Beginners questions - Easy Star / Simulator / FPV....

Beginners questions - Easy Star / Simulator / FPV....

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VxDuncan

Original Poster:

2,850 posts

241 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
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Hi All,
After some git sent me a link to some Easy Star first-person videos I've gotten really interested in giving it a go. Having done some research it appears the Multiplex Easy Star is the way to go as it's easy to fly and pretty robust (I'm a complete newbie to RC flight, though had various other RC models over the years). It's also the standard route in to FPV. I'm planning on doing this in stages - simulator, normal flight, then when I'm good enough going to video.

So a couple of questions:

- Is this a completely bonkers idea? Am I mad?

- I bought a cheap simulator which runs the FMS software. Whilst I struggled with the aerobatic planes, I downloaded an Easy Star model for it and it seems really easy to fly. Is this remotely accurate? If so it appears I may even be able to get the thing in the air and hold it there.... Quite excited. Am just concerned it maybe a lot more tricky in the field.

- Will probably go with the kit rather than RR or ARTF versions of the Easy star - this is mainly because I wan the fun of building it, plus the flexibility to use different radio/ ESC. Will probably use the stock motor/prop with a 25AMP ESC, 7 cell NiMh pack and cheap 4 ch FM radio. Does this sound about right for a beginner? I don't want it to be overpowered, yet would like a little flexibility so I can carry a camera at a later date without buying loads more kit.

- Once again - am I mad for even attempting this?

- Will be spending the a lot of time trying different things in the simulator - wind, gusts, dodgy trim settings etc. Other suggestions for things to try and master in the virtual world gratefully received!

I guess I'll get onto cameras and the like in the future - but that's a way off yet! Many thanks in advance for any help, advice and pointers you can give!

Holst

2,468 posts

228 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
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The hardest part will be landing and taking off.

Those foam planes are pretty strong and can take a hard landing without much damage.

I used FMS for a little whyle and then flew my friends IC plane around without crashing. I didnt try a landing but its not as hard as it looks. Just try and keep it in view and dont fly too low.
If you dont feel very confident you could take it to a local club and ask a more experienced pilot to take it up and pass it over to you once its in the air.

The hardest thing with planes is when they get a long way away and you cant tell which way they are facing.

In the simulator you need to practice flying with the plane heading towards you and plenty of take off and landings.

The FMS simulator isnt all that accurate, but it will give you the basics.
I now have phoenix simulator which is supposed to be much better, but its not the same as real life.

Im not flying planes but helicopters.

Emsman

6,974 posts

197 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
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Alshobbies do a thing called a nemo for £90 including radio gear and a simulator.
Made of epp foam so you can hit the deck and it won't damage it.
I learnt on one and it's plenty big enough to carry a small camera


nick_j007

1,598 posts

209 months

Thursday 16th April 2009
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No, not mad at all...you might love it!

I have an easy star, but it needs some repair wink

You will need SPACE! to fly it though, so please bare that in mind.

You actually hand launch it as you may know...motor full on smile

When landing you glide it in engine off.

Great fun.

Avoid windy conditions...it is a glider after all!