I have not set up a failsafe and in the beginning I would think if you cannot do it on your current radio you should not be too alarmed. I would be more concerned about battery life than having the AXN fly out of range.
I think if it were to travel so far that you lost radio contact you would not be able to see it, but that cannot speak for dropped signal I guess. Even so, the AXN is a very light plane that pretty much argues with you when you try to land it (hence the Floater name) and unless it is in a dive with the throttle on full, I doubt it would cause much distress. That said, location, location, location!
Many flying 2.4GHz get amazing range out of these units, far further than we can see an AXN, so as I was once told, don't over think this, just think safety and have fun.
The ESC and battery life is more likely to be the problem for new fliers (experience talking
), so I wrote this:
I too am a total noob and I probably have the capability to set up a fail safe, but I haven't.
Many ESCs either have a pulsing effect (motor revs high/low when the battery is near its end) or they have a slow down, which can be noticed when you give more throttle but your motor revs at the same rate. It is noticeable if you try full throttle and it sounds the same as before you tried. Remember not to fly low when applying throttle as the nose dips for a second ot two and needs a little 'up' elevator. That said each ESC has different programming and/or stock set up values. It is best to read the documents or look up the ESC online to see if there's anything you should be aware of. battery packs can help, but add weight and take up valuable room. I have a 4 cell NiMh AAA pack that I used until I got used to my ESCs signs of low battery.
I found in my first flights I was too busy keeping the thing up to listen to pitch of the motor and I did run one battery to its end causing a 'forced nose landing'. However, I flew for about 23 minutes that time, which was far too long. If you aim for between 10 and 15 minutes (I usually get 12 out of my 3S 2200mAh 20C) you should be okay, unless you were flat out the whole time in which case 8 to 10 mins is max. Listen to the pitch in Bruce's AXN videos on Xjet, that will give you a good idea of the sound yours should be making at take off, climbing and cruising speed. I know this was a guide for me after a few bingles!
Please watch to see if Bruce has anything to add or offer as he is the Emperor of all things AXN and will guide you much better than this humble servant.
Good luck and don't worry if you bend it a little, it's not a real AXN until it hits the ground
Hallmark
PS: Height is your friend in the beginning (about twice the height of a normal gum tree is good) so if things get hairy you have time to think about your recovery and if it falls it won't build up too much speed etc...
"I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." Winston Churchill