I found an FS-i6X controller on Amazon for $57 and the DX6 on Horizon Hobby for $230. That seems like a big price difference. I can't seem to find why the price is so different. Any ideas why?
What charger are you using? For a cheap one, get this one, but only if you are planning on using 2s or 3s lipos. Also get some of these so you can actually measure voltage, and also know the voltage while flying. For servos, understand that these are the things that actually allow you to control the plane in the air, so you don't want to cheap out too hard on them. These are the ones I use. Also, what radio are you using? If it is not this one, dont buy it.
Hi, thank you! I'm sorry I just now saw your comment!
We used 1/8" plywood for the entire hull of the boat. Electronics were cheap-o Amazon, ebay, and Aliexpress parts. Links below are Amazon, but we found some of the same stuff much cheaper on eBay and Aliexpress, where we didn't mind waiting for long shipping times.
We're new to RC so didn't really know what we were doing. I'm sure many folks here can recommend better parts and sources, but here's what we used ->
2200kv brushless motor w/30A ESC ($13-21): https://www.amazon.com/XtremeAmazing-2200KV-Brushless-2212-6-helicopter/dp/B01M3UBGU9
SG90 Micro servo ($2/ea): https://www.amazon.com/Dorhea-Arduino-Helicopter-Airplane-Walking/dp/B07Q6JGWNV/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=servo&qid=1593487581&sr=8-7
Stainless propeller shaft ($12-20): https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Propeller-Universal-L300mm-L250mm/dp/B07Q3XC3GH/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=rc+boat+propeller&qid=1593487695&sr=8-11
Flysky FS-i6X transmitter with receiver ($42-57): https://www.amazon.com/Flysky-FS-i6X-Transmitter-FS-iA6B-Receiver/dp/B0744DPPL8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3HQWL6DPJ1756&dchild=1&keywords=rc+radio+transmitter+and+receiver&qid=1593487779&sprefix=rc+radio%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-4
Ovonic 3s 3000mAh lipo battery (2 for $42): https://www.amazon.com/OVONIC-Dean-Style-Connector-Airplane-Helicopter/dp/B07CVDP9DB/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=3s+battery+3000+ovonic&qid=1593487874&sr=8-1
(And of course we needed a good lipo battery charger.)
The cabin lights were trickier than we'd hoped. I had some 6-volt led strips laying around, but had to use a separate 9V battery to run those because the receiver only puts out about 4.4V and wouldn't turn the lights on. To get that working, we cobbled together an aux receiver switch using the circuit board from an old servo and a transistor pulled from some other old board, which allowed us to switch the lights on and off from the radio. This was pure stubbornness, though, as there are inexpensive switches that do exactly this for around $12: https://www.amazon.com/Apex-RC-Products-Electronic-Channel/dp/B07BKSGW3D/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=18K21ZBV34B46&dchild=1&keywords=rc+switch+receiver+on+and+off&qid=1593488158&sprefix=rc+switch%2Caps%2C288&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQU1BREE0TVc3VVdCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDMyOTAzOUE4TEZBM1JBNlkzJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1NzU2MzkxRFRGTzU1V1VJRzFVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Thanks again for checking it out!
-Steve
Awesome, will do. Do you know if the kit I picked out can support 4S batteries? I've read that your components need to be able to handle the extra current. I'll read up on the x6b receivers :). Also, what are your thoughts on the I6x? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744DPPL8/?coliid=I24XHKH2B0O5Y8&colid=3E2Q40NU5VK0A&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Could I build a decent one the same size as the LHI 220 for around the same price at $135?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744DPPL8/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_L2vtEbDNY77RJ
Flysky FsI6, PS2 to USB training cable, Skyrc IMAX B6AC, 2200 3s lipo.
Thanks for those links. I found an FS-i6X controller on Amazon for $57 and the DX6 on Horizon Hobby for $230. That seems like a big price difference. I can't seem to find why the price is so different. Any ideas why?
You could buy the PNP version of the plane and use the Flysky radio and receiver.
PNP = Plane comes without receiver BNF = Plane comes with DSMX receiver
If you're going to use a $50 radio, don't get the T-6. It's old and outdated. Get the FS-i6X instead. You'll get a radio that works, but it has a cumbersome interface, low quality gimbals, lack of features, etc.
You could spend a bit more and get the Radiomaster TX16S. You'll spend less than you'd spend for a DX6, and get heaps more features.
With all that said, there's nothing wrong with a DX6, other than the price tag. It has a very easy to use interface, Horizon Hobby support, and works great with their BNF planes. You can even download radio setups for your planes, and you won't have to program anything. I'd say if you're going to be spending the money on a DX6, I'd spend a bit more and get the DX8 instead. 2 more channels, analog knob, and a few more programming options than the DX6. I started out with a DX6, and I now use a DX8.
Yes and receiver for the transmitter, and a lipo charger. The Flysky FS-i6 with FS-iA6b receiver is a good deal for around $50.
Hey! I sure will. Thanks for your reply. That sounds great. I'd like to experiment with the cheaper FPV goggles before I invest in something nice. One quick question for you on the transmitter, is the FS-I6x good?
I don't mind spending $30-40 more to buy something that will last me through upgrades (FPV being the biggest one). I see it has 10 channels out of the box and is only like $10 more than the FS-I6. I appreciate the reply!