toto Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Mmmmmm ..... just as the title suggests ..... am I doing the right thing. I started my adventure at the weekend just passed. I visited my local flying club ( which is superb ) and have so far went with everything they have suggested ...... to the letter. I will be ( for the time being ) a predominantly electric flyer as my two already purchased kit are set up for that with the equipment also purchased. My club have been phenomenal in taking me under their wing but are learning me on a nitro trainer.does this really matter as the principles etc are all the same with regards to controls etc. Albeit a different start up routine. I am perfectly happy to use their trainer but just lately, I am purchasing fuel to compensate for the fuel I use ( quite rightly so ) and it's a hassle trying to get the right mix. Might it be better if I suggest that my own electric carbon cub is built, I let my instructor give it the once over to see he is happy with it, then we just use that. 1. Its electric 2. No fuel costs 3. It gets me used to my own model I'd imagine due to the polarity of the model that it should be bendable to most tx's. He uses Hi tec. Again, I am delighted to use his but thought I'd just ask. The nitro nature doesn't bother me at all, I like the sound, but the hasstle having to ship fuel in from further afield seems a bit weird. Surely Scotland is that far off the map. One thing that appeals to me with the current situation ks that my kits are preserved whilst I learn but if there is a benefit from scaring the crap out of it a little earlier, I dont mind. If built, set up and buddied up, it should stand a reasonable chance Any opinions/ ideas Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 East Yorks isn't that far off the map either, but it's at least a 1hr drive to the 'local' model shop.... per the other thread, buy 4 galls from Weston and delivery is free. I don't find flying ic and electric very different, mainly the hassle of bringing an ic plane back to the pits if it noses over 🙂 Pros and cons for each approach, but you may feel less nervous flying the club trainer initially as it'll be less 'cherished'. Not sure if you're currently using your Spektrum as a 'slave' to your instructors 'master' HiTec, but I think it's necessary for the 'master' to bind to the receiver - so you'd need a HiTec compatible rx in the Carbon Cub. Personally, I'd use the ic club trainer until you have a little more experience, then get the Cub sorted and see if your instructor is happy for you to use that. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 Sounds like a fair shout. As I said, I'm not falling over myself to put my own model at risk but as you say, maybe once I am at a certain point, then it may come into p.ay as it will also be good to get used to flying my own machine. Currently, my mentor provides his own buddy nox set up with two interconnected hitec TX's so another win win. I'll look into getting a more efficient fuel solution looked at as so far, that's about the only real downside I can see. Many thanks for your response kind Sir. Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Skilbeck Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Having your own plane can have it's advantages, but as you've observed the buddy box system removes some of the stress whilst learning. Ideally the master and student Tx's would be of the same brand, but if your Tx has the ability to buddy up via a cable it may be possible to use that as the master and another brand as the buddy box, I've used a MPX tx as a student with a Spektrum Dx6i as the master. I'm not sure if the latest Spektrum tx's still have option to use a buddy box cable as the ones I've used have all had a wireless link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 A gallon of fuel's going to last a while. In our club, we have a few glow filers so share the cost of getting 4x1 gallons from Weston. Your new club may be the same - maybe ask your instructor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 They must be buying the fuel for the trainer, and likely stick to a certain one, give them the money for a gallon ? 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 I have a spektrum NX 6. I believe the spektrum handset supplied with the real flight simulator could maybe be used as a slave unit. It is not a TX as such but could maybe be twinned as a slave. Anybody any ideas on that ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon H Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 I would recommend getting your own trainer. Its yours, you know it and if someone stuffs the club model you arent left without anything to fly. Also there is a responsibility to set up and maintain your own equipment and this is all part of the learning process. Might as well get in on the ground floor with your own model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 Hi Jon, This also makes sense. I think there are so many conflicting opinions but there again ...... when you post up .... your opening the flood gates. I am trying to do what suits my club so dont want to force anything onto them just to be told ..... we told you so. I dont want to necessarily destroy my own model but there again for one .... its gonna happen sometime and if its built correctly, checked over by the more experienced to see it's set up correctly and flown under a buddy box system then I think all the precautions that can be taken, have been taken. I'm not fussed in as much as am mot itching to have my own model flying. I'm happy that the facility has been provided. But equally, happy enough to take a considered risk. For now ..... I'm flying. Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon H Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 As 10 modellers for an opinion and you will end up with 12 opinions 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 Yes, It's the trying to drive a straight line through them somehow that is the conundrum. however, it's all food for thought which I'm glad to receive. Cheers Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuban8 Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 (edited) Toto, you're just starting out so I'd be inclined to stick with the club trainer for now - your instructor will be very comfortable with it, so that will help him too. They won't be in a hurry to see it destroyed and will do all they can to keep it in one piece. Get the basics and become familiar with the model - sounds like you have a well organised training scheme at your club, so follow their lead. Plenty of time to do your own thing later. "I am perfectly happy to use their trainer but just lately, I am purchasing fuel to compensate for the fuel I use ( quite rightly so ) and it's a hassle trying to get the right mix." Not clear on what you mean - have you actually been asked to supply the fuel or just feel that you should? I suppose different clubs approach things differently. Edited March 28, 2023 by Cuban8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Bowers Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 (edited) I'd be inclined to speak to your mentor about the transition plan to your own model, and how you most appropriately pay your way whilst you're using glow fuel. I'd be inclined to stay on the buddy box and continue to use the equipment you are used to in the short term if a way that suits all can be found. Edited March 28, 2023 by Graham Bowers improved wording for clarity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 The most salient piece of advice I think in this situation is to try to avoid overthinking the situation. Be guided by your instructor, discuss it with him and don't try to get too far ahead of yourself. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denis Watkins Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Agree with the above Toto, it is early days yet so just enjoy every minute of it as you convey. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 No worries. I'll continue the way things are. As far as the fuel goes, it's the only real expense there is as the model and his time is freely given The instructor raised the point of the cost of the fuel and I'm quite happy to replenish it. It shouldnt cost him. Cheers Toto 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenC Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 I don't have anything like the experience of the other posters and the whole electric thin is new to me ..... but one thing does come to mind. When you fly electric the batteries can run down fast. At least with an IC model you can land , refuel , and be back on the learning curve in minutes. If of course you have 4 lipo's at £60 to £100 each , you can relax and enjoy 20 minutes of flight. I exaggerate , but you get the drift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Gates Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Ken, As an instructor, I can safely say that in my position I carry a sufficient supply of battery pack to have quite a long day of flying training. Our club trainers are fitted out to be able to use quite a mixture of packs just in case I exhaust my own stock. Come summer I will be carrying a leisure battery and charger to recharge my packs at the field. Horses for courses😃 Toto - as other have suggested, stick to the club trainer for now. The more you use it - the more familiar with its characteristics you will become and the more comfortable you will be flying it. Mixing machines will mean you have to remember 2 different sets of characteristics and fly appropriately for the one you are flying. This will delay your training progress. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDB Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 6 hours ago, toto said: I have a spektrum NX 6. I believe the spektrum handset supplied with the real flight simulator could maybe be used as a slave unit. It is not a TX as such but could maybe be twinned as a slave. Anybody any ideas on that ? No it cannot, the Spektrum Interlink DX controller which can be purchased with Real Flight is basically a USB game controller dressed up up in a transmitter case. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDB Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 (edited) 6 hours ago, Jon - Laser Engines said: I would recommend getting your own trainer. Its yours, you know it and if someone stuffs the club model you arent left without anything to fly. Also there is a responsibility to set up and maintain your own equipment and this is all part of the learning process. Might as well get in on the ground floor with your own model. Exactly what I did, it removed the issue in my mind of lawn darting the club trainer, greatly accelerated my training and learning about all other aspects of our pastime. Edited March 28, 2023 by PDB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 So, in summary: Option 1: use club trainer for now; contribute towards running costs; instructor is familiar with it; no emotional attachment Option 2: use your CC; extra expense to allow you to be buddy-boxed; emotional attachment; limited flight time with existing flight packs (more cost); instructor less familiar with model Still think Option 1 is the best bet. Bit like learning to drive - you go to a driving school, get taught on their equipment with dual controls; after a while, maybe you practice on your own car without dual controls....... But, it's your choice. We can only offer opinions. Your instructor's advice is key. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON CRAGG Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 As far as fuel goes, put whatever £ in an envelope you think fair, and give it to your instructor. He will be very grateful and choose his preferred mix of fuel. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 Option 1 it is. It was the original route anyway but as you find out more, it does make you question things. I suppose that's healthy but all points back to the original plan ..... which works. Cheers Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff S Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 One advantage of learning with the club or instructor's aircraft/radio is that you don't need to take your own stuff. I paid for lessons at Goosedale nr Hucknall which is about 20 miles from home. It was 1995 just after I retired and a dry, hot summer so not only did I get a full hour in the air for a fiver (+£5 for day membership) I got a 40 mile bike ride which suited me fine 🙂 If I flew at my club at Hucknall itself I took my own trainer etc but with no buddy lead - it relied on the instructor grabbing my transmitter if I got into serious trouble and landing it until I got more experience. Of course then, electric was usually confined to powered gliders, NiCads and heavy brushed motors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON CRAGG Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 Our club have got a Boomerang trainer and converted it to electric. One of our members looks after it, and charges the batteries etc. He is Mode 1, but has rigged up his system so the student is on Mode 2. We always teach on the lead. Students are encouraged to purchase something that is suitable as a first model, and to also get a second TX and lead so they can learn on their own model as well as the club trainer. We have found that some beginners can become to reliant on the club trainer. Turn up, fly, go home. We try and encourage beginners to start flying their own model as soon as the instructors think they are capable. Anyway, having a dedicated club trainer (and somebody good enough to look after it), is one of the best things we have done in recent years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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