by David O Hobby
If you have ever taken a quick glance at a radio controlled helicopter but you thought that they seemed like fun but appeared to be too complicated to test one out, think again. It is definitely true that radio controlled helicopters can present a challenge, but you could pick up a hobby that is very rewarding. In today?s society we are inundated with electronics and easy to put together kits. All of this has made it much easier to fly a radio controlled helicopter than it has in times past.
Getting Started with a Simulator: There are several simulators available on the market. The best simulator is probably the Real Flight G4. This windows-based program plugs into the USB port on the computer with an interlinked transmitter. Take a look at the manufacturers? web site to see how it works. This simulator lets you learn how to fly several different models of radio-controlled helicopters before you go with the real thing. (Airplanes and sailplanes are included in this program, too.) It’s a good way to practice without having to crash a number of your own models when you’re just learning (which, of course, can be expensive). This will cost you about $200, and even though that seems expensive, remember that a good radio controlled model is going to cost you at least $50 per crash, likely. That means, you can learn to your heart’s content for about $200 instead of having to crash perhaps numberless models (which could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars long term) while you learn.
Choose Your Model: Nitro or Electric? If you happen to be new to radio controlled helicopters, you may wish to choose a lower priced model at first. Some of the best radio controlled helicopters come from Esky or Compass Model. They are all available at most hobby shops. If you want to try a simple model of radio controlled helicopter, then you will find that some of these versions begin at approximately $100. If you have your heart set on trying something simple, then you may want to go with a model with the name of Esky Lama. This model is very simple and stable and has a coaxial design that can be flown in your living room and you will not have to brave the elements by going outside to fly your radio controlled helicopter. If you are ready to become a little more adventurous, you can go with the Compass Model Knight 50 Sport. The starting price begins at about $300. This model of radio controlled helicopter is one of the most durable on today?s market. However, you will not want to try this one before you have had some hands on experience and a little practice with a simulator. Ideally, you should already have learned how to fly your radio controlled helicopter with a simulator. It is best to have been learning how to fly with another less expensive model before advancing onto other more complicated models. Electric micro-helicopters can come as kits or ?almost ready to fly? models. If what you have bought is ?almost ready to fly? (ARF), then the airframe is largely together. If you begin with the kit, it is completely disassembled and you will have to start building from scratch. For a price, some companies will build the model for you although half the fun of flying your radio controlled helicopter includes building it yourself once you get some experience with them.
Going Electric: If you get an electric helicopter, you will be working with an electronic speed control, helicopter transmitter, battery packs, charger, motor, servos, and gyro. When it is time to assemble your radio controlled helicopter, you will need some basic tools like an Allen wrench and screwdrivers. You will also be able to buy tools that are specifically meant for your model along with your kit.
Going Nitro: A nitro driven is a little different than electric radio controlled helicopters since they are somewhat larger in size and the internal combustion engine is what drives it. These radio controlled helicopters are easier to work on and are much more stable than the electric counterparts. You can choose from the following sizes: 30, 50, 60 or 90. Those radio controlled helicopters that have almost identical airframes are the 30 and 50 as well as the 60 and 90.
Which Model is best for me? While you are just learning, choose a 50-sized model; again, the nitro is larger and easier to deal with. Therefore, it a good radio controlled helicopter to begin with. It also has greater stability than its electric counterpart. Additionally, when you have become better as a pilot, you will learn to do 3-D aerobatics with this kind of radio controlled helicopter. If you want to stay within your budget, choose a 30-sized model to start, although you will want to have a 50-sized model for doing aerobatics. If you don’t expect to do any aerobatics, then a 30 is both enjoyable as well as economical.
Equipment: Choosing your transmitters, gyros, tail blades, field equipment, servos, main blades and paddles:
? Transmitter: You will need to get a transmitter that is able to handle at least six channels; the new ?Spread Spectrum? system from a company like Futaba operates on 24 GHz and does not affect other radio systems. This means that you do not have to worry about interference from another person in a nearby field. The cost will range between $300 and $500, but this is probably the one big expense that you will not have to worry about again since you will be able to use this model forever. Seven channels may be the best because this transmitter has features that you will not find on six channel models.
? Servos and Gyros: Servos are electric devices that are able to turn electrical signals into mechanical action (Hint: your car has them, too). Different models of radio controlled helicopters will have different requirements for servos, which are made by torque and speed. For those radio controlled helicopters that are radio-controlled, these control the throttle, the tail rotor pitch and the swash plate. Many of the electric radio controlled helicopters must have four servos: Three that will control the swash plate and one that will control the tail rotor pitch. Generally speaking, you will use three identical servos for the swash plate and only one servo for the high-speed digital rudder. These will start from approximately $25 for small electric radio controlled helicopters or about $40 for the nitro models.
? Tail Rotor Gyros: You also need a gyro to control the tail rotor. The most popular of these is probably the Futaba GY401, with matching servo S9254. You can get the servo and gyro together for less than $200.
? Main Blades, Tail Blades and Paddles: A radio controlled helicopter has to have blades; some kits carry them and for some, you will need to purchase them as separate items. If you are just beginning, use wood rotor blades because they are a lot less expensive if you have to replace them. When you crash, these are among the first things that break. This is very common when you are just starting. Another type of blade which is common is the fiberglass blade. However, carbon fiber blades are now rising in popularity since they have become so affordable. These have the ability for all 3-D maneuvers. A few new productions are now available and are made by KBDD. They manufacture some high performance tail blades and dampeners with blades and paddles that will soon be released. The composite plastic blades are also manufactured by this company. Everyone thinks that they are made out of carbon because they are so durable.
? Field equipment: If you choose a nitro helicopter, you’ll need field equipment that consists of a glow igniter, fuel pump, starter wand and starter motor. There are all-inclusive kits sold that can start a 30 to 50 sized helicopter easily.
Something that can be very rewarding as well as challenging is to learn how to fly radio controlled helicopters. You need a certain amount of skill, but once you have mastered the technique it can turn into a fun and addictive hobby.