Hi all,
I found a few interesting websites whilst exploring the R/C world.
For general information the following are great:
Andy RC (
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAndyRC)
A British based website covering a number of R/C categories and includes build guides and lots of interesting information
Flite Test (
http://flitetest.com/)
A US based site that covers many R/C aspects. Of particular interest is a vast series of builds using foam board which is extremely cheap in the US (but not so much here in Aus). The concept revolves around a "Power Module" which contains the motor, ESC, battery etc., which in turn can be inserted into a variety of models from biplanes to flying wings. Being extremely lite, they are both cheap to build and can be flown in small areas such as parks etc.
For purchasing assorted R/C bits and pieces, the two websites I have used are:
HobbyKing (
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/index.asp)
This company has warehouses in a number of countries including the UK and provides a large number of R/C related kits and accessories. I have used them and have not had a problem. Some feedback I have seen on the web is that they can be a bit difficult when goods are not delivered or incorrect goods have been supplied.
Bang good (
http://www.banggood.com/)
This is a China based organisation supplying some very cheap products (but be careful as some 'cheap' products come at a cost). I have purchased a number of items from this website and have been mostly satisfied. Some issues have been a Multiple Recharger unit for batteries for my Hubsan quadcopter. There are six socket leads for the batteries, but only four actually fit the battery plugs. The unit was extremely cheap so I decided not to pursue it. However, I ordered 4 replacement motors for my Hubsan and eventually received some "Sock Puppets". After sending a photo of the goods received and the shipping label, they sent me the motors which arrived okay and left me with four Sock Puppets to make use of.
I understand that there is a push to regulate the use of 'drones' i.e. quadcopter/hexcopter etc., particularly where camera facilities are involved (privacy issues), and where the general public may be exposed to injury. Hence my interest in quadcopters which can be flown at low levels through parks etc, and/or low powered models which can fly at low levels and low speed through parks or similar areas.
I am very much the 'Novice' in this area so the above information is a snapshot of my journey so far.