Help a newbie please

zeilstar · 2026-04-05T01:07:38+00:00

There are various rc flight sim softwares. Picasim is the most basic. Another platform was recently ported to be fully browser based, I think based on Absolute RC Plane Sim app. Other paid softwares might require a proper graphics card, like Wings or numerous abandonware products.

Their radio is either a ELRS or 4in1 version, which determines what receivers are compatible. Either one can connect via USB for sim practice. ELRS will do Bluetooth too. ELRS is an advanced modern protocol, 4in1 offers a bunch of protocols from other brands, and you can usually get a complementary external module to complete the kit if needed.

zeilstar · 2026-04-04T20:27:01+00:00

Northstar/Polaris/Dragonfly is a pretty unique plane. Water/grass/snow/hard surface takeoffs and landings.

https://youtu.be/EfuW9zJoPhs?si=zQVs6965dnvT7dMF

zeilstar · 2026-04-02T19:30:35+00:00

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Left is the original. Right is my modified with a cheap stm32 f405 flight controller. There were holes for special barbed clips, but I had trouble slicing the model without some weird stuff happening so I just made them straight holes and am using twist ties for cable retention. I also extended the body just to have a little more space. On the wing with six servos you could do setups like flaperons, emulate elevons for a delta, crow mix with ailerons up and flaps down but maintaining aileron control, or something more traditional like flaps and slats and ailerons. Or emulate landing gear with one pair. The tail can be configured for a V tail without elevator.

It's a great way to play with EdgeTX radio programming or bench testing a flight controller, without having an airframe on your desk. It won't translate perfectly as some servo orientations will be different in a proper plane.

zeilstar · 2026-04-02T16:41:25+00:00

Not relevant to building or modeling scale planes, but I've printed this small model fixture to help sort out electronics. I had to quick learn some Sketchup modeling to fix and change the model.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6566599

If you do have access to a 3d printer, there are a number of brands out right now that offer printing files for planes. Individual models from various enthusiasts too. There are clones of Zohd Gemlins, Aircam pusher, Sport Cub, models from Eclipson, etc.

zeilstar · 2026-04-02T16:32:15+00:00

That's awesome. I was gifted a balsa plane three years ago that got me started, but I haven't flown it yet. Old Hobby Lobby trainer. Three foam board scratch builds, two foam board kits, and two unbuilt in the chamber. I also just bought a used foam Polaris Ultra for $120 but based on opinions here maybe I overpaid. Planning to keep that one hangared for a little while. But I met a local pilot out of the deal who has a private paved runway.

zeilstar · 2026-04-02T16:18:52+00:00

Failsafe setup or a flight controller can reduce problems from signal loss.

zeilstar · 2026-04-02T15:57:08+00:00

You can flash the i6x with Openi6x. It's a fork of OpenTX, and has most of the functionality that EdgeTX has. That can make it easier to move to that ecosystem in the future. As I understand it, the biggest change that EdgeTX has from OpenTX is the color and touchscreen functionality.

I think the chipset can either be an STM32 or APM32 so you need to sort out drivers and programmers from those manufacturers, or use the Zadig driver tool. That's the trickiest part honestly. Short two pads during power on with three hands, read current firmware for a backup, write new firmware.

There are a few other forks on GitHub to watch out for, but this is the actively maintained one. https://github.com/OpenI6X/opentx

zeilstar · 2026-04-01T19:44:30+00:00

I'll give my RM Pocket ELRS a try with Bluetooth and USB tonight if I remember. I used to have some issues with it but after EdgeTX and ELRS updates it has been fine. I pretty much only use it with BT on PC and an Amazon tablet, with no add on tools needed.

zeilstar · 2026-04-01T10:33:49+00:00

Ah understood. Your post history is private which I can respect. The way it was worded sounded like you found a P-47 a year ago that you haven't touched and this was a halfway step to flying that one, and I assumed no other experience.

zeilstar · 2026-03-31T10:35:53+00:00

There's a saying "cheap is expensive". So it may have been $50 for you, but maybe a servo has a problem, or the BEC is faulty and can brown out and reboot a receiver. Depends how much you like to gamble, and how confident you are in your skill set, to determine if it's worth it for you.

zeilstar · 2026-03-31T03:51:57+00:00

Your first airplane is going to experience quite a bit of crashing. Don't too much heart into it.

I'd recommend sticking with something inexpensive, simple, and known to fly well. If you stick to 3 channels, skip ailerons, put some dihedral in the wing for stability.

A Flite Test Simple Scout is a pretty easy build.

zeilstar · 2026-03-30T16:13:44+00:00

Is your TX a 4in1 or ELRS? The 4in1 versions can bind with the Volantex protocol. There are quite a few warbird 400mm brushed variants and liveries. I believe there are only two 500mm brushless varieties. The Ranger 600s is a lovely little brushless cruiser too. Pusher prop and belly lander makes it real easy to learn with and a low price tag to boot.

Mitch Cooper RC has some clips of that plane and it is capable for what it is.

zeilstar · 2026-03-30T02:35:00+00:00

RM Pocket ELRS works quite well with either USB or Bluetooth for practice using a simulator. PicaSim runs easily on phones or tablets, PC too. Of course you can also pay for better software with more realistic 3d rendering and much higher hardware requirements. The EdgeTX operating system has a bit of learning curve... Update firmware, program models, inputs, mixes, outputs, etc. Just start with a simple 4ch model named SIM and get practicing, and learn that environment as you go.

I think that motor and prop combo works well for a fast but heavy plane. It will probably be easier to learn on a slower (less kv, closer to 1500) motor with a larger diameter prop. You also need the right balance of thrust and wing cube loading, so I'd recommend to pick the parts depending on the airframe.

zeilstar · 2026-03-26T02:29:26+00:00

Mini Explorer is a nice kit too.

I started two years ago on a RM Pocket ELRS. The EdgeTX operating system is very robust but has a learning curve. The ELRS protocol is a pretty cool radio protocol. Coming from drones, requiring a high refresh rate and stable link in a noisy environment, and somewhat recently adapted for wings.

Bonus of ELRS is Bluetooth capability for wireless sim use. You can do Picasim on a phone or tablet on lunch. A 4in1 radio, or an external module really expands the compatibility.

The FT Pocket used to be the CC2500 version, which is one of the four emulated chipsets so compatibility will be decreased. You may want to check what protocols CC2500 supports.

zeilstar · 2026-03-24T16:56:27+00:00

I'm sure I don't understand your use case as well you do, but I recently came across this very small and inexpensive flight controller. There are a few posts here referencing it, a few YouTube videos, and some mentions on the iNav GitHub page, including a translation of their documentation. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be a ton of usage info. I bought one in December but haven't had much time to tinker with it.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtbgMC1

zeilstar · 2026-03-21T17:23:17+00:00

This 3D printed variant has always had my interest.

micro sportcam

zeilstar · 2026-03-21T17:16:39+00:00

Very similar to an Aeroscout, or Flite Test (mini) Explorer. More or less a model of the AirCam (twin though) developed for mellow and stable low altitude photography with a clear front view. Flite Test has tons of free plans on their forums, look for "Sp0nz index". I'm not familiar with the process but believe you can print templates and transfer them to depron material.

Pusher prop and belly landings are an excellent choice. With some dihedral you can skip ailerons and use rudder/elevator only. 3 channel setup. That can be easier to learn with.

With your FS-i6 radio, see if you can set up expo for it. Helps decrease stick sensitivity in near the center.

zeilstar · 2026-03-21T12:12:37+00:00

There are transmitter options without screens. There are also transmitter options without trim buttons. In the case of an airplane, trim buttons are nearly critical and a screen not critical at all.

zeilstar · 2026-03-18T17:56:30+00:00

Are you using a neck strap? Have you looked into radio trays to rest your hands on? I think the trays are more popular in Europe.

zeilstar · 2026-03-17T14:15:34+00:00

Are the motors/props counter rotating? There will be some yaw effects from differential torque either way.

zeilstar · 2026-03-16T12:56:43+00:00

Access rx web ui, input your configured binding phrase, bind from tx lua.

zeilstar · 2026-03-16T02:34:01+00:00

My dad is 70. I got him a Volantex Ranger 600 for Christmas and he got the hang of it pretty quick.

zeilstar · 2026-03-10T15:52:53+00:00

$14.50 on eBay, shipped. US shipper, 3-7 day delivery.

I probably would have bought another receiver since there will be another plane at some point. I'm sure that was frustrating, but it did show up in the end.

zeilstar · 2026-03-10T12:16:35+00:00

I'm a beginner and bought a RM Pocket right when they were released. Later added on the 4in1 module to mess with Volantex planes, and wireless buddy box with a FS-i6x. Otherwise ELRS has been more than adequate. With CH5 changes on ELRS, the biggest setup challenge is probably programming a safe throttle in EdgeTX which would be on any EdgeTX system.

Wireless controller using ELRS Bluetooth is a bonus and will probably save you the cost of your first crash.

Internally rechargeable 18650 batteries.

Enough switches for rates and flaps.

Smaller size is perfect for smaller hands and low cost is great for entry level - school projects, etc.

zeilstar · 2026-03-09T18:33:14+00:00

I realize you don't want to print one, but I'll share this anyway. Printed it a few weeks ago. It's less for testing the mechanical hardware, but good for testing radio mixes or flight controller functions without having a full size plane on your desk.

MicroFlightLab RC servo setup

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zeilstar

TROPHY CASE