Micro RC Airplanes: Hobbyzone Champ RTF

by Robert Bishop
(RC Airplanes Simplified.com)

Hobbyzone claim, that you can teach yourself to fly, using the Champ and judging by the reviews I have read, it does appear possible. It is a LOT easier, if you have the help of a competent flyer, but if you must "go it alone". then the Hobbyzone Champ is maybe your best bet.
If you can arrange to get some time, with a good RC flight simulator, before you try the real thing, then your chances of success are greatly increased. Many RC hobby shops have a simulator set up, in the store, so look around and see if you can find one.
As a beginner RC plane, the Champ is in many ways ideal. It is small (20.3" wing span and total weight of 1.3oz) and is a 3 channel RC airplane. There are no ailerons, just proportional rudder, elevator and throttle. The lack of ailerons makes it that much simpler to fly- try this feature on your next model.
The Champ RTF comes 100% complete, with no building or assembly required and everything needed, including all the batteries, and a lipo battery charger, are in the box.
The 4-channel DSM2 RC transmitter, features dual rates and digital trims and can be used to control other models. In the future you can buy BNF models and save a few dollars.
Please realize that all this is available for less than $90.00 and that the Hobbyzone Champ is not a toy, but a true hobby grade electric RC airplane, that you can learn to fly!
Please fly outdoors in calm conditions. The light weight of the champ will not tolerate high winds! It can be flown indoors, in a large area, such as a school gym.
The first thing to do, is to charge the lipo battery(3.7V 150mAh). This should take about 10 to 15 minutes, using the DC charger included.

The Champ comes with the installed receiver and transmitter already "Bound".
Note that the radio is on the 2.4Ghz band, so frequency control is a thing of the past and interference should be at a minimum! Move the sticks and see the control surfaces move. Ensure that both surfaces move the full amount, with no sticking or binding.
I have read a few reviews, where paint had gummed up a control rod, so check this and fix it before flying. Be careful of the throttle control and restrain the Champ before advancing the throttle!
Note that with a 3-channel model, it is normal, with a Mode 2 RC transmitter, for the elevator and rudder to be on the left stick and throttle to be on the right.
A most important step, is to check the balance point. It should be 28mm from wing leading edge. The lipo battery can be moved fore and aft and for the first flight, it should be as far forward as possible.
If you have a smooth surface available, then try some ground maneuvers. Apply a little "up" elevator, to keep the tail on the ground and apply a little power, just enough to keep the Champ moving.
Get used to the steering and complete left and right hand turns. You will begin to notice that things appear different when the model is approaching you. Apparently the rudder controls are reversed! This is not so, but practice turning left and right, coming towards and going away, until you get the hang of it.

Hand launching is possible and fairly simple and safe.
There is more than enough power, to fly right out of your hand.
Make sure, before that first flight, that you carefully read the manual and understand it well,then go fly and enjoy!

Shop safe at Amazon and enjoy free shipping if you spend $25 or more.

Micro RC Airplanes: Ultra Micro J-3 Cub RTF

by Robert Bishop
(RC Airplanes Simplified.com)

The RTF version of the Parkzone Ultra Micro J-3 Cub is 100% complete and includes a 4-channel, 2.4Ghz, Spektrum RC transmitter, of the DSM2 type.
Scale details include the authentic yellow colour scheme and dummy Cub engine details.
Also in the box is a 3.7V 120mAh lipo battery and a DC battery charger.
With a wing span of 18.2"and a total flying weight of 1.0oz, the Cub can be flown outdoors, in a dead calm or indoor RC flying can be a lot of fun. A school gym or similar large indoor area is ideal.
The J-3Cub is a 3 channel design, with proportional control for the rudder, elevator and the throttle.
The scale type landing gear includes scale tires and the steerable tail wheel makes ground handling a pleasure.
As I have said many times before, "Nothing flies like a Cub" and this micro version is no exception. Scale like RC maneuvers are possible, although the absence of ailerons means that rolling maneuvers are very difficult.
It is possible for this to be a beginner RC plane, but maybe the Ember 2 RTF would be a better choice.

After reading many reviews, it appears that the propeller shaft is a weak point of the design, so keep those nose first landings and crashes to a minimum! Spare replacement parts are available, so you can keep the Cub flying! Many commented on the nice flying characteristics and overall-all, the reports were very complimentary.

Shop safe at Amazon and enjoy free shipping if you spend $25 or more.

Micro RC Airplanes: Ultra Micro J-3 Cub BNF

by Robert Bishop
(RC Airplanes Simplified.com)

This may well be the smallest Cub available. With a wing span of 18.2" and a total weight of 1oz, I think it must be.The range of Parkzone Ultra Micro RC airplanes would not be complete without a Cub.
As I have said many times before-"nothing flies like a Cub" and it still applies to this micro RC plane.
Construction is all foam and scale details include the dummy engine and it is nice that a steerable tail wheel is included.
This is the BNF (Bind aNd Fly) version of this electric model airplane and as such does require a Spektrum or JR 2.4Ghz DSM2 RC transmitter. Such a unit can easily be "bound" to the included 3-channel receiver. Everything else is in the box, including a lipo battery and charger.
Indoor RC flying is a load of fun with this J-3 Cub! A school gym or similar area is recommended, unless you have an exceptionally large room at home.
Once you receive your Cub, it can be ready to fly in as short a time as it takes to charge the battery.
If the winds are a dead calm, then you can have fun flying on your front lawn and taking off and landing on the driveway!
One scale feature that is missing, are the wing struts. On reflection, they may have been more trouble than they would be worth.
One criticism I have heard is regarding the prop shaft breaking. It is a weak point but is easily replaceable.
Spare parts are readily available and not very expensive.
So for some great flying fun-try a Cub!

Shop safe at Amazon and enjoy free shipping if you spend $25 or more.

Micro RC Airplanes: AC to 6VDC 1.5-Amp Power Supply

by Robert Bishop
(RC Airplanes Simplified.com)

This power supply eliminates the dry cells required, for the lipo battery chargers, included with the Parkzone Micro RC airplanes.
It does,obviously require a 120v input, but if you are flying in your own backyard, or enjoying indoor RC flying,this should be no problem.
Being a 1.5 Amp unit, it should charge your lipos faster and, over time, save you a bit of money, as well as being a much "Greener" alternative and help the environment!

See more Micro RC Airplanes.

Shop safe at Amazon and enjoy free shipping if you spend $25 or more.

Return to the RC Airplanes Simplified home page.