ATVAlliance
Posts: 861
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Joined: 3/8/2010
Last Login: 5/21/2013
From: , WV, USA
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You really are lucky that you did not get hurt, and or killed! However, I feel that even though you most likely did get a sub par helicopter...it would not have made a difference even if you did not. I only say this because after watching your video it is quite obvious that you know very little about RC helicopters...and at least all you suffered was a loss of some money and a "bruise" to your arm. IF you had not had the issues you had, you may have been hurt a lot worse or even killed...or even worse...hurt or killed a bystander!
Anything of the 450 size and larger has the ability to kill. Even a 250 size heli could do considerable damage and even maim or kill given it hits you just right. But enough of that already!
From watching the video it is quite clear that the heli throttle channel was reversed. This is the only way it could have WOT at low stick and no throttle at full stick. Also, you said you started flipping switches and then it reacted. This tells me that you hit throttle hold, turning it off. This is a safety feature so you can prepare the heli for flight by plugging in batteries, etc. Also, TH allows you to cut power to the motor if you see a crash is inevitable...thus breaking far less parts during the contact with the ground.
You base your opinion that the heli wasnt test flown by circumstantial evidence. Maybe they have a set of "test blades" at the factory. That way they can include a brand new set of blades when shipping out. This would explain why there are no marks on the blades when you recieved the heli. Also, maybe they use a different radio to test fly the heli at the factory...thus the reason the throttle channel was reversed. Im just guessing here...you could also be correct...but, you could just as easily be wrong about that based on the circumstantial evidence you saw.
Im not advocating for the company. Until this thread, I had never even heard of the company. And I dont want to come off as "bashing you" by any means. I really do feel sorry for your loss of money and frustration of the whole ordeal. Its just you really cant jump into this hobby with a 600 size heli, and its even worse if you figure you can start out with a scale fuse on ANY heli being a beginner. There is more to it than just slapping a scale fuse on and flying it. Ive been into helis now for 3 years and am just now feeling like Im becoming a competent pilot. Ive not even begun to start into scale fuses as I know they require a bit more attention to get right.
Outside of micro planes...and a few other smaller planes, Ive never had ANY model fly right out of the box. They ALL require some experience in the hobby and be gone over 100% before even attempting to power them up. I wont put my life or any bystanders in jeapordy to a company down the street, let alone half way across the world. And if I dont have the skill to give it a once, no twice-over...I get someone with more experience to do so. Its just not worth the risk, IMO. I would do this even with a brand name heli such as Align. They are mass produced things and quality control can be lacking at times, even with the best companies.
I hope this doesnt put a bad taste in your mouth for the hobby. Like I said...you were lucky that you were out some money and only suffered a bruise to your arm. It definitely could have been a lot worse! If RC helicopters is still something you are interested in...get yourself a good SIM and practice lots. Then go out and buy a Blade mCPX to see if you can actually translate what you learned on the SIM to the real thing. If so...go and get you a 500 clone and build it up. Building your own heli makes you learn every aspect of how they work. Without the theory of setup being fully understood...you wont stick with the hobby long as you will be working on it a lot when new....and still work on it a good deal making sure everything is working properly, replacing broken/worn parts, etc...
I normally wouldnt even comment on a thread like this. But after watching your video and especially the part about you taking the heli to your local authorities to try and get it banned...was a little bit of over reaction, IMO. If you were more experienced, you could have fixed all of these issues within a few minutes/hours and had the heli flying properly and enjoying it. Rather, your inexperience caused you much grief and some personal injury and loss of money. Id just hate to see a lot of folks up there in the great North...get deprived of buying what they want just because one person went on a crusade for safety...when the reality they were in over their head with the heli from the start.
Again, please dont take this as a bash...just hopefully you will see I am trying to point out what isnt so obvisous to you right now. I do hope you stick with the hobby and get flying. It is a great, fun hobby!
Goodluck!
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All Forums >> RC Helicopters >> RC Helicopter General Discussions >> Airwolf helicopter purchase (Be careful) 
Airwolf helicopter purchase (Be careful) - 
