What do i need?

[Nimrod]

So im interested in grabbing an AXN and having a shot but i need a shopping list of things to get (preferably with links )

So I need the AXN itself
controller
receiver module
transmitter
battery

Is that right, and if so what works with what and what should a beginner get, I also do not want to spend too much!

Any help would be great

[cynr100]

Hi Nimrod,

This may seem like an advert for Hobby King, it's not, just a starting point.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... O_PNF.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... ware_.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... _Pack.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... ories.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... yzer_.html

About all you need to get off the ground. Word of warning, there are 2 variations with the AXN, one with and one without. To comprehend what I am referring to follow the link and fish through HK's site.
Our mentor, Bruce, prefers the one without , go here http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/axnbits.shtml and follow the links for a complete how to AXN.

The transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) is a matter of choice, mostly based around cost. The Turnigy 9x is a basic 9 channel setup but has potential with modifications, this Tx/Rx is also marketed under iMax,Eurgle and FlySky. From what I have been able to research FlySky was the original. These Tx/Rx's are available from other sources than HobbyKing, I purchased mine through AliExpress and cost allup an extra $25 but I didn't have to wait in backorder.
HobbyKing also have budget priced Tx/Rx in 4 and 6 channel, you only need 4 ch for the AXN.

A balance charger is of course essential, the Accucel 6 is not top of the range but does an adequate job. Although not essential I rely heavily on my Watt/Voltage analyser to check the health of my batteries.

If you are going to shop HK pick the warehouse in your own country, if available. Split your orders into "in stock" and "backorder" otherwise you could be sitting around twiddling your thumbs.
Google, Bing whatever the internet as none of these products are exclusive to HK.

My original setup AXN (with esc,mtr,servos), FlySky 9x (& Rx), battery,charger,analyser cost all up AUD$202. The Tx/Rx was $92 including freight, cheaper option is to go with a HK 4ch Tx Rx.

Also hunt through this forum, there are a few individual threads in regard to AXN builds, mods and repairs.

This can be a cheap hobby, but if you are like the rest of us............................... ........... just one more plane......... honest

[pldb64]

Here would be my starting BOM:

For the Plane:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=16568 (AXN with Motor - no ESC, no servos)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=6460 (ESC - 30A, 3A Bec)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=16257 (Orange Servos) - my servo leads are a bit short - not sure how others have dealt with this
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=9572 (XT60 connectors - needed for connecting the ESC to the battery)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=19594 (Optional - collet adaptor)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=7936 (Optional - larger propellor for more ummphh)

For the Turnigy 9x Tx/Rx:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=8992 (9x - includes the Rx)

If you're wanting the FrSky Tx/Rx combination:
http://www.alofthobbies.com/jr-transmit ... odule.html (straight plug-in option) OR
http://www.alofthobbies.com/diy-telemetry-module.html (DIY kit that goes inside the Tx)
http://www.alofthobbies.com/frsky-d4r-ii.html (4 channel Rx with Telemetry options)

[pldb64]

Part 2 (limited to 10 URLs per msg)\

Battery Related:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=17955 (1500mah LiFe battery for the Tx)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=7636 (2200mah LiPO battery for the plane)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=7028 (Balance charger)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=13765 (Power Supply) - you can also do Bruce's mod to an old PC power supply

Accessories you'll very likely need:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=10786 (Watt Meter)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=9374 (velcro for battery & Rx placement)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=9375 (fibre glass reinforced tape - to avoid scuffing on the bottom of the plane)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... oduct=3831 (3mm heat shrink - get different colours if you're fussy)
Double sided servo tape - got it from my LHS so don't have a link

You'll also need:
- a soldering iron (if you don't already have one) ... also available from HK
- hex screw driver for 1.5mm - to set the push rod lengths
- wire cutters
- needle nose pliers

Anybody else want to add anything?

[pldb64]

Dennis,

You're right ... does look like an ad for HK doesn't it ... so i HAD to throw in Aloft Hobbies as at least one other supplier i would recommend

Other newbie places to look around would be:
- bevrc.com
- rctimer.com
- goodluckbuy (with reasonable warnings that some have had bad experiences with them recently)
- dealextreme

For those in AUS:
- modelflight.com.au

[cynr100]

Dennis,

You're right ... does look like an ad for HK doesn't it ... so i HAD to throw in Aloft Hobbies as at least one other supplier i would recommend

I'm just waiting for SWMBO to want something , I'll then have every excuse to shop at Aloft need one module and three Rx's (telemetry of course )

One important item we did forget, no matter how competent you think you are get a Flight Simulator.......... I use Phoenix. I can't remember if the Turnigy 9x needs mods before it will work a Flight Sim dongle or not. I had modded my FlySky with the SmartieParts board before trying a Sim'
Pretty sure Peter has the answer to that one

[pldb64]

Damn - i'm getting predictable!

Yes Dennis - i do have the answer to that one

If you're using stock Turnigy 9x and want to use the Sim Dongle's, then all you need to do is pull the module out of the back (the one that is attached via the aerial wire that runs back inside the Tx). That will work just fine.

I never flew with the stock 9x but did use the Sim's with it prior to doing the FrSky upgrade. With FrSky DHT installed, no mod required - Sim will work fine.

[Nimrod]

Wow thanks for the replies! Unfortunately I live in the UK and not all of HobbyKings products can be shipped here but I will definately shop around for them!

Which Watt soldering iron should i go for? I bought a pretty cheap one a while ago for some electrical stuff and it couldn't even melt the stupid lead-free solder.

Also you linked the HobbyKing servos, but the AXN comes with servos right?

[cynr100]

You only get what you pay for, rings true for soldering irons. Anything less than 40w and you're waisting your time and money.
If you can, spend the money and get a temperature controlled soldering iron, your skill and confidence will improve with practice, right tool for the right job as the saying goes. As you get deeper into this hobby the more soldering you will do, to make it easier on yourself drop the "lead free" and use a mix, my preference is 60% tin 40% lead flux core 0.7mm (Duratech by Soanar)
As I said before, rather cryptically, the AXN comes in 2 forms ARF (without) or almost ready to fly and PNF (with) everything except radio & battery.
The PNF version does come with servos but they are rather unreliable and the ESC at 20amps will fail after a short life (probably the first flight), these are two of the main reasons that Bruce recommends the ARF. The price difference is more than enough to cover purchasing a 30amp ESC and 4 "orange" servos.
I have had a look through the UK warehouse and HobbyKing are playing stupid buggers, the ARF does not come with a motor and the required motor is not available......
There are no Tx Rx systems available at all.
My recommend would be grab the ARF version from the UK warehouse, only because of price and you will save a huge amount on postage. The PNF is nearly $30 dearer and is on backorder.
The rest you will have to try and source else where or the Hobby King Global warehouse (that means Hong Kong so be prepared for a wait). On the bright side the Euro warehouse carries the right Li-po battery.
pldb64 has done a great job providing links to what you need, I'll just add one more for the motor if you do go ARF
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... 2150_.html

[Nimrod]

You only get what you pay for, rings true for soldering irons. Anything less than 40w and you're waisting your time and money.
If you can, spend the money and get a temperature controlled soldering iron, your skill and confidence will improve with practice, right tool for the right job as the saying goes. As you get deeper into this hobby the more soldering you will do, to make it easier on yourself drop the "lead free" and use a mix, my preference is 60% tin 40% lead flux core 0.7mm (Duratech by Soanar)
As I said before, rather cryptically, the AXN comes in 2 forms ARF (without) or almost ready to fly and PNF (with) everything except radio & battery.
The PNF version does come with servos but they are rather unreliable and the ESC at 20amps will fail after a short life (probably the first flight), these are two of the main reasons that Bruce recommends the ARF. The price difference is more than enough to cover purchasing a 30amp ESC and 4 "orange" servos.
I have had a look through the UK warehouse and HobbyKing are playing stupid buggers, the ARF does not come with a motor and the required motor is not available......
There are no Tx Rx systems available at all.
My recommend would be grab the ARF version from the UK warehouse, only because of price and you will save a huge amount on postage. The PNF is nearly $30 dearer and is on backorder.
The rest you will have to try and source else where or the Hobby King Global warehouse (that means Hong Kong so be prepared for a wait). On the bright side the Euro warehouse carries the right Li-po battery.
pldb64 has done a great job providing links to what you need, I'll just add one more for the motor if you do go ARF
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... 2150_.html

Great thanks for that! Ill check out the Maplin near me for a decent soldering iron and some proper solder, i think the majority of the things pldb64 linked are available to ship to the UK, if not ill check somewhere else.