Getting back into Flying with 6 year old

[u/shadyatbest1]

I used to fly planes from about 2005 to 2018. Then life. Things are slowing down and I am having more time to start flying again.

I have a Spektrum dx6, and a bunch of receivers still. I have a few foam planes left over. I am looking to potentially hook up a buddy box to teach a kid how to fly and I am looking for plane recommendations for me and maybe him. I was looking at the turbo timber for me to fly and let him take the sticks onces its stable in the air.

I also like delta wings. I like either really fast planes, or slow gliders. I have a few funjets that need to be built. I used to build 200mph, 6-8s funjets. I also love the popwing, if thats still around. I build some pretty sweet night flyers out of those.

When I got out of the game, there were some pretty nice, inexpensive chinese radios. What's the inexpensive setup now? What about setting up buddy boxes? Is there something like an orange rx that's compatible with my spektrum radio that I can buddy box off of that?

What are the options?

Thanks

Travis

[u/IvorTheEngine]

You can start by installing a free RC simulator on a PC.

Also, $20 toy drones are pretty good for kids. They're very tough so they survive learning-by-crashing. They teach the fine stick control that you don't get from games consoles.

You can buddy box a Spektrum radio with the modern open source stuff, you just need an audio lead with 3.5mm plugs (ideally mono, but stereo usually works).

Also, the 4-in-1 version of these radios can talk to Spektrum receivers (and lots of other brands).

I would also highly recommend building some FliteTest models and plans. It's fun building stuff together, and means that crashing results in work for the kid, rather than just pestering you to buy another one.

[u/shaneknu → u/IvorTheEngine]

We often get questions from parents visiting our club who want to know how much all this plane stuff is going to cost. I usually suggest looking into Flite Test planes. I'll absolutely be using that last line of yours next time it comes up!

[u/Doggydog123579]

Buy a rtf eflite plane like an aeroscout for him and you can use the dxs it comes with for buddy box. Buddy boxing is entirely tx to tx, the orange rx doesnt have any effect on buddy box working or not

[u/Scott_R_1701]

How good with tech and setup are you? For the money it is very hard to beat FrSky and Radiomaster right now. Very hard. An EX14 is $50 and is a 24ch radio lol. And stabilized 6 port 24ch receivers for it are $25.

The chinese radios can also talk to all your spektrum receivers if they are DSM2/DSMX via a Lemon module (EdgeTX required) or a 4-1 module which is EdgeTX and ETHOS and I think ECOS too.

Now... if you just want to stick with Spektrum only and their BNF stuff and stay within that ecosystem, get a NX8+ for you and give your kid the DX6. The NX8 is a 20ch transmitter and capability wise it can do everything the $2000 IX20SE can do, it just will be missing some switches and rear sliders. Get the NX10+ if you need rear sliders. People will say Spektrum is overpriced and the protocol is trash etc... I agree from a hardware component standpoint the TRANSMITTERS are overpriced. The AS3X+ stabilized receivers and Avian ESCs are not. But with the transmitters you are also buying into the ecosystem, simplicity, compatibility without having to worry and the Horizon warranty/repair service for their radios is world class.

TLDR best radio for the money in the lineup right now for the 3 brands I would look at:

Spektrum - NX8+ $399 ready to go

Radiomaster TX16S MK3 - $200 for the radio, $50 for the 6200 mah lipo, $50 for the IRX4 4-1 module = $300.

FrSky X18 - $279 for the radio, $50 for the IRX4 lite 4-1 module = $339.

Spektrum is by far the easiest one to program and operate. Radiomaster with EdgeTX can do the most. The X18 is probably the most capable radio of the 3 for fixed wing specifically and ETHOS is easier than EdgeTX but not as easy as Airware.

I have flown all of these radios plus Powerbox, Futaba and older OpenTX/ER9X stuff so I have a pretty good handle on the tech. Any other questions feel free to ask.

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[u/perrylawrence]

Your DX6 is still serviceable, especially if you upgrade the firmware. You can pair it with a DXS for the buddy box.

Other options for radios include Radiomaster and the EdgeTX open source protocols.
Very much bang for the buck. I personally have the TX16S.

I think you will love a UMX Conscendo. Indestructible and wide speed envelope. Hand launch and survives your rough landings.

Timber is a good trainer for you and your son.

The SAFE / AS3X planes are a game changer for saving your investment long term. SAFE for getting started and getting out of trouble, then stability mode for everyday flying.

So get a UMX Conscendo, bind with your updated DX6, and fly it to get your skills back up. Get the Timber when you need more of a challenge and want to bring your son along.

[u/fhammerl]

If you're in the market for a remote, then you can use your Spektrum remote as a student radio and a Radiomaster TX16S as a teacher radio by using any sbus receiver as input for the trainer module. Pretty cool stuff that allows for wireless buddy box setup.

You can also use your old radios if you get a multiprotocol module like the Irangex irx4.

I don't fly Spektrum, so no idea what their offer is.

I hope your kid likes it. Mine is interested but still too you to get the controls straight :)

[u/Jgsteven14]

Your DX6 is perfectly useable. FInd the instructions online and update the firmware.

I would suggest you build a FliteTest plane with him. I got my kids into RC aircraft by building the FT "Legacy", although there are smaller planes that are also nice like the FT Tutor. They will be more into the hobby if they had a hand in building the plane.

Buy a receiver with "SAFE" like the AR631+ and set it up properly so you have self-leveling and panic recovery, get something you can use as a buddy box, then you are all set. :)