Mini Wanderer Beginner Electronics Advice

[jay neu]

I haven't flown an rc plane in a long time, but the kids are out of the house this Fall and I wanted to get back into it. I got the mini wanderer kit and am slowly and carefully assembling it--it's the first model I'll have built myself! I'm also researching the electronics. I understand the general principles of how it all works but am getting a bit overwhelmed deciding which specific parts to buy in each category.

Could anyone recommend a basic setup: receiver, ESC, servos, and battery? I bought the brushed drive with folding propeller for mini gliders motor with the kit, thinking I might be able to reuse some of the now-decades old electronics from my old planes but, upon examination, I nixed that idea.

And then, the big question: which transmitter. This is a hobby and will remain a hobby. I want it to be fun and relaxing, so don't plan on doing anything fancy. And while I don't have to go discount, I don't want to spend for something I won't need. (I'm also pretty good at getting machines, including computers, to work, so I'm not worried about complexity.)

And the obligatory question: what am I forgetting/missing?

Thanks for any help!

 

[RafaelAvila]

I haven't flown an rc plane in a long time, but the kids are out of the house this Fall and I wanted to get back into it. I got the mini wanderer kit and am slowly and carefully assembling it--it's the first model I'll have built myself! I'm also researching the electronics. I understand the general principles of how it all works but am getting a bit overwhelmed deciding which specific parts to buy in each category.

Could anyone recommend a basic setup: receiver, ESC, servos, and battery? I bought the brushed drive with folding propeller for mini gliders motor with the kit, thinking I might be able to reuse some of the now-decades old electronics from my old planes but, upon examination, I nixed that idea.

And then, the big question: which transmitter. This is a hobby and will remain a hobby. I want it to be fun and relaxing, so don't plan on doing anything fancy. And while I don't have to go discount, I don't want to spend for something I won't need. (I'm also pretty good at getting machines, including computers, to work, so I'm not worried about complexity.)

And the obligatory question: what am I forgetting/missing?

Thanks for any help!

Thank you for contacting us. It will be a pleasure to assist you. For the transmitter, I recommend this one x14.

FrSky Twin X14 w/ battery

DUAL 2.4G RADIO SYSTEMThe TWIN X14 stands out as a robust radio system, boasting the capability of utilizing dual 2.4G frequencies simultaneously on the same receiver in TW mode. Different from standard active-standby redundancy solutions, the TW active-active protocol ensures both 2.4G...

alofthobbies.com

For battery I being using 2s 450

https://alofthobbies.com/products/tattu-2s-450mah-75c-jst
But unfortunately it's currently out of stock

For servos this is my recommendation

Emax ES9052MD HV - 1.4Kg-cm (19.4 oz-in), .06 sec - 5.8 grams

The Emax ES9052MD is an ultra lightweight, powerful and inexpensive choice of nano high voltage servo for your parkflyer and other lightweight applications. It features a digital circuit and a full metal gear train, spun by a coreless motor for quick and snappy response. It is able to run on...

alofthobbies.com

And for the receiver this micro one.

FrSky Archer Plus R6 Mini - 6 Channel Micro Receiver

The new 6 channel ACCESS receiver from FrSky. Perfect for all sizes of models requiring six channels or more, the R6 is a multi-function receiver. Utilizing the SBUS port, this receiver can be used as a redundant receiver with another SBUS capable FrSky receiver. ACCESS also allows over-the-air...

alofthobbies.com

This receiver includes ECS so you don't need to worry about.

 

[Red]

I haven't flown an rc plane in a long time, but the kids are out of the house this Fall and I wanted to get back into it. I got the mini wanderer kit and am slowly and carefully assembling it--it's the first model I'll have built myself! I'm also researching the electronics. I understand the general principles of how it all works but am getting a bit overwhelmed deciding which specific parts to buy in each category.

Could anyone recommend a basic setup: receiver, ESC, servos, and battery? I bought the brushed drive with folding propeller for mini gliders motor with the kit, thinking I might be able to reuse some of the now-decades old electronics from my old planes but, upon examination, I nixed that idea.

And then, the big question: which transmitter. This is a hobby and will remain a hobby. I want it to be fun and relaxing, so don't plan on doing anything fancy. And while I don't have to go discount, I don't want to spend for something I won't need. (I'm also pretty good at getting machines, including computers, to work, so I'm not worried about complexity.)

And the obligatory question: what am I forgetting/missing?

Thanks for any help!

Hi Jay,

Welcome to the forum and back into R/C planes! You'll find a good group of helpful folks here.

You are right, there likely won't be any of your old gear that would be suitable, you picked the right power pack though. For servos I used some Hitec HS-35's, but any in that size range would be fine. As for the rest of the radio gear I would suggest a couple things. First if you are likely to fly with others or need help, might be a good idea to stick with the brand that seems the most prevalent. That way there is some reach back if you ever need it. Second, the folks here at Aloft have some great affordable systems such as what Raf linked above.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to ask any questions. I'm biased, but you picked a wonderful little airplane to get back into the hobby with. I wish you many happy flights.

Cheers
Red

 

[RafaelAvila]

 

[Hoqiam]

Will the new spars be available ?

Tom

 

[Tmcfarland]

I have the x14 and like it very much. However if you can move up to the x20 the touch screen is more intuitive. Also most of the youtube help videos seem to be based on the x20. One tip on binding the receiver. Get an on off switch like shown in the pics. Otherwise you will be trying to hold down that tiny button and wrestling with the plug in connections at the same time. Double check all the plug connections to see if they are all the same. Jarron was great and soldered on xt60 battery connections so it was all compatible. Expect some frustration with the modern electronics. Just focus on learning one thing at a time. Welcome back. You will enjoy it.

 

[Wayne]

Will the new spars be available ?

Tom

Sure - If you bought a kit and would like the new spars, just send us an email and we will get them shipped out to you ASAP. contact@alofthobbies.com

 

[RafaelAvila]

Will the new spars be available ?

Tom

Yes all the new kits will come with the new spars for the center panels.