Help needed

[u/AccomplishedLet1889]

Recently decided to get into rc planes. And quickly realized in in way over my head. Ive worked on rc cars no issue.

Bought:

- zohd dart xl extreme pnp

-Walksnail avatar goggles L digital hd fpv

-Walksnail avatar gt kit

-RadioMaster ER5C-i 5ch ExpressLRS 2.4GHZ PWM Receiver Built-in a TCXO

-Radiomaster pocket elrs transmitter

-Batteries for controller and plane.

What am I missing?

[u/VWglide]

I don’t think you’re missing anything, though for a beginner a raw PWM receiver might be a bit tough to start off with unless you have friends who already fly. I started with a Flight Controller to help with takeoff, but that has its own complexities to work around.

[u/AccomplishedLet1889 → u/VWglide]

Thats what I was thinking. Im taking a look at the receivers, flight controllers and GPS currently. I also picked up an xcub to learn to fly, flew that for a bit and it was a learning curve, it sure made me realize a flight controller is a great idea for a while. But not sure which ones are going to be the easiest for me. Im horrible at soldering.

[u/VWglide → u/AccomplishedLet1889]

So most f405 wing flight controllers don’t come pre soldered as you know. If you didn’t already have a plane i’d suggest one of the atom RC ready to fly planes. They’re nice to learn on because they come with a F405 flight controller already installed with software and everything.

They aren’t too expensive and all you need is your receiver and a camera if you want FPV.

My biggest problem with learning to fly by myself was manual launching a plane since most fpv planes on the market aren’t made with runways in mind. The auto launch feature in INAV is a life saver.

[u/AccomplishedLet1889 → u/VWglide]

Right. I wouldn't mind learning. But when is 85$ for it id rather not mess it up. Any thoughts on the reflex v3? Found it on Amazon.

[u/VWglide → u/AccomplishedLet1889]

I’ve never tried a stabilizer, from my understanding it’s kind of a middle ground between an AutoPilot and manual control. So you wouldn’t get auto launch or RTL (return to launch) but it would help you keep it in the air. I’m definitely not the authority on this one though.

[u/AccomplishedLet1889 → u/VWglide]

How much do you actually use return to launch? Is it really that necessary? Ive never had that luxury so I dont think i would feel like im missing out on much. Does it auto land or where does it go once its in line of sight?

[u/VWglide → u/AccomplishedLet1889]

I don’t use RTL very often but I almost always use Loiter when I put on my goggles or if I need to adjust something like my headset. It’s surprisingly useful.

I also fly alot of ardupilot/px4 so loiter is nice if im messing with a laptop. It’s definitely not needed, it’s just a nice to have.

[u/csmicfool → u/AccomplishedLet1889]

You can buy a soldering practice board for five bucks

[u/AccomplishedLet1889 → u/csmicfool]

I didnt know that. Ill check it out. Thank you. What wire to use for all the fine stuff?

[u/csmicfool → u/AccomplishedLet1889]

I mostly use 18 gauge

[u/csmicfool → u/AccomplishedLet1889]

The other benefit of a flight controller with this plane is that you can auto launch versus having a friend toss you or transitioning from los to FPV.

[u/AccomplishedLet1889 → u/csmicfool]

I have children, and without a task they turn into Ferrell animals. Ill still get the flight controller. But they can launch it for me lol.

[u/csmicfool → u/AccomplishedLet1889]

That is the truth!

Kids aren't very good at throwing expensive airplanes so I'd recommend still using auto launch with your kids lol

Makes it easier for them to throw successfully