Hey, Bruce. I got an AXN after being influenced by you, but when i build it, I put my elevator push rod into the middle hole and now I was wishing I had put it into the bottom hold to give me more throw. Do you have any cleaver ways to change the hole positions?
@7daniel49 It is possible to remove the elevator horn -- the barbs that hold the keeper plate on will allow you to ease it off if you're careful. Once you've done this it's simple to reposition the wire to the closest hole and refit the horn.
@xjet Thanks for the quick reply. I was thinking I was stuck with my first choice! Hmm, I wonder how you found out you could take off the back plate! ;)
@atreewithnolife Haha, a little confusing since the horn is on the bottom. I guess it would be to top hole if the plane was on its belly. I was thinking as the widest parts of the horn as the bottom. Either way you look at it, I got it into the closest hole to the control surface. Thanks for the concern, though.
Thanks for the video, I'm looking to start a new hobby, probably RC planes, but I have a question if you could possibly answer, Does wind play a massive part in flying this plane, and also, where would you suggest to start flying (Parks?)
@ItsameDrew When you're learning to fly it's always easier if you choose days when there is not much wind. However, once you've got the basic skills, wind isn't an issue. Just look on this channel for my video of an AXN doing 110mph in strong winds. You'll see what I mean.
@MegaHazman12345 Yes, there is a HobbyKing agent in NZ who has them at a fair price -- send me a message via YouTube and I'll give you his contact details.
I had assumed that the binding was done at Hobbyking prior to the shipment... I noticed I would need a power source that plugs directly into the receiver to do this. What would the best source for this be in the US and what should be purchased?
@tompuch49 Okay, you probably need to bind the radio to the receiver (if you haven't done so already). I'll do up a video showing the whole "setup" process.
I have purchased this plane for my son after being inspired by your videos. I am an absolute noob. i have the plane assembled, but do not have enough experience to make it all work.
The motor beeps when I plug in the power supply, and the servos slowly creep forward to beyond their limits. The motor does not start. The receiver does not respond to the transmitter. Help!!
@tompuch49 You might want to go to the forums at RCModelReviews (dot com) where there's a lot more room to answer your questions. What RC equipment are you using for a start?
Talk about rip off britain, can get this plane for £20 cheaper from hobbyking - and that includes their extortionate shipping rates. Its £89 shipped from brc hobbies in this country or going on the current exchange rate, if you order from hobbyking its $107.95 shipped which works out on current exchange rate at £69
@davepitt83 just in case you havent found them yet
thanks to youtubes censoring i cant put the direct links on here...
brc hobbies have it for £89 shipped, its called clouds fly on there
or sky surfer at area 51 distribution for £105, or £130 with radio too. just google area 51 distribution and then on the website they are under the x-uav
@davepitt83 well I just bought one from banana hobby it's called the skysurfer and I payed $210 but I live in the uk I got the plane with a brushless motor a radio controller a neck strap and a simulator but it's still in the post.
Hi,have bought AXN Floater and had my maiden flight today-my friend launched for me as have disability in my arms,what a beauty to fly after buying so many small winged planes this was just a joy to fly.had 24 minutes flying on 1800 mah,not at full speed
My question is this:Am trying to make a dolly with wheels to fly off tarmac or grass as I see a big problem for me to launch this glider without help,being really independent want to launch myself.Any advice on this?
@Symaheli107 If you put some smooth tape (fiberglass tape is good) underneath the fuselage then you can take off from the grass. We take off from the ground quite regularly here and it's quite easy -- just make sure you don't let the wing-tip drag or it will spin around. I can post video if you want.
@xjet Really appreciate your prompt reply:fiberglass tape will buy from Hobbyking- feel a video would be great on this concept of taking off from grass.There are so many disabled people in different forms that want to get into this hobby that have fear,I believe anything you can give advice opens up so much for them.I started in indoor helis,great fun.My desire is to help people far worse off than me just to fly a plane like the AXN,I know it is doable-Thank you-Your videos are heart warming
Do you have anything to say about the Hobbyzone Super Cub LP? I've been told by a few people what I should get to start out is the Super Cub LP with a DX6 controller. I live in Minnesota in the US and so I like the fact that I could put skis on it and floats since I live in lake country. I dunno - is that a decent set up for a newbie? I've flown some RC helos and tha'ts about it.
@Palexb14 I haven't had a HobbyZone SuperCub so can't really comment - however the Spektrum DX6 is an expensive and rather limited radio compared to other options.
My recommendation is to try the AXN with a Turnigy 9X radio. I'm going to do a full build-video so people can see exactly what's involved and exactly which parts to order. Stay tuned!
@Palexb14 The supercub is one of the best trainers around. Takes lots of good hits, but make sure you unplug the "act" system that's supposed to help you fly. It takes control of the plane and will crash it, unless you are very high. Get yourself a sim too, Realflight or Pheonix I would NOT recommend the Turnigy radio at all, find yourself a used DX7 or Dx6
At 3:00 you make quite a nice roll. My Floater-Jet always breaks out of the rolls and goes in the direction of the ground. I have already a litte bit rudder mixed into the aileron but I can't do them that nice. Do you use differential aileron control? So the one going up does not do as much drag or what are you doing? Could you please help me with that?
@TheManfet The AXN can do surprisingly axial rolls. The key ingredients are: plenty of airspeed, plenty of aileron throw (no rudder mix) and the use of a little top-rudder as the plane rotates through knife-edge, plus some down elevator when inverted. Then it's just a case of practice, practice and more practice.
@SirArghPirate Yep, check out some of the other vids on my channel and you'll see the footage from a #11 keycam mounted on the model and I'm setting it up for FPV now.
@xjet Thanks, I will take a look. Do you even think this plane is suitable for someone who's never flown an airplane before also? I know most people suggest learning to fly a plane with someone who's experienced, but unfortunately I don't know anyone in my area that has this hobby.
Hm thats funny now it does function. Well it is my first rc plane and I learned without help too. I had 2 crashes for which both I am responsible. (Overconfident at the second flight and glue in the elevator steering). I have over 7 hours of flight now and it does work fine still. After I got my maiden done I found this nice page which is really good for the Floater-Jet ht tp://beta.ivc.no/wiki/index.php/AXN_Clouds_Fly_Setup Have Fun delete the blank in the link
@SirArghPirate Ups I am new to the youtube commentary stuff so unfortunately I posted my answer as a comment to the video. Just look about 1 hours after yours. I too forgot to mention that you should get some simulation on the pc. That is really helpful because we humans get really confused when the plane flies to the person about which direction we have to put the stick on the transmitter. After some flights its quite easy but it does need time. The same happens while flying on the back.
might want to mention too that the setup(trims etc) is important because
she just wont fly as goos as it does in your video if they are not setup properley,als cog.thanx great video and very inorfmative,there should be more of this
The one weak section of the AXN is the fuselage area forward from the wing; I re-enforce that with inch-wide strips of thin plywood glued to the sides and then locked in the front with black electrical tape. That makes the thing nearly indestructible.
@icebear1946 Yes, they can suffer from a little "middle-age spread" after a few nose-landings but a little rest in the sun helps with the deformation and some carbon strips will get them dead-straight again if the worst happens.
I would like to get into flying RC planes but I also want to move on to build an FPV rc plane. Is it a good idea to buy an FPV plane like the Skywalker build it up as an rc plane learn to fly it and then move on to upgrade it into FPV? Cheers
@rm688 You could learn to fly on the SkyWaker but it's not really such a good trainer because it doesn't like pulling high-G's. If you accidentally get it into a dive the wing could break. The AXN can be used for simple FPV flying and besides which, chances are that the plane you learn to fly on may not be in particularly good condition once you've graduated to the level where you are able to fly FPV anyway.
@heine1974 The AXN *can* be fast if you want it to be -- but it can also fly really slow. It's up to the pilot how fast you fly. At full throttle it flies like a rocket but at quarter throttle it flies like a baby. Best of both worlds really.
@heine1974 The AXN can be fast if you want it to be -- but it can also fly really slow. It's up to the pilot how fast you fly. At full throttle it flies like a rocket but at quarter throttle it flies like a baby. Best of both worlds really.
@heine1974 The AXN can be fast if you want it to be -- but it can also fly really slow. It's up to the pilot how fast you fly. At full throttle it flies like a rocket but at quarter throttle it flies like a baby. Best of both worlds really.
Great vid. As someone who is looking to get into the hobby and have been looking at these types of planes I found it really useful! I'm just not sure which is the best out of the Clouds Fly, Bixler or Easy star or are they the same thing!
@Hobby331 It's only fast when you want it to be. I was thermal-soaring mine last weekend and had a 15-minute flight from a 15-second burst of motor power. They will fly very slowly and have a very gentle stall.
@aidan284 There are quite a few different places that sell them so you have to choose whichever seems to offer you the best deal. HobbyKing was out of stock when I ordered some more last week but the ones that arrived from HiModel.com came in a box that was totally flattened so I didn't accept the package. We'll see how good HiModel are at "putting it right".
Agree, it is a great learner plane and one you don't grow out of but there is one problem. How does a learner get their WingsBadge (NZ version) when there is a requirement to take off from a strip?
@lindsaynz1 Before you can get your wings badge, you must have learned the basics of flying -- that's where a model like this is useful. Once you've learned to fly, you can get a plane with an undercarriage and do your takeoffs. I know that takeoffs are a part of the wings badge but can't remember if a takeoff can also be a "hand launch" -- otherwise, how would glider fliers get their wings?
@lindsaynz1 I have solved your problem. Watch the video I put up tomorrow. An unmodified AXN will take off without any problems at all -- as you will see.
The AXN is a great plane! And it is one of many planes that flies that way. There is another plane made by Dynam that is just as good and you can actually get it ready to fly with brushless motor, battery and charger for $100 US. The radio is cheap but it gets the job done and the plane flies wonderfully! Also changing to a 3s 20c 2200mah pack gives longer flights and the plane is not bothered by the extra weight. Oh and you don't need to hand launch either or use wheels. Rise of grass easily!
personally I like the E-flite apprentice since it resembles what a actual model plane looks like. The AXN looks too much like a sail plane and that its not a RTF makes it a whole lot more expensive.
@FeelinGipper I'm not familiar with the E-flite but the AXN is available in a configuration that simply requires a receiver, battery (and I recommend a UBEC) for a very low price. RTF generally means "complete with RC gear" and in those cases it's usually a cheap and nasty 4-channel set that has no mixing, dual-rates, expo or other features you'll almost certainly want later on.
@xjet I have a E-flite apprentice which is a trainer and it comes with everything to start flying, I think it only cost around $300-350 which is cheap for an RTF of its scale and reliability. It also came with a DX-5 transmitter which can be bound with any other compatible RC plane. I'm not bashing the AXN and I can guess that it would be a great trainer but i guess im more of a scale model and scale flight kinda guy.
@FeelinGipper The advantage of the AXN is that the described setup is half that price and you also end up with an 8-channel radio that is significantly more powerful than the Spektrum.
@bcalv The 4-channel FrSky receivers are great for models like this and I also use them in my DLG, right out to the limits of my vision. They'd also be okay for bareback FPV but I wouldn't use them for anything more than 500 yards or so with FPV because they only have the one antenna that can be shielded at longer distances.
I see HobbyKing just got new stocks of the ARF version of the AXN. This is my preferred way of buying them -- I then add four of the orange 10g HK servos or HXT900s and a SS25/30 or HK25A ESC with built-in 3A BEC and run a 2200 20C Zippy 3S battery. Nothing simpler!
What is the best way of attaching the wings on this type of plane i have just broken the wings off one because they weren't attached very well and i am now looking at getting an axn floater.
@paintball9621 Glue! The AXN's wings glue into the fuselage and I've never seen any of them come off. They also have a reinforcing rod through the center.
I love how professional the star of the show is....."on me....ON ME!!"......:you can go back to the plane now".
Bruce, you are a director/producer at heart, (but always a living leg-end).
What about scripting people to present the video for you? You could even have a quick brief with your camera man.....(Ron by any chance - He does need a lot of directing to be honest), and just shoot the video and see what happens. Worst case is that you have to fly the model a bit more and film it again.....?!
@jayc004 Trust me, Ron's no camera-man! Check out the aceflyernz channel for examples of Ron's camera-work in the latest video there -- especially the end of that video. I did this video on the spur of the moment while we were flying last Sunday so we were just 'winging" it (appropriate eh?). Richard was the cameraman - he's *much* better than Ron at getting the model in frame ;-) The problem was that other pesky plane that Duncan was flying -- noisy electrics!
Been watching your channels for a couple of weeks and I'm now ready to dip my toe into the rc plane pool. Just ordered what you recommended in the vid along with charger and lipo from HobbyKing.
I love how these videos are this weird corner of youtube where the comments aren't full of stupid people arguing and everybody has productive discussions
@Soconnor97 2200mAH is the best for these models. The smaller packs they recommend make the model slightly tail heavy and by going to 2200mAH you can get nearly 30 minutes per charge if you're just cruising around.
@b101aa2 That's why we use the AXN as our club trainer. Much cheaper to repair/replace than the old .40-sized ARF we were using. It's always cheaper to use someone else's plane eh? ;-)
@xjet yes, yes it is. me, i am still old school and recommend gentle lady's as good trainers. mmm, not exactly like picking up a low cost pre built foamy though, i have to admit. *_*
@maahinberi You could convert it to FrSky using a DIY board for $15 and then you could buy receivers for anywhere from $14 for the 4-channel to $19 for the 8-channel. That means you could convert your radio to FrSky and get two receivers for the price of a single new Futaba receiver.
@mikeyc5605 I recommend that people buy the ARF version of the AXN with just the airframe and motor. I then use HXT900 or the HobbyKing 10g orange servos and their SS25/30 ESC. The standard AXN servos are okay but the 2A BEC in the speed controller is barely able to handle the four servos on that plane and sometimes it can fail in flight. Much safer to use an ESC that has a 3A BEC or even a separate UBEC. There's not much to configure as far as the radio goes. Want video of that?
i've also hird of a good one. dynam hawk sky. about $125 us comes with 72mhz or 2.4ghz system, a lipo battery and charger 4 channel full function setup and its nearly identical to this one.. and the easy star a more expensive set up but same exact thing. ive been looking to get the hawk sky to learn on and stop crashing my home design profile foamys. $5 of materials a piece.
@pistolpetepeterson In my opinion, Dynam RTF planes are *crap*. Their servos are very weak and don't center at all well and they're rather poor value. The AXN is a much better option - either with the standard servos or with some HXT900 or HobbyKing 10g ones. The Dynam HawkSky that turned up at our club couldn't be trimmed to fly properly because of the crappy servos and the sticking linkages. It also had nowhere near the power or performance of an AXN.
Hi Bruce, can you do a video on the best Tx for planes/Heli ??? I know you fly with Turnigy 9X and i see that some of your mates Fly Futaba. I have had DX7 & DSX9 and looking for a new Tx so far i'm looking at JR-XG8 , Futaba 8FG or Spektrum DX8
just would like a video on your thoughts. As some of your videos make me feel like you have a thing about Spektrum?
@Shaz351 Check out my RCModelReviews channel. Right now I have the Hitec Aurora9, Spektrum DX8 and Turnigy 9X all on the bench for a comparison review. That video will be up next week.
@hads1111 I already had a charger but you could use any 4-button charger or even the very cheap ($4.95) 2S/3S chargers from HK. I fly with a 2200mAH 3S Zippy 20C battery. I think it cost under $9 from HobbyKing but any 3S 2200mAH pack will do. If you're just cruising around you can get nearly 30 minutes flight time from a 2200mAH pack and the recommended (smaller) packs tend to be too light -- meaning the CG is too far back.
Bruce, you can get the crinkles out of the nose and similar crash damage by putting the damaged bit in hot water and hey presto, foam goes back to shape.
I like to take mine slope soaring off Hill 60 near Wollongong in NSW Australia. Great fun aircraft. I totally agree with your recommendation for this HK product. Get it, fly it, crash it, repair it and go fly it again.
That looks like a really cool beginner plane. I remember I started out on a three channel Parkzone Cub. I am a firm believer in learning to fly with a four channel system plus the motor is in the back. Meaning less damage when you crash. I like the power in this plane too.
Hey Barry, i was looking at one of these but as per usual they are no available in the Australian warehouse and the shipping from HK is about $1 or $2 more than the plane. Have you tried out the Bixler as yet?
@glenncol Barry? Barry? :-) Even with shipping they work out to be a good deal and HobbyKing isn't the only place that sells them (wink, wink). I haven't tried the Bixler yet. I did some comparisons, based on what I saw in the FlightTest videos of the Bixler and I think the AXN will come out ahead on several points. And (as I said) it has the advantage of being more widely available.
you've sold me on this one! although I've past the beginning stage a long time ago, I've been looking for a cheap electric to use as a park flyer and an another option aside from the nitro engines that I run. great vid one again!!
@xjet lol, you'd be a rich man! anyways, I hope all is going well for you down there, Hopefully you guys will be allowed to continue to fly there. It looks like such a great club! If I ever make it to NZ, I'm definately paying you guys a visit!
A question to Bruce or anyone else who may know. Is there a module that would enable me to use the Hobby King DSM2 receivers with the Turnigy 9x transmitter? I'm not too knowledgeable when it comes to radios any help would be appreciated.
@sshukri0 You might be able to find one of the old Spektrum DSM2 modules originally designed to upgrade the old 9303 radios to 2.4GHz but even then, there's no guarantee that they'll work because the Turnigy module connector isn't 100% compatible with JR.
Besides which, the standard Turnigy system is actually better than DSM2. The Turnigy is full-time frequency hopping instead of "pick and stick" like DSM2.
I actually purchased the Kinetics for my son to learn on and I thing the AXN or the Bixler would have been a far better choice . . he can fly now so alls good :)
@BMSWEB When I can afford it, I'll get a Bixler and compare them but I think the AXN has a better turn of speed once you've mastered the basics so people won't run into its limits until further down the track.
@xjet I'm going to get the Bixler once you get your FPV series up and that's the platform I'll be using since it looks like a very stable platform for smooth video footage. I'll let you know what I think of it once I get one. AUS warehouse is still out of them :(
@rcjoseb I bought my AXN from HiModel because I actually buy them two at a time and once you factor in the freight, its quite a bit cheaper than buying two from HK. Still worked out at under $80 per plane, landed which (at least around these parts) is damned good value.
The HobbyZone Champ is the easiest to fly. I have a helluva time launching the AXN Floater - it tends to nose dive violently under throttle. Why is mine the only Floater to nose dive?
@CrackerMcGillicuddy The AXN will drop its nose if you slam the throttle open but the secret is to launch it at about 1/2 throttle and it will climb away very nicely. When near the ground, either anticipate the nose-down pitch or use the throttle more gently.
@shoopwhoopX True... but the AXN is (for example) a lot easier to fly and more robust than many of the electric gliders which have the motor up-front -- like the ASW or the Radian (IMHO).
Hi Mate!
I'm retired and really can't contribute to you but at least I can pen a message to say thank you for your work in helping others enjoy this hobby.
Cheers
torritoist 1 week ago
Hey, Bruce. I got an AXN after being influenced by you, but when i build it, I put my elevator push rod into the middle hole and now I was wishing I had put it into the bottom hold to give me more throw. Do you have any cleaver ways to change the hole positions?
7daniel49 2 weeks ago
@7daniel49 It is possible to remove the elevator horn -- the barbs that hold the keeper plate on will allow you to ease it off if you're careful. Once you've done this it's simple to reposition the wire to the closest hole and refit the horn.
xjet 2 weeks ago
@xjet Thanks for the quick reply. I was thinking I was stuck with my first choice! Hmm, I wonder how you found out you could take off the back plate! ;)
7daniel49 2 weeks ago
@7daniel49 :-)
xjet 2 weeks ago
@7daniel49 the hole closest to the control surface will give you more throw, think about it sounds like you got it wrong.
atreewithnolife 2 weeks ago
@atreewithnolife Haha, a little confusing since the horn is on the bottom. I guess it would be to top hole if the plane was on its belly. I was thinking as the widest parts of the horn as the bottom. Either way you look at it, I got it into the closest hole to the control surface. Thanks for the concern, though.
7daniel49 1 week ago
@7daniel49 no,
probs happy landings.
atreewithnolife 1 week ago
Thanks for the video, I'm looking to start a new hobby, probably RC planes, but I have a question if you could possibly answer, Does wind play a massive part in flying this plane, and also, where would you suggest to start flying (Parks?)
ItsameDrew 2 weeks ago
@ItsameDrew When you're learning to fly it's always easier if you choose days when there is not much wind. However, once you've got the basic skills, wind isn't an issue. Just look on this channel for my video of an AXN doing 110mph in strong winds. You'll see what I mean.
xjet 2 weeks ago
its a good idea to start whit the prop in the back
jaggernutox 3 weeks ago
whats the suitable ESC for this bird?.....Im planning to get it ASAP!!...:)
MrCpmboy 4 weeks ago
@MrCpmboy The ESC should be 25-30A with a 3A BEC.
xjet 4 weeks ago
it is amazing i will get one
WorldWide11100 1 month ago
Hi Ya
you sound like a kiwi , do you know who sells them in New Zealand . thanks for the vid . Hazman
MegaHazman12345 1 month ago
@MegaHazman12345 Yes, there is a HobbyKing agent in NZ who has them at a fair price -- send me a message via YouTube and I'll give you his contact details.
xjet 1 month ago
I had assumed that the binding was done at Hobbyking prior to the shipment... I noticed I would need a power source that plugs directly into the receiver to do this. What would the best source for this be in the US and what should be purchased?
tompuch49 1 month ago
Turnigy 9X transmitter, Zippy 2200 batteries, Turnigy 9X 8Cv2 receiver, etc. Pretty much the advised equipment from the video.
tompuch49 1 month ago
@tompuch49 Okay, you probably need to bind the radio to the receiver (if you haven't done so already). I'll do up a video showing the whole "setup" process.
xjet 1 month ago
I have purchased this plane for my son after being inspired by your videos. I am an absolute noob. i have the plane assembled, but do not have enough experience to make it all work.
The motor beeps when I plug in the power supply, and the servos slowly creep forward to beyond their limits. The motor does not start. The receiver does not respond to the transmitter. Help!!
tompuch49 1 month ago
@tompuch49 You might want to go to the forums at RCModelReviews (dot com) where there's a lot more room to answer your questions. What RC equipment are you using for a start?
xjet 1 month ago
Talk about rip off britain, can get this plane for £20 cheaper from hobbyking - and that includes their extortionate shipping rates. Its £89 shipped from brc hobbies in this country or going on the current exchange rate, if you order from hobbyking its $107.95 shipped which works out on current exchange rate at £69
promenoshi 2 months ago
@davepitt83 just in case you havent found them yet
thanks to youtubes censoring i cant put the direct links on here...
brc hobbies have it for £89 shipped, its called clouds fly on there
or sky surfer at area 51 distribution for £105, or £130 with radio too. just google area 51 distribution and then on the website they are under the x-uav
promenoshi 2 months ago
I'm in the USA where is the best place to buy one? Thank you for your time!
Soldier53flyer 2 months ago
@davepitt83 well I just bought one from banana hobby it's called the skysurfer and I payed $210 but I live in the uk I got the plane with a brushless motor a radio controller a neck strap and a simulator but it's still in the post.
coolpics111 3 months ago
can you buy these in the uk? i cant find them anywhere on the internet not even ebay?
davepitt83 3 months ago
or just play bf3 same shit
HDsKillzProductionS 3 months ago
Hi,have bought AXN Floater and had my maiden flight today-my friend launched for me as have disability in my arms,what a beauty to fly after buying so many small winged planes this was just a joy to fly.had 24 minutes flying on 1800 mah,not at full speed
My question is this:Am trying to make a dolly with wheels to fly off tarmac or grass as I see a big problem for me to launch this glider without help,being really independent want to launch myself.Any advice on this?
Symaheli107 4 months ago
@Symaheli107 If you put some smooth tape (fiberglass tape is good) underneath the fuselage then you can take off from the grass. We take off from the ground quite regularly here and it's quite easy -- just make sure you don't let the wing-tip drag or it will spin around. I can post video if you want.
xjet 4 months ago
@xjet Really appreciate your prompt reply:fiberglass tape will buy from Hobbyking- feel a video would be great on this concept of taking off from grass.There are so many disabled people in different forms that want to get into this hobby that have fear,I believe anything you can give advice opens up so much for them.I started in indoor helis,great fun.My desire is to help people far worse off than me just to fly a plane like the AXN,I know it is doable-Thank you-Your videos are heart warming
Symaheli107 4 months ago
@Symaheli107 Google "axn floater landing gear" try the first link it should be rcgroups thread
Dopey117 2 months ago
Do you have anything to say about the Hobbyzone Super Cub LP? I've been told by a few people what I should get to start out is the Super Cub LP with a DX6 controller. I live in Minnesota in the US and so I like the fact that I could put skis on it and floats since I live in lake country. I dunno - is that a decent set up for a newbie? I've flown some RC helos and tha'ts about it.
Palexb14 4 months ago
@Palexb14 I haven't had a HobbyZone SuperCub so can't really comment - however the Spektrum DX6 is an expensive and rather limited radio compared to other options.
My recommendation is to try the AXN with a Turnigy 9X radio. I'm going to do a full build-video so people can see exactly what's involved and exactly which parts to order. Stay tuned!
xjet 4 months ago
@Palexb14 The supercub is one of the best trainers around. Takes lots of good hits, but make sure you unplug the "act" system that's supposed to help you fly. It takes control of the plane and will crash it, unless you are very high. Get yourself a sim too, Realflight or Pheonix I would NOT recommend the Turnigy radio at all, find yourself a used DX7 or Dx6
warderseeker 1 month ago
At 3:00 you make quite a nice roll. My Floater-Jet always breaks out of the rolls and goes in the direction of the ground. I have already a litte bit rudder mixed into the aileron but I can't do them that nice. Do you use differential aileron control? So the one going up does not do as much drag or what are you doing? Could you please help me with that?
TheManfet 4 months ago
@TheManfet The AXN can do surprisingly axial rolls. The key ingredients are: plenty of airspeed, plenty of aileron throw (no rudder mix) and the use of a little top-rudder as the plane rotates through knife-edge, plus some down elevator when inverted. Then it's just a case of practice, practice and more practice.
xjet 4 months ago
Is it suitable for mounting a camera on?
SirArghPirate 4 months ago
@SirArghPirate Yep, check out some of the other vids on my channel and you'll see the footage from a #11 keycam mounted on the model and I'm setting it up for FPV now.
xjet 4 months ago
@xjet Thanks, I will take a look. Do you even think this plane is suitable for someone who's never flown an airplane before also? I know most people suggest learning to fly a plane with someone who's experienced, but unfortunately I don't know anyone in my area that has this hobby.
SirArghPirate 4 months ago
@SirArghPirate hm can't answer you with a good but long answer so just testing
TheManfet 4 months ago
Hm thats funny now it does function. Well it is my first rc plane and I learned without help too. I had 2 crashes for which both I am responsible. (Overconfident at the second flight and glue in the elevator steering). I have over 7 hours of flight now and it does work fine still. After I got my maiden done I found this nice page which is really good for the Floater-Jet ht tp://beta.ivc.no/wiki/index.php/AXN_Clouds_Fly_Setup Have Fun delete the blank in the link
TheManfet 4 months ago
@SirArghPirate Ups I am new to the youtube commentary stuff so unfortunately I posted my answer as a comment to the video. Just look about 1 hours after yours. I too forgot to mention that you should get some simulation on the pc. That is really helpful because we humans get really confused when the plane flies to the person about which direction we have to put the stick on the transmitter. After some flights its quite easy but it does need time. The same happens while flying on the back.
TheManfet 4 months ago
might want to mention too that the setup(trims etc) is important because
she just wont fly as goos as it does in your video if they are not setup properley,als cog.thanx great video and very inorfmative,there should be more of this
75dazzam 4 months ago
The one weak section of the AXN is the fuselage area forward from the wing; I re-enforce that with inch-wide strips of thin plywood glued to the sides and then locked in the front with black electrical tape. That makes the thing nearly indestructible.
icebear1946 4 months ago
@icebear1946 Yes, they can suffer from a little "middle-age spread" after a few nose-landings but a little rest in the sun helps with the deformation and some carbon strips will get them dead-straight again if the worst happens.
xjet 4 months ago
I would like to get into flying RC planes but I also want to move on to build an FPV rc plane. Is it a good idea to buy an FPV plane like the Skywalker build it up as an rc plane learn to fly it and then move on to upgrade it into FPV? Cheers
rm688 4 months ago
@rm688 You could learn to fly on the SkyWaker but it's not really such a good trainer because it doesn't like pulling high-G's. If you accidentally get it into a dive the wing could break. The AXN can be used for simple FPV flying and besides which, chances are that the plane you learn to fly on may not be in particularly good condition once you've graduated to the level where you are able to fly FPV anyway.
xjet 4 months ago
@xjet Thnx
rm688 4 months ago
waiting a long time for a good video like this!
ScooterEngan1 5 months ago
Whats the best RC plane for learning to fly?
HZ Champ!
The AXN is pretty fast
heine1974 5 months ago
@heine1974 The AXN *can* be fast if you want it to be -- but it can also fly really slow. It's up to the pilot how fast you fly. At full throttle it flies like a rocket but at quarter throttle it flies like a baby. Best of both worlds really.
xjet 5 months ago
@heine1974 The AXN can be fast if you want it to be -- but it can also fly really slow. It's up to the pilot how fast you fly. At full throttle it flies like a rocket but at quarter throttle it flies like a baby. Best of both worlds really.
xjet 5 months ago
@heine1974 The AXN can be fast if you want it to be -- but it can also fly really slow. It's up to the pilot how fast you fly. At full throttle it flies like a rocket but at quarter throttle it flies like a baby. Best of both worlds really.
xjet 5 months ago
I dont know of any sort of RC clubs, RC Runways etc. But... er do you have any idea how much we are talking in pounds?
ghDRFT 5 months ago
Great vid. As someone who is looking to get into the hobby and have been looking at these types of planes I found it really useful! I'm just not sure which is the best out of the Clouds Fly, Bixler or Easy star or are they the same thing!
Nexnz 5 months ago
Any sign of the take off video, Bruce? Or an explanation of what you did?
lindsaynz1 5 months ago
Look way to fast for first timer like me. How about one of those foam 3d planes? Would that be better for a park and a total beginner?
Hobby331 5 months ago
@Hobby331 It's only fast when you want it to be. I was thermal-soaring mine last weekend and had a 15-minute flight from a 15-second burst of motor power. They will fly very slowly and have a very gentle stall.
xjet 5 months ago
Hi Bruce, is the AXN review already out? I can't find it!
Delaunay73 5 months ago
what hobby shop would you buy the plane from??
aidan284 6 months ago
@aidan284 There are quite a few different places that sell them so you have to choose whichever seems to offer you the best deal. HobbyKing was out of stock when I ordered some more last week but the ones that arrived from HiModel.com came in a box that was totally flattened so I didn't accept the package. We'll see how good HiModel are at "putting it right".
xjet 6 months ago
its the parkzone radian
Fra42below 7 months ago
They are a good fun plane , Bruce has showed just how tough they can be when he clobbered the magnetic TOWER :)
3dkat1 7 months ago
Agree, it is a great learner plane and one you don't grow out of but there is one problem. How does a learner get their WingsBadge (NZ version) when there is a requirement to take off from a strip?
lindsaynz1 7 months ago
@lindsaynz1 Before you can get your wings badge, you must have learned the basics of flying -- that's where a model like this is useful. Once you've learned to fly, you can get a plane with an undercarriage and do your takeoffs. I know that takeoffs are a part of the wings badge but can't remember if a takeoff can also be a "hand launch" -- otherwise, how would glider fliers get their wings?
xjet 7 months ago
@lindsaynz1 I have solved your problem. Watch the video I put up tomorrow. An unmodified AXN will take off without any problems at all -- as you will see.
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet Look forward to it, Bruce. Cheers.
lindsaynz1 7 months ago
And great point about not needing to over fly the plane! I always tell my RC students the same thing....
gooniac33 7 months ago
The AXN is a great plane! And it is one of many planes that flies that way. There is another plane made by Dynam that is just as good and you can actually get it ready to fly with brushless motor, battery and charger for $100 US. The radio is cheap but it gets the job done and the plane flies wonderfully! Also changing to a 3s 20c 2200mah pack gives longer flights and the plane is not bothered by the extra weight. Oh and you don't need to hand launch either or use wheels. Rise of grass easily!
gooniac33 7 months ago
What way are the sticks in mode 2
Soconnor97 7 months ago
personally I like the E-flite apprentice since it resembles what a actual model plane looks like. The AXN looks too much like a sail plane and that its not a RTF makes it a whole lot more expensive.
FeelinGipper 7 months ago
@FeelinGipper I'm not familiar with the E-flite but the AXN is available in a configuration that simply requires a receiver, battery (and I recommend a UBEC) for a very low price. RTF generally means "complete with RC gear" and in those cases it's usually a cheap and nasty 4-channel set that has no mixing, dual-rates, expo or other features you'll almost certainly want later on.
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet I have a E-flite apprentice which is a trainer and it comes with everything to start flying, I think it only cost around $300-350 which is cheap for an RTF of its scale and reliability. It also came with a DX-5 transmitter which can be bound with any other compatible RC plane. I'm not bashing the AXN and I can guess that it would be a great trainer but i guess im more of a scale model and scale flight kinda guy.
FeelinGipper 7 months ago
@FeelinGipper The advantage of the AXN is that the described setup is half that price and you also end up with an 8-channel radio that is significantly more powerful than the Spektrum.
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet touche sir, touche........
FeelinGipper 7 months ago
Bruce, what do you think of the 4ch frsky Rx's?
Do you think they have enough range for this type of plane, especially for FPV.
I use them in my small parkflyers and they are great, so far.
Small, light and best of all... darn cheap.
bcalv 7 months ago
@bcalv The 4-channel FrSky receivers are great for models like this and I also use them in my DLG, right out to the limits of my vision. They'd also be okay for bareback FPV but I wouldn't use them for anything more than 500 yards or so with FPV because they only have the one antenna that can be shielded at longer distances.
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet Thanks mate :-)
bcalv 7 months ago
I see HobbyKing just got new stocks of the ARF version of the AXN. This is my preferred way of buying them -- I then add four of the orange 10g HK servos or HXT900s and a SS25/30 or HK25A ESC with built-in 3A BEC and run a 2200 20C Zippy 3S battery. Nothing simpler!
xjet 7 months ago
What is the best way of attaching the wings on this type of plane i have just broken the wings off one because they weren't attached very well and i am now looking at getting an axn floater.
paintball9621 7 months ago
@paintball9621 Glue! The AXN's wings glue into the fuselage and I've never seen any of them come off. They also have a reinforcing rod through the center.
xjet 7 months ago
I love how professional the star of the show is....."on me....ON ME!!"......:you can go back to the plane now".
Bruce, you are a director/producer at heart, (but always a living leg-end).
What about scripting people to present the video for you? You could even have a quick brief with your camera man.....(Ron by any chance - He does need a lot of directing to be honest), and just shoot the video and see what happens. Worst case is that you have to fly the model a bit more and film it again.....?!
jayc004 7 months ago
@jayc004 Trust me, Ron's no camera-man! Check out the aceflyernz channel for examples of Ron's camera-work in the latest video there -- especially the end of that video. I did this video on the spur of the moment while we were flying last Sunday so we were just 'winging" it (appropriate eh?). Richard was the cameraman - he's *much* better than Ron at getting the model in frame ;-) The problem was that other pesky plane that Duncan was flying -- noisy electrics!
xjet 7 months ago
Cool I'm going to get one of these asap I race onroad ic but wanted to get into planes for a while is mode 3 throttle and rudder on the left
Soconnor97 7 months ago
Been watching your channels for a couple of weeks and I'm now ready to dip my toe into the rc plane pool. Just ordered what you recommended in the vid along with charger and lipo from HobbyKing.
TheGroggyPirate 7 months ago
good info I will have to try that. the last one I had did not like to fly.. and when it did it was like a pole seeking missle.
kary1982v6 7 months ago
imo the axn is a bit fast for beginners. its still very good and cheap.
I like micro planes more because they're light and don't break and fly slow. good to begin
kangsterizer 7 months ago
I love how these videos are this weird corner of youtube where the comments aren't full of stupid people arguing and everybody has productive discussions
masonkiller666 7 months ago
Is Turnigy 9x better than HobbyKing? Cause I read the review, most of them only gave 1 crown. Does it support mixing, flaperon, elevon etc?
arsitama 7 months ago
Comment removed
arsitama 7 months ago
Is mode1 throttle and rudder on the right
Soconnor97 7 months ago
@Soconnor97
Mode 1 has Throttle and Ailerons on the right/ Rudder and Elevator on the left.
If it were Rudder and throttle on the right, that would make it Mode 3
joybuzzer 7 months ago
@Soconnor97 Mode 1 is rudder/elevator on the left, throttle/aileron on the right.
xjet 7 months ago
they are good planes (you can tell this by how many there are)
xenothius 7 months ago
what's that annoying electric plane making all that noise in the background?
xenothius 7 months ago
What mah lipo would be best
Soconnor97 7 months ago
@Soconnor97 2200mAH is the best for these models. The smaller packs they recommend make the model slightly tail heavy and by going to 2200mAH you can get nearly 30 minutes per charge if you're just cruising around.
xjet 7 months ago
What mah lipo would be best
Soconnor97 7 months ago
NOT the multiplex easystar!!!
vanepico 7 months ago
what is the best rc plane to learn to fly. well yours, mr xjet. why? cause it's cheaper then breaking mine. rofl. :)
b101aa2 7 months ago
@b101aa2 That's why we use the AXN as our club trainer. Much cheaper to repair/replace than the old .40-sized ARF we were using. It's always cheaper to use someone else's plane eh? ;-)
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet yes, yes it is. me, i am still old school and recommend gentle lady's as good trainers. mmm, not exactly like picking up a low cost pre built foamy though, i have to admit. *_*
b101aa2 7 months ago
I've already got a futaba 6ex and just a reciever for the plane would cost more than $60
maahinberi 7 months ago
@maahinberi You could convert it to FrSky using a DIY board for $15 and then you could buy receivers for anywhere from $14 for the 4-channel to $19 for the 8-channel. That means you could convert your radio to FrSky and get two receivers for the price of a single new Futaba receiver.
xjet 7 months ago
1 camera and you get the perfect footage.... 6 cameras and you get a 'wooot' lol
lolergramCCCP 7 months ago
hay i have seen you in Jurassic Park movie. Dr grant
MrBhargab123 7 months ago
@MrBhargab123 Yes, and I have a really big gig around Christmas time -- lots of sleigh-driving and climbing down chimneys ;-)
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet you are really handsome man. Wts your age ?
MrBhargab123 7 months ago
@MrBhargab123 ROTFL... it's on my channel page ;-0
xjet 7 months ago
Just ordered one yesterday before seeing this video - should be fun. Looks like Bruce gives it 2 thumbs up!!
KWAKAPILOT 7 months ago
i started of with the hbz supercub and the axn was my first aileron plane and must have 60 flights and still love it.
vfrvtec 7 months ago
That gentlemen is how to fly a rocket...
MrRCFlyyer 7 months ago
Very nice. I learned on a plane very close to that. Takes a beating and never files a restraining order.
ANYWAY I was just made aware of aardvark.co.nz/pjet/noweld_pulsejet.shtml
Super awesome. might order one of them turbines..... might....
antsp1 7 months ago
@mikeyc5605 I recommend that people buy the ARF version of the AXN with just the airframe and motor. I then use HXT900 or the HobbyKing 10g orange servos and their SS25/30 ESC. The standard AXN servos are okay but the 2A BEC in the speed controller is barely able to handle the four servos on that plane and sometimes it can fail in flight. Much safer to use an ESC that has a 3A BEC or even a separate UBEC. There's not much to configure as far as the radio goes. Want video of that?
xjet 7 months ago
i've also hird of a good one. dynam hawk sky. about $125 us comes with 72mhz or 2.4ghz system, a lipo battery and charger 4 channel full function setup and its nearly identical to this one.. and the easy star a more expensive set up but same exact thing. ive been looking to get the hawk sky to learn on and stop crashing my home design profile foamys. $5 of materials a piece.
pistolpetepeterson 7 months ago
@pistolpetepeterson In my opinion, Dynam RTF planes are *crap*. Their servos are very weak and don't center at all well and they're rather poor value. The AXN is a much better option - either with the standard servos or with some HXT900 or HobbyKing 10g ones. The Dynam HawkSky that turned up at our club couldn't be trimmed to fly properly because of the crappy servos and the sticking linkages. It also had nowhere near the power or performance of an AXN.
xjet 7 months ago
Hi Bruce, can you do a video on the best Tx for planes/Heli ??? I know you fly with Turnigy 9X and i see that some of your mates Fly Futaba. I have had DX7 & DSX9 and looking for a new Tx so far i'm looking at JR-XG8 , Futaba 8FG or Spektrum DX8
just would like a video on your thoughts. As some of your videos make me feel like you have a thing about Spektrum?
Thanks Keep up the good work Shannon
Shaz351 7 months ago
@Shaz351 Check out my RCModelReviews channel. Right now I have the Hitec Aurora9, Spektrum DX8 and Turnigy 9X all on the bench for a comparison review. That video will be up next week.
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet thank you for your reply. will look forword to the video
Shaz351 7 months ago
This video is great! Bring lots of fun memories for me. My rc club members recommend the plane to all our new members. Great job ,xjet.
pubbank 7 months ago
Hey Bruce cool vid, am thinking about getting one.
I have a spektrum DX5e, do you know if the 'orangerx spektrum DSM2' receivers on the hobby king website will be compatible?
And also what battery and charger did you purchase with it?
hads1111 7 months ago
@hads1111 I already had a charger but you could use any 4-button charger or even the very cheap ($4.95) 2S/3S chargers from HK. I fly with a 2200mAH 3S Zippy 20C battery. I think it cost under $9 from HobbyKing but any 3S 2200mAH pack will do. If you're just cruising around you can get nearly 30 minutes flight time from a 2200mAH pack and the recommended (smaller) packs tend to be too light -- meaning the CG is too far back.
xjet 7 months ago
Bruce, you can get the crinkles out of the nose and similar crash damage by putting the damaged bit in hot water and hey presto, foam goes back to shape.
I like to take mine slope soaring off Hill 60 near Wollongong in NSW Australia. Great fun aircraft. I totally agree with your recommendation for this HK product. Get it, fly it, crash it, repair it and go fly it again.
grahamlwilson 7 months ago
@grahamlwilson I just left mine in the winter sun for about 15 minutes and it's now virtually perfect again. You've got to love EPO :-)
xjet 7 months ago
I can't believe the speed of this thing! AND IT'S 4CH? What was I even thinkin' buying a Hobbyzone Super Cub LP as my first plane?
AwesomeCoasters 7 months ago
That looks like a really cool beginner plane. I remember I started out on a three channel Parkzone Cub. I am a firm believer in learning to fly with a four channel system plus the motor is in the back. Meaning less damage when you crash. I like the power in this plane too.
photobart1 7 months ago
Hey Barry, i was looking at one of these but as per usual they are no available in the Australian warehouse and the shipping from HK is about $1 or $2 more than the plane. Have you tried out the Bixler as yet?
glenncol 7 months ago
@glenncol Barry? Barry? :-) Even with shipping they work out to be a good deal and HobbyKing isn't the only place that sells them (wink, wink). I haven't tried the Bixler yet. I did some comparisons, based on what I saw in the FlightTest videos of the Bixler and I think the AXN will come out ahead on several points. And (as I said) it has the advantage of being more widely available.
xjet 7 months ago
@glenncol THe bixler should be easy also!
flyboyfx 7 months ago
you've sold me on this one! although I've past the beginning stage a long time ago, I've been looking for a cheap electric to use as a park flyer and an another option aside from the nitro engines that I run. great vid one again!!
piperpilot26 7 months ago
@piperpilot26 Ha... if only I was getting $5 for everyone that sold :-)
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet lol, you'd be a rich man! anyways, I hope all is going well for you down there, Hopefully you guys will be allowed to continue to fly there. It looks like such a great club! If I ever make it to NZ, I'm definately paying you guys a visit!
piperpilot26 7 months ago
that thing sound like an F1 car a full throttle!!!
xrayracer1 7 months ago
Thanks Bruce! I've Been Thinking About This!
poppopscarvinshop 7 months ago
A question to Bruce or anyone else who may know. Is there a module that would enable me to use the Hobby King DSM2 receivers with the Turnigy 9x transmitter? I'm not too knowledgeable when it comes to radios any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
sshukri
sshukri0 7 months ago
@sshukri0 You might be able to find one of the old Spektrum DSM2 modules originally designed to upgrade the old 9303 radios to 2.4GHz but even then, there's no guarantee that they'll work because the Turnigy module connector isn't 100% compatible with JR.
Besides which, the standard Turnigy system is actually better than DSM2. The Turnigy is full-time frequency hopping instead of "pick and stick" like DSM2.
xjet 7 months ago
I actually purchased the Kinetics for my son to learn on and I thing the AXN or the Bixler would have been a far better choice . . he can fly now so alls good :)
BMSWEB 7 months ago
@BMSWEB When I can afford it, I'll get a Bixler and compare them but I think the AXN has a better turn of speed once you've mastered the basics so people won't run into its limits until further down the track.
xjet 7 months ago
@xjet I'm going to get the Bixler once you get your FPV series up and that's the platform I'll be using since it looks like a very stable platform for smooth video footage. I'll let you know what I think of it once I get one. AUS warehouse is still out of them :(
BMSWEB 7 months ago
Nice one
BMSWEB 7 months ago
Hey Bruce, what's the best rc airplane for beginners? ha ha ha ha
Great review of the plane. Too bad the HK US warehouse doesn't stock them. Expensive to send to the US
rcjoseb 7 months ago
@rcjoseb I bought my AXN from HiModel because I actually buy them two at a time and once you factor in the freight, its quite a bit cheaper than buying two from HK. Still worked out at under $80 per plane, landed which (at least around these parts) is damned good value.
xjet 7 months ago
The HobbyZone Champ is the easiest to fly. I have a helluva time launching the AXN Floater - it tends to nose dive violently under throttle. Why is mine the only Floater to nose dive?
CrackerMcGillicuddy 7 months ago
@CrackerMcGillicuddy The AXN will drop its nose if you slam the throttle open but the secret is to launch it at about 1/2 throttle and it will climb away very nicely. When near the ground, either anticipate the nose-down pitch or use the throttle more gently.
xjet 7 months ago
any kind of semi-glider
/thread
shoopwhoopX 7 months ago
@shoopwhoopX True... but the AXN is (for example) a lot easier to fly and more robust than many of the electric gliders which have the motor up-front -- like the ASW or the Radian (IMHO).
xjet 7 months ago