I just ordered one of these and was wondering if anyone had experience building or flying it. What radio your using and any gotchas I need to know about?

I've never built one of those, and the lightweight RC equipment I have for RG's is from the mid-80's... so last century. Weight is always the key. And, remember to trim it (use lead chips or clay to balance it so it flies correctly--instructions should show you how). Otherwise, it's just straightforward. Glad someone from NCR is flying in our BG event! Good luck!

I have been following your dialogue with Kevin over on Crash, there are no experts here on the topic. I did find a source of 50mAh Ni-cads, however, if youre interested. I'm debating between these and Li-Poly, the latter has a lot more reserve for the same weight. I looked at the Arcee-2. Looks like a smart approach, therfore I have opted to go in another direction entirely. 😆

I think you need to have a dual rate radio that can be downtuned for the boost phase, as the velocities are at least 5 to 10 times what the glider requires. I bought a cheap Futaba 4 channel setup, with micro package. I believe the r/c stuff w/o batteries adds about 1.4 oz in 2 channel setup.

There aren't many people better than Kevin over at CRASH for rocket gliders. I really hope he comes up and flies in June. His planes are pretty amazing.

Please let me know your source for the batteries. That's the one component I don't have lined up.

The flights I've seen and reading the instructions the Arcie doesn't need any input during boost. This makes it an "easy" plane for a novice pilot.

Ron

The flights I've seen and reading the instructions the Arcie doesn't need any input during boost. This makes it an "easy" plane for a novice pilot.

Oh, that's sweet! Go with John's battery source, but Hobbytown USA is a good source, too.

Bruce, don't worry. Joe at Hobbytown USA in Longmont gets plenty of my monthly hobby budget. 😉

Ron

here is the battery link. Those little 50mAH weigh virtually nothing.
http://radicalrc.secure-mall.com/shop/