Thank you!

Don't want to turn this into another "Mode Thread" .... but ,,,,,, I'm really into hand launching, DLG, Slope and electric, as Im right handed it makes sense for me to have the tx in my left hand and have control of the elevator during the launch phase. So the Throttle has to be on the right stick. so thats one of the reasons I fly mode 1.

That makes sense actually Marty!
I Was talking about this whole Mode thing with someone recently actually - when we were kids growing up, all the remote cotrol cars etc were similar to mode 2, forward/backward on the left side, and left/right on the right. Suppose for us young and more attractive flyers, mode 2 seemed the way to go - just seemed more natural to me somehow!

As Tim Says Mark - go with what you can afford, but personally (and not to cause offense to Futaba flyers), I would go down the Spektrum route simply because of the cheap receivers and all the BNF stuff you can pick up! (and whatever you do, dont be drawn to a secondhand 35meg set!)
I doubt you will need all the bells and whistles on the DX8 for a while, but they are there when you are ready. My DX7 has loads of features - most of which I havent a clue what they do! the manual is about an inch thick too, which I cant be bothered reading! It gets my planes up and (mostly) back down again, which keeps me happy!

Thanks Stubsy.

I have no experience whatsoever and so it makes sense to choose the easiest to use which is why I was asking so many (of many more) questions.

It would seem that I should just plump for one and go with it as there is argument from both sides which seems more subjective than objective.

I suppose it rather depends on who might teach me. Working on the premise that I will, of course, join the club are there any volunteers that, in an ideal world, live close to Dyserth, drink Scotch, and have the patience to teach a 45 year old complete beginner?

A thought also occurs to me (question for admin) - I thought, as a beginner, I am in the ideal position to blog my learning as I follow this road. If, like me, most of those searching for information will browse the forum looking to see what they should and shouldn't do - I think, if I had found such a blog it would be very useful and would save time, money and effort for someone looking to become a RC flyer - thoughts anyone?

It's all gone quiet!

It does that sometimes - don't panic, we arent ignoring you!

Most members are scattered around the local area - Im in Prestatyn for example which isn't a million miles away from you - I think its fair to say, we will all muck in to give you a hand!

You about this weekend if the weather is ok?

In 1958
I built my own RCM Classic Proportional and set it up so that is was very similar to use to my then current ED 8 channel Reed outfit. (and I suppose very like Mode I)
After 2 weekends the Left side "up/down stick pot" went faulty (No Elevator).
I modified the set on the flying field to use the RHS pot to operate Ail/Ele and had the LH stick just working the Throttle.
Later, I repaired the pot to also give Rudder in Left hand stick
I carried on using this setup ever since because I have just found it much easier to use like that.

My simple explanation of comparing Mode II and Mode I
Imagine drawing a circle in the sand on the beach with a stick.
Like Mode II, you draw the circle using just one hand......easy.
In Mode I, you must use both hands to move the stick round the circle.
I find this less easy to do.

Thanks Stubbsy.

I got a little concerned that after asking for help it all went quiet!

I should be able to play out on Saturday (if the weather is good enough) as the boss is working 9 -12. Is anyone there that early?

Regarding modes: is the normal way to "buddy" with one trainer or just go with whoever is there on the day? It seems logical (as I have no idea of either) that this needs to be resolved ahead of buying a controller. If the latter, I suppose it makes sense to choose the mode which the majority use.

Marty has kindly offered me his Discovery ST (when he gets back from sea) as a trainer - which makes sense. So I have the model sorted, I just need to sort out training and the controller. I am erring towards the Spektrum DX8 (as recommended by Tim) as I am conscious that if I get going I will want as much future proofing as possible. I looked at the Futaba but it seems much more expensive for the same functionality.

I suppose I am just like a sponge at the moment - so, all, please give me more opinions

Cheers

Mark

The instructor you are buddied up to does not have to be on the same mode as it is possible to buddy two of the same make TX's that are on different modes.

As Mel says - and I did state earlier if you use the buddy system the mode is immaterial - however, if you happen to be flying and not using a buddy lead, then its obviously better for those around you to be on the same mode.
I think you will find ( and I stand to be corrected here ) that there's a larger percentage of REGULAR FLIERS on mode one but as has been said before, the final choice is down to YOU.

The obvious thing to do then - if possible - is to try both and see which "feels" better.

Yup, I guess so.

The Wrexham club, like some others, has banned use of buddy systems where the mode of the slave is different to the master.
The logic is:-
the master pilot must be able to fly the pupils model using the pupils own radio. (Like in the old days when the master grabbed the transmitter off the pupil when he/she went wrong)
Wonder what the BMFA guidelines recommend????

hi just thought you might like to know that Slough radio control models are doing the DX8 + 3 rx's An AR8000, AR6210 and AR6115E for £279 (free post i think but not sure ) hope this helps
ps i have 1 and love it very easy to use

PDQ wrote:The Wrexham club, like some others, has banned use of buddy systems where the mode of the slave is different to the master.
The logic is:-
the master pilot must be able to fly the pupils model using the pupils own radio. (Like in the old days when the master grabbed the transmitter off the pupil when he/she went wrong)
Wonder what the BMFA guidelines recommend????

An unnecessary move in my opinion.
Considering that the master transmitter - as used by the instructor - will always default to having control in any unexpected scenario, I simply cant see the problem.
If the lead were to fail, or be pulled out, the pupil collapse etc etc.....the instructor automatically has control. The obvious benefits of today's new, highly developed equipment, compared to the old stuff is immense, and when equipment has a facility and ability to offer such flexibility and features....IMO its madness to not exploit them!
I sure hope our club don't adopt such unnecessary draconian rules.

Incidentally Paul...which "other" clubs to your knowledge have adopted this?

I agree with Tim here, too much belt and braces .

Furthermore, I reckon anyone good enough to be classed as club instructor could/should be good enough to be able to control and land safely a trainer style model ( which is what will be used in the training situation ) on a mode which is not his norm anyway...in an emergency situation.

Zebedee wrote:Thanks Stubbsy.

I should be able to play out on Saturday (if the weather is good enough) as the boss is working 9 -12. Is anyone there that early?

Regarding modes: is the normal way to "buddy" with one trainer or just go with whoever is there on the day? It seems logical (as I have no idea of either) that this needs to be resolved ahead of buying a controller. If the latter, I suppose it makes sense to choose the mode which the majority use.

Can someone answer this? (please)

I learnt with no buddy lead - it was all passing tranny back and to - more back than to I might add!

I will be down after lunch if the weather is ok - might be Sunday now though - will have to wait and see! - Im sure someone will be down there if the weather is ok, but I would wait till about 10 onwards if I were you though!

Cheers

I don't think I phrased my original question very well. What I was trying to ask was...

As a club trainee, is it normal to have just one person "allocated" as a trainer or is it turn up and see who is there on the day

Its perhaps better to have one main trainer, but of course not always possible.
Co-ordinating who is available and when etc is not easy, so providing the parties involved are happy to do so, have a few strings to your bow Mark :-)

Cheers Tim.

Still waiting for volunteers!

I'm happy to help you, but dont live close to you. I also spend far too much time with glidery things on the Great Orme ( another great way to improve your flying with pretty much no risk to the model ).
I have several models that are suited to beginners, and of course, the two transmitters, and buddy lead required too!
Another good thing about the slope, is that you can have as much or as little time at it as you want, no worries about holding other fliers up etc.
I visit pretty well every week, weekdays, weekends, evenings etc..... just let me know when you are free. When its blowing a little too hard for flat field flying, then the slope is a perfect alternative.

Thanks Tim.

The boss has got all excited about that - "I could drop her off at Llandudno and she could go shopping" Sounds like the expensive hobby just doubled in price to me.

I will take you up on it though as, again, I would love to try it.

So - Mode 2 fans - it looks like we are erring towards Mode 1 as they seem to be more accommodating Maybe they are nicer people?

That's a given
PM me or ring my mobile ( I'll give you the number if you PM me ) when you are available and we can sort you out. What sort of days/times are free, IE are you working conventional hours or what?