opportunities for fun for the money spent. I also agree in your choice of going with the smaller lipos.

If I was starting over I would go for that Turnigy 9x . It seems to be quite a value for a very decent price. But there are others much cheaper yet. How much will it cost for those crystals you need?

I recommend the XT60 connectors which is how your lipo should come. But I think your Bixler will come Dean's equipped. This means you'll need a male XT60 as a replacement or an adapter. I would just replace the Dean's. I'm not much a fan of that one.

How are your soldering skills? Do you have any soldering equipment?

I bought a lipo charger from HK but it didn't come with the power supply. As was suggested, I was able to find a compatible power supply among the many laying around the house.

 

[colorex]

I think a decision has been made. I will order the following items as soon as possible.

HobbyKing Bixler ARF EPO 1400mm
Turnigy Plush ESC 25A
2 x 1300mAh 20C Turnigy LiPo
Turnigy LiPo Balancer/Charger 2s 3s (wall outlet plug)
HobbyKing Tx Neck Strap

I hope the shipping process runs smoothly.

I want to thank everyone that has helped me on the forum, everyone that was willing to help me to get a plane, everyone that helped me to choose, everyone that has joined the Flite Test forums.

Thanks to HobbyKing for making RC available at a reasonable price, we know the elevated shipping rates are not your fault.

And of course I would especially like to thank Flite Test for teaching me and making my wishes come true.

Thank You!

 

[colorex]

The cystals shouldn't be more than $10. pgerts mentioned the FrSky DIY module. I'll check it out.

The 9x is wonderful, it was cheaper a month ago. Bout $35. Now they're $50. They are heavy, So shipping will be considerable.

I can solder well enough. 40W iron. I was guessing the ESCs don't come with XT's so I'll get those too.

Well thanks for the info, Jim.

 

[killerwin]

Don't forget that, before you fly any plane, the best trainer is a digital one: get a sim and practice a lot.

You can have a very nice model that gets destroyed within seconds on its first toss. I have met many friends who flew beautifully on their first flight because of sim time. Here's the video of one of those friend's first flight:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qxeecnd_fc

 

[colorex]

Don't forget that, before you fly any plane, the best trainer is a digital one: get a sim and practice a lot.

Have a sim, will practice more. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Trumpy]

Bixler confirmation from me Colorex ! ( or the excellent AXN Floaterjet as has been mentioned earlier )

So happy for your win in the glass episode , and hey, its brought you to purchase time ... gotta be happy with that !!!

 

[colorex]

So happy for your win in the glass episode , and hey, its brought you to purchase time ... gotta be happy with that !!!

Thanks, Trumpy!

Happy happy happy!

 

[Heli-Yeah!]

It is said in legend, that if you command the Bixler using the "Neckstrap of Awesomeness". A Golden Eagle will descend from the Heavens, and kiss your wings. Granting you eternal crashlessness...... True story!

But seriously, great choices, you should be very happy with that gear! :applause: The Bix rules!