| If you've had a brief look at radio controlled (RC) | | | | with the 60 and 90 using almost identical airframes as |
| helicopters and think that they look like fun but are | | | | well. |
| definitely too complicated to really try, think again. Yes, | | | | Which model is best for me? |
| it's true that radio controlled helicopters can be | | | | If you're just learning, choose a 50-sized model; again, |
| challenging, but it can also be a very rewarding hobby | | | | the nitro is larger and easier to work with, so makes a |
| to have. Today's modern electronics and easy to put | | | | good "beginning" helicopter, and it's also more stable |
| together kits have made it much easier than in | | | | than electric. In addition, once you become more adept |
| previous years to get started in radio controlled | | | | as a pilot, you can truly do 3-D aerobatics with this |
| helicopters. | | | | type of helicopter. If you want to keep within a budget, |
| Getting started with a simulator | | | | choose a 30-sized model to start, although you'll want |
| There are several simulators available on the market, | | | | at least a 50-sized model for the aerobatics. If you're |
| the best of which is probably the Real Flight G4. This | | | | going to stay entirely away from aerobatics, then a 30 |
| windows-based program plugs into the USB port on | | | | is both economical and enjoyable. |
| the computer with an interlinked transmitter. Take a | | | | Equipment |
| look at to see how it works. | | | | Choosing your transmitters, servos, gyros, main blades, |
| This simulator lets you learn how to fly several | | | | tail blades, paddles and field equipment: |
| different models of radio-controlled helicopters before | | | | Transmitter |
| you go with the real thing. (Airplanes and sailplanes are | | | | You need a transmitter that handles at least six |
| included in this program, too.) It's a good way to | | | | channels; the new "Spread Spectrum" systems from |
| practice without having to crash a number of your | | | | companies like Futaba operate on 24 GHz and don't |
| own models when you're just learning (which, of | | | | affect other radio systems. This means you won't |
| course, can be expensive). This will cost you about | | | | have to worry about interference from someone else |
| $200, and even though that seems expensive, | | | | in a nearby field. You'll probably spend between $300 |
| remember that a good radio controlled model is going | | | | and $500, but you literally never outgrow it can use it |
| to cost you at least $50 per crash, likely. That means, | | | | forever. Seven channels may be best, because this |
| you can learn to your heart's content for about $200 | | | | has features not found on six channel models. |
| instead of having to crash perhaps numberless models | | | | Servos and gyros |
| (which could cost you hundreds or even thousands of | | | | Servos are electronic devices that turn electrical |
| dollars long term) while you learn. | | | | signals to mechanical action (your car has them, too). |
| Choose your model: nitro or electric? | | | | Different models will have different requirements for |
| If you're just getting started, you might want to choose | | | | servos, which are made by speed and torque. For |
| a lower cost model first. Some of the best are | | | | radio-controlled helicopters, these control the tail rotor |
| included from Compass Model or Esky, and can all be | | | | pitch, the throttle and the swash plate. Most electric |
| purchased from most online and store front hobby | | | | helicopters will need four servos: three to control the |
| shops. The lower cost versions start at round $100. If | | | | swash plate and one to control the tail rotor pitch. In |
| you want to try something simple, a model called the | | | | general, you'll use three identical servos for the swash |
| Esky Lama is very simple and stable, with a coaxial | | | | plate and one high-speed digital rudder servo in addition. |
| design that can be flown in the living room so that you | | | | They start at about $25 for small electric helicopters, |
| don't even have to go outdoors. | | | | or about 40 for nitro models. |
| When you're ready to get a little more inventive, you | | | | You also need a gyro to control the tail rotor. The |
| can choose Compass Model Knight 50 Sport, which | | | | most popular of these is probably the Futaba GY401, |
| starts at around $300. The Compass Model | | | | with matching servo S9254. You can get the servo |
| helicopters are some of the most durable models on | | | | and gyro together for less than $200. |
| the market today. However, don't try this one until | | | | Main Blades, tail blades and paddles |
| you've had a little experience and have had some | | | | Every radio-controlled helicopter needs blades; some |
| practice with a simulator at least. Preferably, you | | | | kits have them, and for some, you'll need to buy them |
| should have been learning how to fly with another | | | | separately. Use wood rotor blades if you just starting, |
| lower cost model first. | | | | because they're a lot less expensive to replace. These |
| Electric micro-helicopters come as both "almost ready | | | | are among the first things that break when you crash, |
| to fly" or as kits. If the module is "almost ready to fly" | | | | which is common when you're just starting. Fiberglass |
| (ARF), then the airframe is largely assembled. If you | | | | blades are common, but carbon fiber blades are more |
| start with the kit, it's completely disassembled and you'll | | | | popular now that they have become more affordable, |
| start from scratch. Some companies will build a model | | | | too. These can also usually handle all 3-D maneuvers. |
| for you for a price, although of course the fun of flying | | | | Then there are a few new products to the market |
| helicopters includes building them yourself once you get | | | | manufactured by KBDD. They currently make a |
| some experience with them. | | | | number of high performance tail blades and |
| Going electric | | | | dampeners with soon to be released blades and |
| With an electric helicopter, you'll usually be working with | | | | paddles. They make the composite plastic blades that |
| an electronic speed control, motor, helicopter | | | | everyone thinks is carbon, as they are so durable. |
| transmitter, servos, battery packs, gyro, and charger. In | | | | Field equipment |
| addition to your kits, you'll need tools like an Allen | | | | If you choose a nitro helicopter, you'll need field |
| wrench and screwdrivers, although you can also buy | | | | equipment that consists of a glow igniter, fuel pump, |
| tools specifically meant for your model along with your | | | | starter wand and starter motor. There are all-inclusive |
| kit. | | | | kits sold that can start a 30 to 50 sized helicopter |
| Going nitro | | | | easily. |
| Nitro is a bit different than electric because they're a bit | | | | Conclusion |
| larger and the internal combustion engine is what | | | | Learning how to fly helicopters can be very challenging |
| drives it. They are easier to work on than their electric | | | | and rewarding. It certainly takes some skill in getting |
| counterparts and are usually much more stable than | | | | used to, but once you've mastered it, it's truly a fun and |
| electric models. You can choose from 30, 50, 60 or 90 | | | | addictive hobby. |
| sizes. The 30 and 50 have almost identical airframes, | | | | |