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Anyone Know Anything About RC Heli's?

M

mad0maxx

Senior member
I am interested in RC helicopters but never flown one so I do not know where to start and what types of RC heli's are out there and what is better for a beginner or what...
 
Start with ones from Toys R Us? Don't wanna waste $2000-$3000 on a gas powered 1 and destroy it on take off.
 
I have a nitro Raptor 30 and also a smaller electric Blade CP Pro.

I haven't flown them in a while since it's fall and it's always windy outside. I have to wait for calm summer.

 
What would you recommend a beginner try using? I tried searching for articles but never found anything on it... thanks ^_^
 
Well, they don't cost $2k-$3k, maybe around $1k for a good one. But, get a cheap toy one to figure out the controls.

You may even want to get a simulator. Most people I know start off trying to hover 1"-2" off the ground first.
 
I would look into a coaxial blade heli for your first one, since helis are very hard to fly. The Blade CX should be good for you.

Keep in mind that the smaller ones are harder to fly since they're twitchier. But the larger ones can be very intimidating since they're loud, powerful, and dangerous.
 
I heard there are Micro, Mini heli's what are the regular ones called and how many types are there?

Also what is the difference between a micro and a mini?
 
Start small. Go to a good hobby store that will sell you one and explain it. Take it outside with someone there, then let them help you fly it...
 
I started out with a Blade CP and a flight simulator. Loved it. Then I went for an Align 450SE. The align is larger and more stable i found out. The blade was cheap to get into. Remember that crashing and buying new parts is aways a factor. But get one that lets you do 3D and available at your hobbyshop for parts.
 
I've been considering starting with RealFlight G3 and then something in a Mini size Heli; perhaps an Align Trex 450SE. There are some pretty affordable performance micro heli's (Blade CP, Piccolo) but I think I want the added flight stability that going a little larger provides. Starting electric as opposed to Nitro because I want to be able to fly indoors and it'll be a while (if ever) I get into it far enough to get something larger and require the ooomph of fuel power. Haven't decided on transmitter.

From what I'm gathering from the Heli forums and my own price searching is that anything of a serious 3D nature costs about $800-$1K just to get into the air (Heli, batteries, transmitter). Throw in a couple hundred for repairs and you're remembering that this was about the cost of your first car . AgentUnknown makes a good point about finding a local shop for parts (or at least find a good online shop that can keep you building).

Allan and Danny Szabo fly Align and Futaba. Lots of their flying on youtube and Align's website. Crazy stuff. The extreme kind of flying that has you wanting to buy the product they're playing with the while knowing you'll never in a million years be able to pull of one of their stunts; that is unless you find the good fortune of being able to fly for free and fly all day like they do!

91TTZ, AgentUnknown,
Either of you have pics or vids of your Heli's?

Before I take the plunge though; I'm going to visit a local club or two and get some first hand interaction with local fliers and put some reality into the noggin. If you get hooked up w/a good club or experienced pilot then you can buddy box your training and learn to fly right.

OP:
1. Scour the Heli Forums 'till you're familiar with the Heli lingo.
2. See if you have a local club or two you can drop in and audit.
3. Purchase quality flight sim.
4. Budget for spare parts. (some e-tailers have crash kits available).
 
Originally posted by: Sketcher


91TTZ, AgentUnknown,
Either of you have pics or vids of your Heli's?

Before I take the plunge though; I'm going to visit a local club or two and get some first hand interaction with local fliers and put some reality into the noggin. If you get hooked up w/a good club or experienced pilot then you can buddy box your training and learn to fly right.

OP:
1. Scour the Heli Forums 'till you're familiar with the Heli lingo.
2. See if you have a local club or two you can drop in and audit.
3. Purchase quality flight sim.
4. Budget for spare parts. (some e-tailers have crash kits available).
Click to expand...

I don't have any vids, but I do have pics.
 
Originally posted by: mad0maxx
I heard there are Micro, Mini heli's what are the regular ones called and how many types are there?

Also what is the difference between a micro and a mini?
Click to expand...
Size\Weight, there's some decent discussion regarding Micro, Mini and Large Electric Heli's at RCGroups.com It's also a good place for anything RC: Planes, Heli's, Boats, Cars, Modeling, Systems, etc. A lot of good resources including technicals, reviews, videos.

Electric Heli's
Fuel Heli's



Originally posted by: 91TTZ
I don't have any vids, but I do have pics.
Click to expand...
Gott'em posted anywhere or can email them?

 
Here's a good forum: Lots of "New Heli people"

RC Universe

Here's the often recommended 'Flight School" online:
Radd's School of Rotary Flight

I bought Blade CP Pros (Two of them) and a Spektrum radio (it's very good).

I still crash alot (I'm new at this), but figure it's a good way to learn the systems and "how to" build, adjust & maintain 'em.

If you want to start cheap and stay cheap, buy a "coaxial" heli - like the Blade CX or LLama. They are upgradable (still coaxial, but better motors & heads). Get a good Sim ... for ~US$200.00, it'll save you a lot in the long run.

Also - VERY IMPORTANT - Pay attention to the WARNINGS about Lithium-Polymer batteries, they are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS if not handled properly (they can self-ignite and burn at > 1000F) get a "charging box" or "battery bunker" to charge & store them, no sh!t.

Check out the following link for a "Lipo Sack"

Click on "See the Lipo Sack in action" link

This kind of battery is one of the reasons for the recent ban on some battery-powered devices on airplanes.

They're safe if handled & charged properly, pay attention to the warnings.

Good Luck

Scott
 
Just spent some time flying the RealFlight Demo. Might have to do this for Christmas and have something to satisfy the obsession 'till spring.

$200 but I can immediately see how it's going to save you money in the long run. PLUS all the other aircraft you get to fly.

Anyone else try it?
 
I used RealFlight, it's very good.

Each of the three major commercial sims have some pluses & minuses, overall, I liked RealFlight more and bought it.

They have more planes & copters then the others, unfortunately, not the ones I fly.

Go to the local hpbby store, they should have at least two (of the three) of them up ... try 'em both for a while. Pay attention to the feel of the controller and the graphics ... get the one that looks & feels best to you.

Get one that includes a controller. Trying to fly the real planes/helis after learning from a keyboard, joystick, or game controller won't really help much. Some include a cable that allows you to use your actual transmitter ... if ou have ne, that's a good way to go (though, I believe all of them allow ou to interface your real transmitter through the included controller).


I can say *for a fact* (since I am now flying/crashing real helis ... even if the "cheap" ones) that the $200 for the sim has probably saved me thousands in parts and repair time (not to mention the frustration of the fly/crash/fix cycle).

Good luck

Scott
 
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