Any robotics or R/C plane fans? - LotusTalk

LotusStig22 · 10-28-2009, 05:12 PM

I don't have much experience (except for the Robotics Team at school) but I was interested in a personal robot kit (Preferably autonomous or humanoid) or something DIY that's interesting.

Also, anyone fly R/C Planes/Helicopters? Mine broke a little while ago

but I'm thinking of getting a new one.

Just wanted to know if anyone else is interested in such.

~Sunny

Vulcan Grey · 10-28-2009, 05:25 PM

3 electric helicopters,

1)Walkera 60B with Futaba radio & gyro, brushless motor, castle BEC, Hitec servos.
2)Walkera H1b, stock
3)E-Flite Blade MCX counter-rotator for in the house

I have a Extreme Flight Yak-54 47" electric aerobatic plane, unbuilt

And I have a Hobby Lobby Telemaster 40 (.40 nitro) That I built as a teen.

LotusStig22 · 10-28-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulcan Grey

3 electric helicopters,

1)Walkera 60B with Futaba radio & gyro, brushless motor, castle BEC, Hitec servos.
2)Walkera H1b, stock
3)E-Flite Blade MCX counter-rotator for in the house

I have a Extreme Flight Yak-54 47" electric aerobatic plane, unbuilt

And I have a Hobby Lobby Telemaster 40 (.40 nitro) That I built as a teen.

Cool.

I'm trying to get into this, but I feel like it's out of my budget.

knucklehead · 10-28-2009, 06:25 PM

There was a great video posted along time ago of a RC helicopter with a video camera on it. Pretty amazing stuff. Unfortunately, a lot of people asked about it and the guy kind of disappeared.

Kaliuzhkin · 10-29-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LotusStig22

I don't have much experience (except for the Robotics Team at school) but I was interested in a personal robot kit (Preferably autonomous or humanoid) or something DIY that's interesting.

Also, anyone fly R/C Planes/Helicopters? Mine broke a little while ago

but I'm thinking of getting a new one.

Just wanted to know if anyone else is interested in such.

~Sunny

As to robotics, this might help:
roboRobert: 5 Best Robotics kits to get you started

I'm interested in robotics, and bought a Fischertechnik kit. I haven't used it yet.

If you're interested, I'll send you my list of links. Just PM me.

The hobby of R/C airplanes has nothing to do with the hobby of robotics. For the former, find a nearby club. There are laws and rules, including (at least in NY) where you can fly them.

LotusStig22 · 10-29-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaliuzhkin

As to robotics, this might help:
roboRobert: 5 Best Robotics kits to get you started

I'm interested in robotics, and bought a Fischertechnik kit. I haven't used it yet.

If you're interested, I'll send you my list of links. Just PM me.

The hobby of R/C airplanes has nothing to do with the hobby of robotics. For the former, find a nearby club. There are laws and rules, including (at least in NY) where you can fly them.

Thanks!

And I'll PM you in a bit, it's appreciated.

We actually used the Mindstorms and Vex in the robotics courses I took at school, so I'm fairly familiar with them.
I'm just curious as to if there was anything that could be programmed to be autonomous. Like, sensors, and following a specific target, etc.

Haha, yeah I know they're unrelated, but I'm getting flight lessons soon, so I figure I could work on R/C Planes too. And honestly, I was thinking of buying an Autopilot hardware and turning it into a UAV drone. Unfortunately that's all out of my budget as well. Great economy eh?

Kaliuzhkin · 10-29-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LotusStig22

Thanks!

We actually used the Mindstorms and Vex in the robotics courses I took at school, so I'm fairly familiar with them.
I'm just curious as to if there was anything that could be programmed to be autonomous. Like, sensors, and following a specific target, etc.

As you look through these catalogs (web sites) you'll find there are many which have sensors and which will follow a specific target, such as a black line. As I recall, some of these are in the $30-$60 range.

Quote:

Haha, yeah I know they're unrelated, but I'm getting flight lessons soon, so I figure I could work on R/C Planes too. And honestly, I was thinking of buying an Autopilot hardware and turning it into a UAV drone. Unfortunately that's all out of my budget as well. Great economy eh?

Well, the technologies could be similar but it just turns out that fans of one hobby are different from fans of the other hobby. I looked into this a couple of years ago (like you, I had taken flying lessons around 1973) and found the airplane was about $200. and the other equipment and fees was another $200.

LotusStig22 · 10-29-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaliuzhkin

As you look through these catalogs (web sites) you'll find there are many which have sensors and which will follow a specific target, such as a black line. As I recall, some of these are in the $30-$60 range.

Well, the technologies could be similar but it just turns out that fans of one hobby are different from fans of the other hobby. I looked into this a couple of years ago (like you, I had taken flying lessons around 1973) and found the airplane was about $200. and the other equipment and fees was another $200.

Then I'll definitely look into that.

Whoa, 200 just for the Autopilot and other components? Damn...

Glued · 10-29-2009, 07:59 PM

I've got a few cars and rock crawlers, and a few helis but I just bought a RoboPhilo Junior. I picked it up from Robobrothers. Its a 10 servo biped for $200 which is crazy. I run the cars with my 4yr old son and I'll be building the bot with my 7yr old daughter. The kids give me the opportunity to live the childhood I never had. Check out the Junior I can't wait for it to arrive.

LotusStig22 · 10-29-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glued

I've got a few cars and rock crawlers, and a few helis but I just bought a RoboPhilo Junior. I picked it up from Robobrothers. Its a 10 servo biped for $200 which is crazy. I run the cars with my 4yr old son and I'll be building the bot with my 7yr old daughter. The kids give me the opportunity to live the childhood I never had. Check out the Junior I can't wait for it to arrive.

WHOA, for that money, I HAVE to pick it up.
The other options are great too, I have to get one of the options you guys have been listin, thanks, keep em comin!!

Over and Out,
-Sunny

MikeinAlexandria · 10-30-2009, 07:26 AM

Kyosho makes a nice starter helicopter that has real controls and is actually supposed to fly pretty well. I don't have one yet, but do want it, as there is a nice park just down the road from my house.

I would go for something like that first, and then move to remote control gliders. I say gliders vs. planes because they fly slower and will give you time to learn the controls. The hardest part about flying an R/C plane is when it is flying right at you, you need to reverse the controls on the fly.

I used to work in CA/Mountainview, and every so often there was an R/C fly-in in Milpitas. It was awesome, tiny planes dog fighting, realistic jet fighters, helicopters, etc. Very, very cool.

Go for the Kyosho Helicopter first, then build yourself a glider and move on from there. You can do this for under $500, which really, is no more than a good maintenance session with your car.

BullRider · 10-30-2009, 08:08 AM

My first post here!

If you're up to joining the elite of the R/C community, you need to check out R/C submarines.

I'm not talking about the Walmart pool toys, but the bona fide subs, complete with operational ballast systems, working torps.. you name it!

This is my personal R/C sub website that shows some of the projects that I've done or am currently working on. There are links to suppliers and other sites as well:

Welcome to the RC Submarine Drydocks!

Phantom · 10-30-2009, 08:23 AM

Per a previous post, the MCX is a lot of fun, and a great way to get started in helicopters- Besides, you don't have to leave the house- Once you've mastered the MCX, the MSR is a blast, but much more of a handful (i.e. going from an Elise to an Enzo)-

I'm addicted to quadrocopters, and they've come a long way over the years- My latest is a Walkera #8- It is an amazing machine, but not recommended for beginners-

Have fun!

Trevor · 10-30-2009, 09:22 AM

I have a MCX and the MSR by e-flite. I am big into the R/C cars. Got a E-revo BL, 1/16 E-revo, and a 1/36 losi DT. Also have a black jack 26 speed boat by proboat. I also had a new micro p-51 mustang by parkzone but that is lost in the woods.

DeanG · 10-30-2009, 09:35 AM

I flew a lot of R/C in the bad old days. Yep sunny started while people will still flying reed & tube rigs. 1966-1976 The things that are possible now are astounding.

LotusStig22 · 10-30-2009, 09:53 AM

Haha Dean, We have Color Television now too!

And what're the prices for these incredible R/Cs? I'm not made o' money.

Trevor · 10-30-2009, 10:25 AM

This is the next plane that I want. It was announced at ihobby. This thing is way cool and can’t wait to see one in person. Check out the link and watch the video. It sounds awesome! Well I better get back to my school work now.hehehehe.

Horizon Hobby: Habu EDF BNF by ParkZone (PKZ7080)

marcinr · 10-30-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeinAlexandria

Kyosho makes a nice starter helicopter that has real controls and is actually supposed to fly pretty well. I don't have one yet, but do want it, as there is a nice park just down the road from my house.

I've flown many makes of helicopters over the years, and I'd avoid the Kyoshos. Excellent starter helicopters are made by e-flite nowadays, and you can get some excellent high end electrics from Align (the T-Rex line).

The Kyosho does fly well once set up right, but their mechanicals aren't as precisely made as other companies' and spare part availability is pretty low in the US, while most hobby stores carry e-Flite and Align spare parts.

I looked online, and the Kyosho helis currently available aren't for novices, you'll crash pretty fast if you don't know how to fly one. I'd suggest something you can fly around at home or in a small yard, like the e-Flite Blade MSR, for example.

I've been flying RC planes and helis for a decade, so feel free to PM any questions!

Trevor · 10-30-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcinr

I've flown many makes of helicopters over the years, and I'd avoid the Kyoshos. Excellent starter helicopters are made by e-flite nowadays, and you can get some excellent high end electrics from Align (the T-Rex line).

The Kyosho does fly well once set up right, but their mechanicals aren't as precisely made as other companies' and spare part availability is pretty low in the US, while most hobby stores carry e-Flite and Align spare parts.

I looked online, and the Kyosho helis currently available aren't for novices, you'll crash pretty fast if you don't know how to fly one. I'd suggest something you can fly around at home or in a small yard, like the e-Flite Blade MSR, for example.

I've been flying RC planes and helis for a decade, so feel free to PM any questions!

Yep I agree. You should start with a MCX or MSR. They are lots of fun!

DeanG · 10-31-2009, 05:08 PM

I remember my dad unexpectedly bringing a Bonner 4 channel proportional. He paid $525 in 1970 dollars. It was a pretty good rig. We started with MinX galloping ghost and a Supetiger .19 in a DeBolt champ. We got the Bonner, Microtech with a wood grain vinal trim (I think) then went to Kraft and stayed with that brand until the end. Our most popular planes ended up to be Tarus with a Supertiger .56 and Ugly stick with an Enya .61

I liked to fly pattern maneuvers. My dad specialized in full power touch and goes.

10-28-2009, 05:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Any robotics or R/C plane fans? I don't have much experience (except for the Robotics Team at school) but I was interested in a personal robot kit (Preferably autonomous or humanoid) or something DIY that's interesting. Also, anyone fly R/C Planes/Helicopters? Mine broke a little while ago but I'm thinking of getting a new one. Just wanted to know if anyone else is interested in such. ~Sunny __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

10-28-2009, 05:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
Vulcan Grey Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Colorado USA Posts: 295	3 electric helicopters, 1)Walkera 60B with Futaba radio & gyro, brushless motor, castle BEC, Hitec servos. 2)Walkera H1b, stock 3)E-Flite Blade MCX counter-rotator for in the house I have a Extreme Flight Yak-54 47" electric aerobatic plane, unbuilt And I have a Hobby Lobby Telemaster 40 (.40 nitro) That I built as a teen. __________________ Travis Vulcan Grey Esprit SE http://vulcangrey.lotuscolorado.com/gallery

10-28-2009, 06:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
knucklehead TWRD & Blip advertising Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 3,838	There was a great video posted along time ago of a RC helicopter with a video camera on it. Pretty amazing stuff. Unfortunately, a lot of people asked about it and the guy kind of disappeared. __________________ Jacob Join Lotuscar.ning.com for LA Lotus social events 05 Exise, 2bular 6 inch exhaust. BWR double adjustable Penske shocks, Hypercoil springs, HIDs, BWR front sway bar, Light weight PC680 battery w/BWR brace, BWR Black badges and wheel centers, Custom SCC paint job, SCC OEM Exige mesh kit and Exige rear clam details, LSD, Lotus sport clutch and light weight fly wheel. Sector front splitter. Stebel horn. Multivex Mirrors. Volk CE28 wheels

10-29-2009, 07:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Glued Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 6	Helis, cars and robots I've got a few cars and rock crawlers, and a few helis but I just bought a RoboPhilo Junior. I picked it up from Robobrothers. Its a 10 servo biped for $200 which is crazy. I run the cars with my 4yr old son and I'll be building the bot with my 7yr old daughter. The kids give me the opportunity to live the childhood I never had. Check out the Junior I can't wait for it to arrive.

10-30-2009, 07:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
MikeinAlexandria Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 460 Images: 5	Kyosho makes a nice starter helicopter that has real controls and is actually supposed to fly pretty well. I don't have one yet, but do want it, as there is a nice park just down the road from my house. I would go for something like that first, and then move to remote control gliders. I say gliders vs. planes because they fly slower and will give you time to learn the controls. The hardest part about flying an R/C plane is when it is flying right at you, you need to reverse the controls on the fly. I used to work in CA/Mountainview, and every so often there was an R/C fly-in in Milpitas. It was awesome, tiny planes dog fighting, realistic jet fighters, helicopters, etc. Very, very cool. Go for the Kyosho Helicopter first, then build yourself a glider and move on from there. You can do this for under $500, which really, is no more than a good maintenance session with your car. __________________ 2005 Elise in Racing Green with the touring pack 2007 MINI Cooper S in Sparkling Silver 2001 BMW Z3 Coupe in Sapphire Black (sold) 2002 MINI Cooper in yellow (sold) 1996 BMW Z3 Roadster (Racing Dynamics version) (sold) Founder of the Racing Green Confederate

10-30-2009, 08:08 AM	#12 (permalink)
BullRider Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 5	My first post here! If you're up to joining the elite of the R/C community, you need to check out R/C submarines. I'm not talking about the Walmart pool toys, but the bona fide subs, complete with operational ballast systems, working torps.. you name it! This is my personal R/C sub website that shows some of the projects that I've done or am currently working on. There are links to suppliers and other sites as well: Welcome to the RC Submarine Drydocks!

10-30-2009, 08:23 AM	#13 (permalink)
Phantom Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 861 Images: 1	Per a previous post, the MCX is a lot of fun, and a great way to get started in helicopters- Besides, you don't have to leave the house- Once you've mastered the MCX, the MSR is a blast, but much more of a handful (i.e. going from an Elise to an Enzo)- I'm addicted to quadrocopters, and they've come a long way over the years- My latest is a Walkera #8- It is an amazing machine, but not recommended for beginners- Have fun! __________________ Grab Life by the Wheel Last edited by Phantom : 10-30-2009 at 11:10 AM.

10-30-2009, 09:22 AM	#14 (permalink)
Trevor Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 67	I have a MCX and the MSR by e-flite. I am big into the R/C cars. Got a E-revo BL, 1/16 E-revo, and a 1/36 losi DT. Also have a black jack 26 speed boat by proboat. I also had a new micro p-51 mustang by parkzone but that is lost in the woods.

10-30-2009, 09:35 AM	#15 (permalink)
DeanG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 724	I flew a lot of R/C in the bad old days. Yep sunny started while people will still flying reed & tube rigs. 1966-1976 The things that are possible now are astounding.

10-30-2009, 09:53 AM	#16 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Haha Dean, We have Color Television now too! And what're the prices for these incredible R/Cs? I'm not made o' money. __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

10-30-2009, 10:25 AM	#17 (permalink)
Trevor Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 67	This is the next plane that I want. It was announced at ihobby. This thing is way cool and can’t wait to see one in person. Check out the link and watch the video. It sounds awesome! Well I better get back to my school work now.hehehehe. Horizon Hobby: Habu EDF BNF by ParkZone (PKZ7080)

10-31-2009, 05:08 PM	#20 (permalink)
DeanG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 724	I remember my dad unexpectedly bringing a Bonner 4 channel proportional. He paid $525 in 1970 dollars. It was a pretty good rig. We started with MinX galloping ghost and a Supetiger .19 in a DeBolt champ. We got the Bonner, Microtech with a wood grain vinal trim (I think) then went to Kraft and stayed with that brand until the end. Our most popular planes ended up to be Tarus with a Supertiger .56 and Ugly stick with an Enya .61 I liked to fly pattern maneuvers. My dad specialized in full power touch and goes.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode