Nitro field/setup equipment

[Anomie]

Just curious what is absolutely necessary and recommended.

Starters, batteries, pumps, this is all new to me obviously, and the only decent lists are on sites trying to sell stuff. A few sites have kits that include all kinds of random stuff, but I know with lots of hobbies that starter kits for anything never have everything you need. So, what does one need to set up everything correctly, then go out and get the bird in the air?

[tdswan]

Hmmm....Need items as far as tools go:
- pitch gauge
- paddle alignment gauges
- ball-link resizing tool
- ball-link pliers
Field equipment:
- good field charger
- field box
- power panel
- 12V battery (for field box)
- starter
- hex shaft adapter (for starter)
- glow igniter (either a battery one or to plug into power panel)
- fuel pump
- optical tach (and a friend to help use it :) )
- I don't use one, but a good voltmeter is always nice, but not essential as long as you have a field charger that will tell you how many milliamps you put into the charge and you MONITOR IT CLOSELY PER FLIGHT. Like do 2 flights to start and charge it, see how many milliamps it charges, then gauge how many ma's per flight it uses and refer to your battery capacity to see how many safe flights you can do on one charge. Digital servos will draw a lot more power than analog servos, keep this in mind. I've seen too many new pilots have a crash because they didn't know where they were at on their batteries.

Good luck on your glow fuel venture. They're much more rewarding than the electrics to fly in my opinion.

[Anomie]

Awesome!

Yea I was starting to think the nitros would be that way, plus I almost like how loud they are :D

I read something about Swashplate levelers, is that a good thing to have? I also heard about some guage for something with the engine and clutch shaft that prevents vibration.

Off topic, what battery size would you recommend for the electronics? Is it worth getting two or more?

[tdswan]

I run a 2400mA pack in mine and can fly quite a few flights before I start to worry.

I don't think a swash leveler is terribly important as long as you have all of the linkages to the right length. The proof is in how much trim it needs to fly level. I like to mechanically adjust mine if it needs any trim. I've got my Raptor PERFECT right out of the box on my very first build. I have absolutely no trim and any stick. That was pure luck and will probably not happen again in 100 years, but I felt pretty good!

The gauge you're referring to is a dial indicator, or "runout gauge". It's nice, but not terribly important on a 50 size. Where they really come into play are on the larger birds and/or gassers. They are VERY finicky about runout and if not adjusted within specs, can give you tons of headaches from vibration.

[Anomie]

Right on, thanks.

I'm tearing up these forums with questions hahah

So if I have something like the Hydratorx starter, a glow plug driver, and a voltmeter for the battery I don't need a power panel or that 12v battery?