Very Good advice. I have spektrum DX6 like your's one thing to note is if you buy the rechargeable pack for this transmitter. The battery pack has a self protection voltage set at 7.0v. The transmitter will function perfectly well at a lower volts with normal dry cells. I found this out when my transmitter suddenly turns off for no apparent reason at the time (well the battery did). Luckily my skipper at the time was only about 40ft in the air the fail safes worked it just fell out of the sky and only did minor damage. So if you buy the pack remember to reset the battery warning voltage. I agree with you with safe while it can keep a complete novice in the sky. It in my mind teaches bad habits particularly with ailerons.
Tim, isn't the term "ARF" only refer to the completion level of the model airplane you're purchasing? ARFs don't come with any electronics, as far as I understand. Is that not correct?
The term ARF is not really specific. Usually it means an aircraft that is assembled in a short period of time to go fly. For sure every ARF has electronics installed. See my review of the Futura ARF from FMS. All servos, ESC, ducted fan, etc. all installed at the factory. Just screw on the tail and wing, go fly. Amazing. Tim
lol i had the antenna break on my dx6i and the range was less than 50 yards. i replaced it with a wifi antenna from a old laptop and the range is now past line of sight.
I would add, make sure your motor, speed controller and battery combo are correct. I purchased an ARF(PNP) that had a manual that recommened a 2s battery but stated a 3s battery could be used. The company changed the included esc from 15a to 12a but didn't update the manual. The motor using the 3s battery burned up the esc, the receiver lost power, and my new plane crashed. I always check the motor amp draw now, and make sure the esc can handle it.
One thing to keep in mind is when you get an almost ready to fly model,you need to inspect it thorally.I found in an ARF I just got had the elevator/rudder servos loose on there mounting rails.There is really no substitute for experience in aircraft systems.A new modeler can easily crash a new model the first time.I recommend getting in touch with a local R/C club.And even a visit to the hobbystore.Nowadays even the internet is a good source of information.Even being experienced as I am,I still go to the internet for information on a new aircraft I purchased.
Tim, I just love your videos buddy. Very helpful, not too flashy, to the point, reliable information. Checks all my boxes my friend! Thanks. Also, for the beginners, Horizon Hobby makes a flight simulator called “Real Flight”. I cannot stress just how critical this was for me. Honestly, had it not been for the simulator, I likely would have left the hobby. I couldn’t afford to crash any more planes! For $100 you really can’t heat the price and will likely saves HUNDREDS in crashes. I STILL practice on my simulator. I’ve also used it to teach my son to fly and it helps me know when he’s ready for the real thing.
