Rich Griff Posted April 11 Share Posted April 11 (edited) Below is an extract from the Toprc advert from the Importer/Distributor/wholesaler/model shop supplier for the newish AT-6, as seen on their website. The supplied model shops show the exact same advert. The advert was run form well before Christmas until early April of this year. Key Features Fully assembled and ready to fly. Everything included (nothing more to buy). 450mm wingspan. Switchable gyro stabilisation (even in expert mode). Use your own RadioLink or Futaba (S.Bus) radio system.* Exceptional 12+ minute flight duration. Exempt from the CAA's DRES scheme. Full four-channel control. Fixed demountable undercarriage. Easy to hand-launch. Suitcase-friendly. Clip-on propeller with prop saver. High-lift undercamber wing section. Includes 1S 400mAh LiPo and USB charge lead. Aerobatic when flown in expert mode. Impact resistant EPP airframe. What's in the Box 1x Fully assembled mini SF-260. 1x 4-channel transmitter. 1x Spare propeller. 1x 1S 400mAh rechargeable LiPo battery. 1x USB charge lead. 1x Demountable trike undercarriage (3 pcs). 1x Screwdriver for wing removal. 1x S.Bus Rx connection lead. 1x Instruction manual. 4x AA batteries for the transmitter. Product Description Spanning 450mm, with eye-catching detail, an authentic colour scheme and a performance that totally belies its size, this four-channel SF-260 will impress from the moment you lift the lid of the box. Perfect for small fields and impromptu flying sessions, Top RC's switchable, 6-axis gyro stabilisation system turns this attractive model into a capable all-weather flyer that practically laughs in the face of turbulence. Offered at a pocket money price, ready to fly, with everything included in the box, the versatility of this aeroplane for both indoor (large sports hall) and outdoor (small field) flying is almost limitless. Oh, and let's not forget, the duration of the SF-260 is outstanding; expect a minimum 12-minute flight from a full charge. Suitcase-friendly and supplied with a four-channel 2.4GHz transmitter (plus AA batteries), single cell LiPo, USB charger, demountable undercarriage and spare propeller, there really is nothing else to buy. With a full range of tantalising aircraft to choose from, why not get a group of friends together and get flying some of the best looking, best performing little foamies available. *Use any RadioLink system or Futaba S.Bus (FASSTest / S-FHSS) to pair and fly the AT-6 with your regular transmitter. The advert is rather misleading. Below is the current advert shown in full, which has been reworded. Top RC Mini AT-6 RTF – Mode 2 (450mm) £88.99 A fly anywhere, four-channel, gyro-equipped, semi-scale model of North American Aviation's advanced military trainer that's perfect for beginners and great fun for experts. Look forward to a performance that truly belies its size. Mode 2 Notice: Undefined variable: var_size_count in /var/www/jperkins.com/public_html/releases/2025.04.08-1753.195/products/inc-prod-info.php on line 118 2 1 Shop Local! SKU: TOP108B01 Brand: Top RC Model: AT-6 RTF 450 Categories: RC Models/Aircraft/Parkfly & Indoor Release Date: Dec 4, 2024 Spares and Manuals Description Explorer Parts Documents (1) Key Features Fully assembled and ready to fly. Everything included (nothing more to buy). 450mm wingspan. Switchable gyro stabilisation (even in expert mode). Use your own RadioLink (S.Bus) or Futaba (S.Bus) radio system.* Exceptional 12+ minute flight duration. Exempt from the CAA's DRES scheme. Full four-channel control. Fixed demountable undercarriage. Easy to hand-launch. Suitcase-friendly. Clip-on propeller with prop saver. High-lift undercamber wing section. Includes 1S 400mAh LiPo and USB charge lead. Aerobatic when flown in expert mode. Impact resistant EPP airframe. What's in the Box 1x Fully assembled mini AT-6. 1x 4-channel transmitter. 1x Spare propeller. 1x 1S 400mAh rechargeable LiPo battery. 1x USB charge lead. 1x Demountable tail-dragger undercarriage (3 pcs). 1x Screwdriver for wing removal. 1x S.Bus Rx connection lead. 1x Instruction manual. 4x AA batteries for the transmitter. Product Description Spanning 450mm, with eye-catching detail, an authentic colour scheme and a performance that totally belies its size, Top RC's four-channel AT-6 will impress from the moment you open the box. Perfect for small fields and impromptu flying sessions, the switchable, 6-axis gyro stabilisation system turns this attractive model into a capable all-weather flyer that practically laughs in the face of turbulence. Offered at a pocket money price, ready to fly, with everything included in the box, the versatility of this aeroplane for both indoor (large sports hall) and outdoor (small field) flying is almost limitless. Oh, and let's not forget, the flight duration of the AT-6 is outstanding; expect a minimum 12-minute flight from a full charge. Suitcase-friendly and supplied with a four-channel 2.4GHz transmitter (plus AA batteries), single cell LiPo, USB charger, demountable undercarriage and spare propeller, there really is nothing else to buy. With a full range of tantalising aircraft to choose from, why not get a group of friends together and get flying some of the best looking, best performing little foamies available. *Use any appropriate** RadioLink (S.Bus) system or appropriate** Futaba (S.Bus) system (FASSTest / S-FHSS) to pair and fly the AT-6 with your regular transmitter. **Consideration should be given to receiver size and its compatibility with your intended transmitter. Below is an extract of the advert from my chosen mail order model shop. Spanning 450mm, with eye-catching detail, an authentic colour scheme and a performance that totally belies its size, Top RC's four-channel AT-6 will impress from the moment you open the box. Perfect for small fields and impromptu flying sessions, the switchable, 6-axis gyro stabilisation system turns this attractive model into a capable all-weather flyer that practically laughs in the face of turbulence. Offered at a pocket money price, ready to fly, with everything included in the box, the versatility of this aeroplane for both indoor (large sports hall) and outdoor (small field) flying is almost limitless. Oh, and let's not forget, the flight duration of the AT-6 is outstanding; expect a minimum 12-minute flight from a full charge. Suitcase-friendly and supplied with a four-channel 2.4GHz transmitter (plus AA batteries), single cell LiPo, USB charger, demountable undercarriage and spare propeller, there really is nothing else to buy. With a full range of tantalising aircraft to choose from, why not get a group of friends together and get flying some of the best looking, best performing little foamies available. *Use any appropriate** RadioLink (S.Bus) system or appropriate** Futaba (S.Bus) system (FASSTest / S-FHSS) to pair and fly the AT-6 with your regular transmitter. **Consideration should be given to receiver size and its compatibility with your intended transmitter. Top RC Mini AT-6 (450mm) RTF - Yellow Key Features: Fully assembled and ready to fly. Everything included (nothing more to buy). 450mm wingspan. Switchable gyro stabilisation (even in expert mode). Use your own RadioLink (S.Bus) or Futaba (S.Bus) radio system.* Exceptional 12+ minute flight duration. Exempt from the CAA's DRES scheme. Full four-channel control. Fixed demountable undercarriage. Easy to hand-launch. Suitcase-friendly. Clip-on propeller with prop saver. High-lift undercamber wing section. Includes 1S 400mAh LiPo and USB charge lead. Aerobatic when flown in expert mode. Impact resistant EPP airframe. What's in the Box: 1x Fully assembled mini AT-6. 1x 4-channel transmitter. 1x Spare propeller. 1x 1S 400mAh rechargeable LiPo battery. 1x USB charge lead. 1x Demountable tail-dragger undercarriage (3 pcs). 1x Screwdriver for wing removal. 1x S.Bus Rx connection lead. 1x Instruction manual. 4x AA batteries for the transmitter. Manuals & Parts Explosions: Top RC Mini AT-6 (450mm) RTF - Yellow Tech Specs: Shipping Weight: 0.75kg / 1.65lbs Product Length: 312mm / 12.3in Product Wingspan: 450mm / 17.7in Completion Level: RTF Experience Level: Beginner Preparation Time: 45min Assembly Time: 5min Recommended Usage Environment: Outdoors Colour: Yellow Material: EPP Battery: Yes Battery: 1S 400mAh LiPo Notice the wording change ( did they also feel the advert was misleading ? ), AND, the instruction sheet for operating the model via radio link s bus method. Looking on the model shop suppliers site, these instructions seem to be really well hidden. More info to come/needed..... The rather comical communication back and forth with the wholesalers, and the amount of time taken to produce the Instruction sheet, such as it is, was rather long. Good luck with any Futaba issues. Do they supply any Futaba spare parts I wonder ? Trying to set up the news letters feature from the Perkins/Futaba site via a smart phone needs more work done, so no surprise there eh . RadioLink R8SM 24GHz 8 Channel S-Bus / PPM Receiver Brand: RadioLink Part No: RLKR081008 £20.69 RRP £22.99 Shadow Stock: Usually ships next day Add to Cart Collect Instore Request Price MatchAsk a QuestionWrite a Review Description Specification Shipping Reviews Q & A Key Features Compatibility: T8S , T8FB Full 2000m operating range. Voltage range 4.8 – 6V. Compatible with Pixhawk, Mini Pix, Turbo Pix, and APM flight controllers. S.Bus or PPM signal output. FHSS frequency-hopping spread spectrum protocol. Perfect for quad racers. Weights & Dimensions Weight 2g 0.07oz Shipping Weight 0.01kg 0.01lbs Product Width 16mm 0.63in Product Length 21mm 0.83in instruction sheet on above unit in next post.... Edited April 11 by Rich Griff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted April 11 Share Posted April 11 (edited) I was thinking of maybe getting one of these, as I didn't have a Harvard or Texan in my fleet, but the Top RC transmitters aren't compatable with the wee Volantex transmitters. Do you actually have one of these? Or it it just yet another complaint about things that you find misleading, with the recurring theme that it's connected to J Perkins.? Edited April 11 by leccyflyer typo 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Holland 2 Posted April 11 Share Posted April 11 I have very recently bought a TopRC Marchetti SF260. It ís a lovely little model, very pretty (you would expect nothing less from Stelio Frati) and it flies beautifully. Today was flat calm and I don't think it would be such fun in any sort of wind. The transmitter is basic but does the job. I don't think you will be disappointed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted April 11 Share Posted April 11 (edited) 10 minutes ago, David Holland 2 said: Today was flat calm and I don't think it would be such fun in any sort of wind. I've had a few and they are surprisingly good in winds you'd expect to ground them. Well, the FW190 and F4U are..... think leccy has a larger collection. Try it - you may be pleasantly surprised. Edited April 11 by GrumpyGnome 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted April 11 Share Posted April 11 They actually fly better in the wind than any other model I own. That goes for all of them Bf109, Spitfire, P-51, Corsair, Zero. FW190 and, despite rumours to the contrary, my latest the P-40 Warhawk which I was flying this morning. The technology of the so called 6-axis stabilisation and the supplied transmitters for the Volantex/Sonik RC/Eachine models is remarkable at the price point. There is an awful lot of tosh spouted about these models, mostly by folks who have never actually flown one, but who carry across their prejudices from other, often second hand experiences with other small gyro equipped models. The Top RC models in this series are a touch larger than the Volantex - 450mm vs 400mm span, but the technology is similar, though not completely compatible. One of those myths is that they are grounded by the slightest breeze, whereas nothing could be further from the truth and David will almost certainly be pleasantly surprised if he tries the model in the wind. Mine were flying a few weeks ago when very few of my clubmates even brought a model to the field - my clubmates at my local club have probably got well over 30 of these wee fellas and they get flown on windy days with 15-20mph winds. Another myth is that with the stabilisation enabled the models have a huge turning circle - that is 100% false - my wee fellas will out-turn any other model in my fleet and can turn in extremely tight circles. That is entirely in beginner mode. Another myth is that the cheap and cheerful wee brushed motors would only last a few flights. Again, complete nonsense, my original Bf109E has well over 200 flights under it's belt since that first flight in 2022. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted April 14 Author Share Posted April 14 (edited) Remember that Volantex models and not Toprc. They are made by a different company as far as i can tell, and imported/distributed by a completely different company to Toprc. Different animals in both respect, in effect and fact. Nowhere have I seen a Volatex advert suggesting they can be flown via none Volatex tx's, but I have for Toprc, the subject matter of this thread. Maybe Volantex models can be flown via computer programmable Tx's, even by a different protocol even. More to come on that for both Volantex and Toprc. Anyway After many many many weeks of waiting and several emails, the Toprc Importer/Distributor/model shop supplier sent to me via email the following : TopRC Mini-Plane Series Aftermarket receiver installation It is possible to pair your TopRC mini-plane to any RadioLink or Futaba S.Bus (FASSTest / S-FHSS) R/C air system and use your regular transmitter to fly the model. With this in mind please use the following pointers to assist with the receiver installation, transmitter set-up and trimming of your model. Receiver choice Your chosen Futaba or RadioLink receiver will need to be S.Bus compatible and necessarily small to fit within the fuselage of your mini-plane. From the two brands we recommend the following: ● Futaba R7201SB ● RadioLink R8SM Receiver installation 1. Position the receiver where it will not adversely affect the centre of gravity of the aeroplane and, hence, the flying characteristics. 2. Take the S.Bus lead supplied with the model and connect the micro plug to the socket marked ‘SBUS’ on the model’s pre-installed control board. 3. Attach the three pin ‘Futaba’ style connector to the protruding pins of your receiver’s S.Bus port. NOTE: Your TopRC mini-plane uses conventional channel numbers for aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle control, with channel 5 as the adopted gyro channel. Radio configuration 1. Assign a 3-position switch to Channel 5 to control the gyro function. 2. Set the aileron travel limit (EPA) to 70%. 3. The amount of aileron exponential that you apply will be dependent on personal preference but, in any event, should be set between 45 and 60%. 4. Elevator and rudder exponential can be set using more conventional values of between 10 and 15%. Flying & trimming When trimming the ailerons use the digital trim button to establish initial settings, then land, note the trim offset, re-centre the trim positions and mechanically adjust the control surface neutral positions by opening or closing the piano wire loops located close to the control horns. It is necessary that you trim the ailerons in this fashion due to the gyro’s reliance on sensing a centred aileron servo and allowing the motor to arm. The motor will not arm if the aileron trim positions are not centred. CAUTION: When paired to the supplied TopRC transmitter your mini-plane requires that the throttle stick be raised and lowered to arm the model prior to flight. In fitting your own receiver this function is disabled. As such, please ensure that the throttle stick is in the closed position before connecting the battery. My chosen radio link tx was/is the Radio Link T8FB BT which was supplied by the same importer of the TOPRC MODELS via the mail order model shop some considerable time ago. Remember the advert stated " any radio link system" not mentioning the need for an s bus "extra". Although the 8TFB BT tx is s bus capable, it does not have a 3 position switch. A 3 position switch is needed for the selection of the 3 pilot skill levels, selectable in flight, via the switch. The Toprc importer help desk ( service knowledge base ) was informed of the tx choice when the initial question of "how to control the toprc model via any radio link system" was asked, and repeated a few times. They knew I was asking about 8TFB BT TX. Anyways, the above Instruction sheet/manual was not displayed on the importers site, nor on my chosen model mail order shop, at that time, 31st. March 2025. The instruction sheet/manual was eventually drawn up and typed, to "save confusion"...is this an admission of a misleading advert ?? Since then however, this re worded instruction sheet/manual is to be found on the Toprc importers/distributors/model shop suppliers web site, as well as on my chosen model mail order shop web site, and probably on every other model shop web site the importer supplies..... Please see below.... TopRC Mini-Plane Series Aftermarket receiver installation It is possible to pair your TopRC mini-plane to an appropriate RadioLink S.Bus or Futaba S.Bus (FASSTest / S-FHSS) R/C air system and use your regular transmitter to fly the model. With this in mind please use the following pointers to assist with the receiver installation,transmitter set-up and trimming of your model. Receiver choice Your chosen Futaba or RadioLink receiver will need to be S.Bus compatible and, similarly, compatible with the transmitter you’re using. It will also need to be small enough to fit within the fuselage of your mini-plane. Receiver installation 1. Position the receiver where it will not adversely affect the centre of gravity of the aeroplane and, hence, the flying characteristics. 2. Take the S.Bus lead supplied with the model and connect the micro plug to the socket marked ‘SBUS’ on the model’s pre-installed control board. 3. Attach the three pin ‘Futaba’ style connector to the protruding pins of your receiver’s S.Bus port. NOTE: Your TopRC mini-plane uses conventional channel numbers for aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle control, with channel 5 as the adopted gyro channel. Radio configuration 1. Assign a 3-position switch to Channel 5 to control the gyro function. 2. Set the aileron travel limit (EPA) to 70%. 3. The amount of aileron exponential that you apply will be dependent on personal preference but, in any event, should be set between 45 and 60%. 4. Elevator and rudder exponential can be set using more conventional values of between 10 and 15%. Flying & trimming When trimming the ailerons use the digital trim button to establish initial settings, then land, note the trim offset, re-centre the trim positions and mechanically adjust the control surface neutral positions by opening or closing the piano wire loops located close to the control horns. It is necessary that you trim the ailerons in this fashion due to the gyro’s reliance on sensing a centred aileron servo and allowing the motor to arm. The motor will not arm if the aileron trim positions are not centred. CAUTION: When paired to the supplied TopRC transmitter your mini-plane requires that the throttle stick be raised and lowered to arm the model prior to flight. In fitting your own receiver this function is disabled. As such, please ensure that the throttle stick is in the closed position before connecting the battery. some minor re wording, yes, but........ The reason given for the re wording " to save confusion" ... Draw your own conclusion. The recent article in rcme magazine of about 2 months ago stated that the sf-260 toprc model flew "better" than the at-6 toprc model. Different models so different flight characteristics ? Perhaps it was due to the excessive play/floppy connection/extremely poor mechanical connection between aileron servo arm and aileron on the port side ? Enough "slop" and inaccurate servo control, of that aileron, the port side one, to cause aileron flutter even ? There is a lot of play....uncontrolled play. If this amount of play was in your modern cars steering system, and the car was submitted for an MOT test, it would get the modern equivalent of a RED VT22 certificate. It would not be allowed to be driven from the testing station, needing "all four wheels ( for a normal modern car ) not in contact with the road", ie. on a trailer. Mass production is great, were there is one, there is possibly thousands, and thousands and thousands. A fault in one can be replicated many many many times, even with good quality control apparently. The fault can remain in place, until complaints and returns come in. Anyways, looking forward to the next rcme mag issue which may cover some of the above...s bus, protocols, modern computer assignable function tx sticks and switches etc.. Happy landing out there everyone, and if your doing any DIY, be very very careful ! Have a great Easter folks 😍 Edited April 14 by Rich Griff 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted April 14 Author Share Posted April 14 perhaps sobo has pulled his finger out at last. 😍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Gates Posted April 14 Share Posted April 14 I picked up a Volantex Spitfire and the book of words with it was pretty clear - having said that I do fly with a OpenTx transmitter so maybe I am more used to the "Chinglish" manual. The Tx supplied is pretty poor to be honest, with large dead spots around the centre and at the ends of the stick movements, which with the Spitfire make it a challenge to fly. Programming to my Tx16S was a revelation, although the Spitfire with no washout on the wings does bite with tip stalls if you are not careful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted April 14 Share Posted April 14 3 hours ago, Rich Griff said: Remember that Volantex models and not Toprc. They are made by a different company as far as i can tell, and imported/distributed by a completely different company to Toprc. Different animals in both respect, in effect and fact. Nowhere have I seen a Volatex advert suggesting they can be flown via none Volatex tx's, but I have for Toprc, the subject matter of this thread. Maybe Volantex models can be flown via computer programmable Tx's, even by a different protocol even. More to come on that for both Volantex and Toprc. Anyway After many many many weeks of waiting and several emails, the Toprc Importer/Distributor/model shop supplier sent to me via email the following : Yes, I know that Volantex models are not the same as Tor RC models, I pointed that out in my post. I have both types of 400mm aeroplanes , in fact I have Volantex, Eachine and Sonik RC models, which are all identical, with identical transmitters and also a TopRC FW190, which has a different, non=compatible transmitter. You still haven't answered my question though, which you have been asked multiple times - do you actually have or fly any of these models? You have been going on about these models for at least 18 months, in multiple threads filled with huge screeds of copy and pasted extracts from the instructions and descriptions from the website and magazine reviews. Everyone else just seems to get the model, put the batteries in, bind it and then and go an fly them, typically with great success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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