BEGINNERS - FIXED WING
Radio Gear

As your radio control system is the only link between you and your model (and therefore the only means of preventing it from crashing!), you should give this decision the consideration it deserves.

There are several main manufacturers of Radio Control Gear (RC Gear) whose equipment is readily available in the UK. In this technological age, the reliability of modern RC Gear is impressive. It is rare to suffer a radio failure where the actual equipment is at fault.

The Achilles heal with the use of RC Gear originates from Interference caused by other users, transmitting on the same frequency. In a well organised club, there should be a suitable Frequency Control system in operation at all times. We cannot sufficiently stress the importance of this matter and would urge you to view our “Frequency Control” section for further information.

In the UK, RC Gear specifically designed for RC flight will operate on the 35MHz band. This is due to the fact that within the UK, the 35Mhz band is solely for model aircraft. Equipment on the 27MHz band is also legal for model flying, however as this band is also legally shared with model boats, model cars, CB operators etc, there is a higher risk of interference. As such we would recommend that you should only consider using a 35MHz system, specifically designed for model flying.

When using RC Gear, a significant number of failures can be attributed to the batteries that power the transmitter and receiver. Should either one of these batteries become unable to power their respective functions due to lack of charge or cell failure, then you will no longer be able to control your model. Exactly where your model will come down (effectively crash) in this situation, is very much a case of luck. It is therefore vital that your transmitter and receiver batteries are sufficiently charged and preferably monitored before each flight. The installation of the radio gear inside the model must also be done to the highest standard to ensure reliability. Directions on fitting the radio gear will be given in your instruction manual however further advice is readily available from your fellow club mates or local model shop.

Generally, your RC system will be supplied with a transmitter, receiver, 4 servos, rechargeable batteries and a suitable charger.

Picture of typical Radio Control system.

When all have been connected and switched on, and when you move the transmitters stick, a signal is sent to the receiver which in turn moves the servo connected to that channel, to the travel (distance) requested by your finger on the transmitter stick. The movement is proportional, i.e. the further you move the stick, the further the servo’s arm travels. Each servo arm is connected by a pushrod / control snake to a specific control on the aeroplane and operates that control as a real pilot would in a full size aeroplane. You could therefore think of the servos as the full size pilots limbs!

Radio Control Gear is marketed, advising of a specific number of channels. These channels refer to the number of functions that the RC Gear can operate.

A basic aeroplane will require 4 channels. Specifically these are:

Channel 1: Ailerons (Controlling roll)
Channel 2: Elevator (Controlling pitch)
Channel 3: Throttle (Controlling engine power)
Channel 4: Rudder (Controlling yaw)

Therefore a transmitter and receiver with 4 channels would be sufficient to fly a standard aeroplane. You should however take into account that when you progress further, you may wish to own an aeroplane with extra functions i.e.

Channel 5: Retractable undercarriage
Channel 6: Flaps (To aid slower landings)

If you have initially only purchased a 4 channel RC system, then you would now have to upgrade. Most RC systems for model flying are now capable of a minimum of 6 channels, to avoid having to upgrade.

A very useful function when learning to fly is a control system known as a “Buddy Box”, put simply this is where the Instructor and Pupil each hold a transmitter, linked by a “Buddy Lead”. This arrangement is somewhat similar to a driving instructor’s dual control. It allows the instructor to assign control to the pupil’s transmitter by a switch on his transmitter. By releasing this switch the instructor instantly regains control of the model. It is therefore a much safer method of learning to fly, than the instructor attempting to take the transmitter from you, should you lose control.

In order to utilise this method, you should ensure that the RC system you intend to purchase is capable of this facility.

Our club owns two transmitters with “Buddy Leads”. These are held by designated members so that these “Buddy Box” transmitters can be linked to your own transmitter and provide Dual Control instruction. The radio equipment owned by our club is manufactured by Futaba. As such our own “Buddy Box” transmitters will only be compatible if your radio gear is also made by Futaba. This doesn’t mean that you can’t buy a different make of RC Gear, only that the club owned transmitters wouldn’t be compatible.

Computerised or Standard?

A decision that you are going to have to contemplate is whether to purchase a standard set of RC Gear or the increasingly popular computerised sets.

The main difference between a computerised and standard transmitter is that the computerised effectively has many more functions and capabilities, accessed via the transmitters internal computer. Please don’t be immediately put off, thinking that the computer functions may be difficult to access or program. They are very simple to operate and can offer many advantages over the standard sets.

A standard transmitter will offer only the most basic requirements to enable you to fly. A computerised transmitter will offer many other features that will enhance the accuracy with which your aeroplane can be set up. Most can also be used to fly helicopters and gliders in addition. One of the most important of the extra features is that a computer transmitter has a “model memory”. This model memory enables the complete settings of several models to be stored within the one transmitter. You can therefore own several different models and use the same transmitter for all of them, by simply selecting the correct model memory. Depending upon the RC system, the number of model memories can vary between 3 to 10. Some can even be expanded to store many more.

As stated earlier the additional features of a computerised system will allow your aeroplane to be set up more accurately. The manufacturer of your aeroplane will stipulate the distance that the control surfaces of your model should deflect. This distance is controlled by how far the servos will travel. The travel of all the servos can be adjusted to fine-tune the deflection of the control surfaces, so that the model flies exactly as intended. There are other examples and advantages, but In short it will enable fine-tuning which is not available with a standard transmitters mechanical set up. A computer transmitter is not an excuse to rectify an inaccurate mechanical set up. You should always set up the Radio Gear as best you can mechanically, and then use the computer features to enhance this.

Which is the most suitable for the beginner?

Currently there are computerised RC systems available at extremely reasonable prices and therefore we would recommend that you should aim to purchase an entry level computerised RC system. The slight additional cost involved is far outweighed by its greater capabilities that will benefit you throughout your learning curve. It will enable your aeroplane to be set up to it’s best potential (and therefore have it fly very accurately) and will provide you with the ability to fly several different models as you progress. Most are fully capable of helicopter functions, however certain types are for aeroplanes only so ensure you purchase a suitable system if you want the option to diversify into helicopters. Do try and purchase a system that has a suitable “Buddy Box” facility.

Don’t worry if you are unable to afford a computerised system as a standard system is perfectly adequate to get you started. Try to ensure that you at least purchase a set with a minimum of 6 channels, preferably with a Dual rates and Buddy box facility.

A final word regarding batteries, always use batteries of the highest quality which have been assembled by a reputable company and ensure they are properly charged before use. Purchase a battery checker (£10 - £15) to test the condition of charge in the battery before each flight. Never attempt to fly if you are in any doubt as to the level of charge left in the battery.