New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one.  
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All Forums >> RC Helicopters >> RC Helicopter General Discussions >> New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one.
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New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/7/2008 10:24:51 AM   
PASSNBY


 

Posts: 11
Joined: 12/27/2005
From: Melbourne Australia, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		Hi there, dunno how long ive been a member here ( didnt know I had an account ) Anyway, I was given a RC Mini copter and I have fallen in love with it, for a little 2 channel thing im pretty good at it! But i want to go one more step further and get a 3 channel now. I want a 3ch and not some big dollar $600 thing because thats what my mate did and he stacked it in 5 mins and destroyed it! So one step at a time!
Whats a good helicopter for about $100 (AU) or so, somthing that I can get the hang of to get ready to upgrade later on.
Any info or links would be great guys, thanks for that!
       Post #: 1

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/7/2008 2:29:55 PM   
tadawson


 

Posts: 456
Joined: 9/5/2002
From: Lewisville, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Myself, I would not regard anything in that price range, or on 3 channels as "good" . . . more like "toy", but that's me . . . It's really hard to find anything decent in this hobby for much less than $500, and most of what I fly is $2000 or better, all up. Not saying that you should go that route, but just because your friend screwed up doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with a better heli, just that he apparently didn't know how to fly it yet. Get a better bird, and find a club that can help you get it setup and learn to fly it - you'll be a lot happier in the long run!

- Tim

(in reply to PASSNBY)
       Post #: 2

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/7/2008 5:23:56 PM   
The Codfather


 

Posts: 222
Joined: 12/31/2007
From: Quadra Island, BC, CANADA
Status: offline 		Don't be discouraged by that post, but he is right in some respects. If you want a real flying machine like your buddy had or better it will cost you much more than the $100.00 you have to play with. You will get bored with a cheap 3 channel toy in a hurry and it probably won't live long, as it will not tolerate ANY wind or even a breeze outside. If you really do have to stick with the $100.00 limit a Lama 3ch or the like is probably all you can find that will fly under any sort of control and even then only indoors or a totally calm day. If you have an extra $25.00 you can get a decent 4ch fixed pitch heli like my Honeybee that is a good trainer. Yes it is all plastic, the motor is brushed and it has a tail motor and the skids are a little weak (upgraded mine to super skids, no more problems), but I have learned quickly with mine (and SIM'D) and I can testify to the toughness and longevity of the HB. Parts are cheap and repairs are so quick and easy. Some will poo-poo it as another Chinese toy, but as it states on the box "This is not a toy"! It will hurt you and damage things if you let it get the best of you. But I love mine and fly the crap out of it! A fixed pitch heli is a little harder to control, although a better gyro than the stock one can often alleviate much of this. Your asking alot for $100.00 and remember you will need to buy extra blades and repair parts. Go for 4 channels if you can they are much more fun! Hope this helps.

_____________________________

Altitude is insurance!

(in reply to tadawson)
       Post #: 3

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/7/2008 6:12:25 PM   
Heli Head


 

Posts: 17
Joined: 4/30/2008
From: Valemount, BC, CANADA
Status: offline 		Hey Passnby,

This is a great hobby to get into - take your time and do a little research first. Learn about how helis fly and learn to fly in small steps - your first few days of learning will be spent no more than an inch or two off the ground. If your buddy followed these steps, he would have not crashed.

I have taught many people to fly RC choppers and all learned on good quality nitro birds with full collective. Very few ever crashed while learning. If you understand the process and get a good quality bird to start with, I can almost promise you will not crash. Crashing is caused by rushing the flight process and not building the heli correctly - pretty simple to succeed if you understand those two key points. Your main goal when learning to fly a RC heli is actually not flying - it is bringing the heli home in one piece time after time. This is obvious, but too many people want to fly, when they really don't even know how to crawl - baby steps.

Both The Codfather and Tim hit the nail on the head with outgrowing a 3 channel very quickly. You might have a fun toy, but if you are really interested in RC helicopters, save your self time and in the long run money by getting a good quality bird to start with and grow with it. I totally agree with Tim, but let's look at some options for you to try.

There are so many good quality birds out there these days, but there is also a lot of crap. This forum is a great tool to find out what others use. I won't tell you what is best because it depends on so many of your own personal needs. Do you have a good hobby store in your neck of the woods? Ask them what most people fly - the more support and most important, parts availability - the better for you.

I know when you are starting out price is a big topic. Once you consider what heli is best for you - perhaps look into getting a pre-owned one. This is risky for the newbie - even for experienced fliers. Cardinal rule when purchasing used - see it fly first. If you can't, walk away.

The other route might be to get a good quality flight simulator first. There are only two or three on the market that will actually help you learn to fly a heli - the rest are no more than video games. A good simulator will set you back about $200.00 US, but it is worth every penny in the long run. You can even fly planes if you wish - might enjoy that more (but I think not).

Like Tim said, if there is a heli club where you live, spend some time there and ask questions. Most of us heli heads love to share information and most will bend over backwards to help newbies out.

Just take your time, do your research and you will have a lifetime of enjoyment ahead with this hobby - I promise!

Cheers,

John
www.rchelicopterfun.com




(in reply to PASSNBY)
       Post #: 4

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/10/2008 7:59:34 AM   
PASSNBY


 

Posts: 11
Joined: 12/27/2005
From: Melbourne Australia, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		Thanks for the replys guys, I will reply soon. Heli Head: I just went to your web page (very cool I must say ) and I went to the throttle mod section, I was suprized to see that mine had this done to it already whitch makes me think it may of been a return. It also explains why I was better than My firends at flying a mini rc lol.

Just another question, I took mine apart because the main sprocket? (if thats what yoou guys call them) was moving up and down real bad from a couple of crashes, anyway when I opened it up the rear tail fell off and the 2 wires connecting to it as well. Now I cant get the rear rotor to work at all, is some sort of wire I need or would everyday car speaker wire do it?

(in reply to Heli Head)
       Post #: 5

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/10/2008 8:38:22 AM   
PASSNBY


 

Posts: 11
Joined: 12/27/2005
From: Melbourne Australia, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		What do you guys think of this one? I know its a toy but maybe its good to start off on?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-RADIO-CONTROL-APACHE-ARMY-BATTLE-HELICOPTER-1-NR_W0QQitemZ110250695974QQihZ001QQcategoryZ110026QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(in reply to PASSNBY)
       Post #: 6

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/10/2008 5:42:47 PM   
nuttcaze


 

Posts: 1549
Joined: 1/3/2008
From: Johnson City, NY, USA
Status: offline 		get that only if you want to have such a bad experience you won't want to have anything to do with this hobby later, lol, nah just kidding, have you seen any of my vids about the HBFP, thats your best bet for a "toy" heli (even though it'll still hurt you bad if it hits you) has everything you need in 1 box, including a sim (don't worry, there are lots of free sims available), so even if you only used the HBFP to abuse and start to get the hang of it, it'll make transitioning to a CP alot easier.

(in reply to PASSNBY)
       Post #: 7

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/10/2008 5:44:02 PM   
Heli Head


 

Posts: 17
Joined: 4/30/2008
From: Valemount, BC, CANADA
Status: offline 		Hi Passnby,

Thanks for the kind words on the web site - I just started building it in March and still have a long way to go, but it is nice knowing it might help a few people out.

I really can't comment on that heli you linked to seeing that I don't know anything about it - my own opinion though is "E-bay junk". If you want to stick with the "toy" variety heli but want something that actually has some decent control in a coaxial (dual rotor) perhaps check out Twister products. This is the name they go by in Canada, so don't know if they even exist Down-Under. Just like all china stuff, this same heli is probably marketed under a hundred different names - again do a bit of research.

The only reason I mention it is because they are 4 channel, have a gyro, and are supper stable - think they are around $150.00 CND last time I checked. It is a toy, but not a bad one from the reviews I have seen. Just something to check out. I am sure there are some people here who have one, or the same thing under a different name that could shed some more light seeing I have no first hand exp.

I don't want to get off topic on this post with the wire question - quick answer: If the thin wires that go down the tail boom to the tail motor are broken, you will have to use very fine wire say less than 22 gauge. Speaker wire will be too heavy and throw the CG of the little bugger off so much it might even fly backwards. Are you handy with a small soldering iron to solder the new wires to the surface mount electronic board (very tricky)?

Cheers,

John
www.rchelicopterfun.com


(in reply to PASSNBY)
       Post #: 8

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/11/2008 6:37:00 AM   
PASSNBY


 

Posts: 11
Joined: 12/27/2005
From: Melbourne Australia, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		Thanks guys, im going to check out Twister's stuff, and see if they will del to Aus.

I fixed the heli as well. nothing at all wanted to work so I said stuff it, im going to just solder it and see what happens. Well, it worked! lol, couldnt belive it! I must say though it was hell trying to get those little buggers to stay still while soldering LOL.

nucaze, do you have a link to your video's?

< Message edited by PASSNBY -- 5/11/2008 6:38:38 AM >

(in reply to Heli Head)
       Post #: 9

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/11/2008 6:52:22 AM   
PASSNBY


 

Posts: 11
Joined: 12/27/2005
From: Melbourne Australia, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		You know what, I think im going to buy a Honey Bee. It seems as though there are heaps of parts and upgrades for it, or is there somthing better for the price? because they are ugly heh.

(in reply to PASSNBY)
       Post #: 10

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/11/2008 1:20:21 PM   
homeunt


 

Posts: 932
Joined: 2/10/2008
From: Ectobicoke, ON, CANADA
Status: offline 		which honeybee and at what price? If it's like 200 dollars, go for Belt-CP or Black Hawk RTF

_____________________________

This hobby is funny, if I got cash, I got no experience.
If i got experience, I see a giant hole on my wallet.

(in reply to PASSNBY)
       Post #: 11

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/12/2008 9:23:25 AM   
PASSNBY


 

Posts: 11
Joined: 12/27/2005
From: Melbourne Australia, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		Honeybee king 2, or a blackhawk 500? seen it for $129 US, but, um......I just bought myself a metabo rotary hammer drill, the g/f's abit angry at me..even telling her how much trouble its going to save me and that we made a good investment didnt seem to cheer her up. I might wait till after tax time in july to buy it true...

(in reply to homeunt)
       Post #: 12

RE: New to RC heli's and I want to get a not bad one. - 5/12/2008 8:11:04 PM   
homeunt


 

Posts: 932
Joined: 2/10/2008
From: Ectobicoke, ON, CANADA
Status: offline 		I would go for Black Hawk 450 RTF from ka-planes at that price..
Lol yep.. women [those who don't have interest] don't appreciate men's hobby. (Golfing, hunting, flying an rc heli etc)

_____________________________

This hobby is funny, if I got cash, I got no experience.
If i got experience, I see a giant hole on my wallet.

(in reply to PASSNBY)
       Post #: 13

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