Beginners Recommendations for Plantraco Components

When starting out in a new exciting hobby like Micro R/C flying models, the temptation is always there to buy the world's lightest R/C receivers and actuators at the Plantraco Microflight website and shoot for the top - to build the world's lightest or world's smallest or build the first flying helicopter that can carry a GPS and and wireless video system or one of the many cool models that our customers have designed and built around our components.

We want to encourage you to follow your dreams in this hobby. We know that many of our customers are using Plantraco components to explore the frontiers of micro aviation. Our components can certainly be used to break world records in RC flying models, but if you are a beginner, our job at Plantraco is to guide you in such a way as to guarantee your enjoyment and successes in your new hobby. So at the risk of sounding a little "preachy", please read on for our expert advice:

Plantraco components are the lightest manufactured Micro R/C components in the world as of 2008. For example, typical 72Mhz 'micro receivers' may weigh 9 grams or so, whereas our Micro9 3CH BFLY receiver weighs a scant 0.38g - wow! Even our easiest to use "beginner" equipment is an order of magnitude lighter than competitor model rc receivers and servo's - the Micro9 3CH 0.9g receiver is one tenth the weight of the competitor 72Mhz and also much lighter than 2.4Ghz receivers out there.

The best choice for beginners to Micro RC aircraft building and design would be to go with the PlugNPlay style of receiver and components first. Specifically, the
Micro9 3 Channel PlugnPlay 0.9g Receiver - Micro9 3CH 0.9gRx They are slightly heavier than our lightest components, but they are easier to use, and still superb for ultralightweight Micro R/C models.

Instead of the 0.38g receiver you were drooling over, this "beginner" Rx will weigh 0.9 g, but you'll be able to use the easier to use components - actuators and motors can just plug right in - no soldering required.

If your model is going to weigh more than 6 grams flying weight you'll be a perfect customer for the DSS-1 or DSS-2 - Deluxe Starter Sets.

Here, I'll show you, the Deluxe Starter Set #1 - DSS-1 is good for building up the MicroScout Kit.

Also check out the Deluxe Starter Set #2 - DSS-2 good for building up the MicroRacers Kit.

The DSS-1 and DSS-2 do NOT require any soldering at all, making them ideal for a 13" wingspan plane like the MicroScout or the 10" wingspan MicroRacers. You can build amazingly small models with our components - saving you several grams when compared to any other maker's products. No Soldering = Easier for your first build.

Having said all this, it is true that some of the smallest and coolest micro rc models will absolutely require a lightweight receiver like the Micro9 2 Channel Butterfly Receiver - Micro9 BFly Rx 2CH. They'll still be there for you to order after you have first experienced success with building up one of our kits with the DSS-1 or DSS-2. You'll be ready for the lightest gear we offer after you have an initial success building any model with the DSS-1 and DSS-2 components. That's the pre-requisite I would say. It's your choice of course, but we want you to succeed and come back for the lighter equipment after you know what you are doing - otherwise you may become frustrated. You actually need to invest in some magnification, lighting and a high quality soldering station to solder our lightweight equipment, then it's easy to work with, but you have to have the right tools and understand basic principles of soldering.

Check our Knowledgebase for new articles about teaching yourself to you solder, and how to solder a hingeact to our smallest and lightest receivers. We want to encourage you and inform you at the same time - so you'll have good success and develop your skills along the way.

It won't take long, and soon you'll be ready to build the lightest R/C models with Plantraco components