Distributed
by:
Great Planes Model Distributors
P.O. Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826-9021 www.helimax-rc.com
If
you are just entering the world of RC helicopters, you may have already
tried a coaxial heli and are looking for your next challenge, a fixed
pitch helicopter might just be your ticket. Fixed pitch helicopters are
usually recommended as the next step after a coaxial heli as they
provide the stability that a newcomer will seek while offering a
slightly more agile helicopter which eliminates the dual rotors in
favor of the more traditional pod and boom design.
The Novus 200 FP EP RTF falls nicely in this category of
transitional helicopters which aims to provide a stable learning
platform but at the same time providing a more responsive helicopter.
The Novus 200 FP arrives with a nice feature list such as the 45 degree
offset flybar, an anodized aluminum rotor head a painted colorful
canopy, a 2.4GHz radio system and a 7.4V 1000mAh LiPo and charger plus
extra plastic blades.
The advertisement for the Novus 200 claims
that even a beginner can fly the Novus 200 with success so lets put
that claim to the test.
The Novus 200 FP EP RTF arrives in a small colorful box.
The
helicopter and radio along with the spare parts are packaged ina
vacuum formed piece of plastic that holds them safely in place.
All that is required to get the Novus 200 in the air is a little patience as the 7.4V 1000mAh battery charges.
Heli-Max Novus 200 FP RTF
Price: $179.99
Key
Features
45 degree offset flybar set-up makes the Novus 200 FP easy for all skill levels to enjoy!
4-channel radio system with interference-free 2.4GHz technology and dual rates.
Super-stable flying and hovering, thanks to a maneuverable fixed-pitch design.
Value-added
extras include a colorful printed canopy, ball bearing-supported tail
drive shaft, anodized CNC aluminum parts and tough plastic rotor blades.
Just add “AA” cells to the radio, charge the included LiPo pack and fly!
Overview
The
Novus 200 FP is the largest Novus heli yet, with a fixed-pitch design
for first-class control. Its 45 degree offset flybar set-up results in
control that is far more responsive and stable than a coaxial design.
Even beginners can fly the Novus 200 FP with success! A 2.4GHz
4-channel computer radio system with dual rates allows pilots to start
off slow and “step up” to their full flight potential. The
included 7.4V 1000mAh LiPo battery provides plenty of power, while
other “extras” – like an anodized aluminum rotor head, a printed canopy
and pivoting main blades – add lasting looks and durability.
Specs
Rotor Diameter:
15.3
in (390 mm)
Length:
16.5 in (420 mm)
Flying
Weight:
5.8 oz (165 g)
Requires:
8 "AA" batteries for TX
Included
Battery:
7.4V 1000mAh LiPo
The
Novus 200 arrives the painted canopy attached to the helicopter. The
canopy is held on with grommets in the rear and the landing gear pops
out in the front allowing the canopy to be removed. Note that the
canopy does not need to be removed to install the flight battery as the
battery is inserted from the bottom of the frame. Removing the canopy,
the main motor, electronics and the two cyclic servos are visible.
Since this is a fixed pitch heli, there is no collective servo. The
electronics are contained in a plastic box that seems to be well
throught out. The main rotor head is made of anodized aluminum and
looks very nice.
The
tail rotor is driven by a separate motor that is mounted as the base of
the tail boom. A torque tube makes the connection to the fixed
pitch tail rotor. The 2S 7.4V 1000mAh battery along with a Heli-Max
charger and AC adapter are provided in the box.
Control
of the Novus 200 will be achieved using the provided 2.4GHz
transmitter. The transmitter will require 8 "AA" batteries to be
installed. The transmitter provides dual rate capability along with a
hard switch in the back that will allow the user to select between
Mode1 and Mode2 operation. Since I am used to flying with Mode2, I left
this switch in its default setting of Mode2. The transmitter also
arrives with a nice LCD display that provides information on the
battery status, the trims and the throttle setting which is a very nice
feature considering its price point. The sticks of the provided
transmitter are also adjustable.
Manual
The
manual for the Novus 200 FP EP RTF is written and illustrated in a nice
manner which should allow even the first timer to get up and running in
no time.
After
charging the provided 7.4V 2S1000mAh battery an installing it in the
receiver, I took the Novus 200 on its first flight inside my house.
After powering everything on and making sure the cyclic was moving
correctly, I spooled up the main blades by gently as the Novus became
light on its feet. The main rotors do not take but more than a second
to spool up to speed. Once the blades are spooled up, I checked the
tail to make sure it was moving correctly and after applying some more
throttle, watched as the the Novus 200 lifted up into a nice and
stable hover.
I
was not sure what to expect for the first flight as I was in what could
be considered a confined space but the Novus 200 was honestly very
stable and easy to control as I flew it around in my medium sized
living room. The tail was holding steady and I did not have to apply
any trim to keep the nose pointed straight throughout the life of the
battery. I flew a couple of small circuits inside my living room and
noticed that the FP design does really offer a little more "pep" than
what I was used to with coaxial designs. After about 7 minutes of
indoor flying, I put the Novus down and decided to make my next flight
outdoors. After charging the 2S1000mAh battery which took about an hour
with the provided charger, I was ready to make my next flight
outdoors.
With
little to no wind outside, I took the Novus out in front of my house
and spooled it up for the next flight. Being outside with more space to
play with gave me the opportunity to try an open up the Novus to see
what it was really capable of. With high rates selected on the
transmitter, I was able to get the Novus moving around fairly quickly
but did notice that it did not like sudden collective changes as it
responded with a slight wobble but no real ill manners to speak of. I
was able to perform some basic reverse flight and did not haveany
issues with the tail giving out or the Novus loosing directional
control due to the flight direction. On successive flights with
slightly more windy conditions, I noticed that the Novus was having
difficulty penetrating the wind so I would recommend keeping your
outdoor adventures to days with low winds.
Flight
times with the 2S1000mAh battery were in the 7-8 minute range which
provided more than enough time to offer the stable hovering platform
the Novus 200 provided. When it came to landing, all I had to do was to
gently reduce the throttle and the Novus settled in nicely on its mains
for an uneventful landing.
Check
out the video to
see it in action!
Heli-Max Novus 200 FP EP RTF
(Pilot: Burc Simsek, Stills & Video: David Smith and Muge Simsek)
After
flying the Novus 200 both indoors and out, I would say that the Novus
200 provides a nice and stable platform to help hone your heli skills
while providing a slightly more edgy helicopter in the process. While
indoors (or outside with no wind), the Novus 200 can hover hands off
like a coaxial helicopter would. In fact, I was so comfortable hovering
the Novus 200 that I took some of the above pictures with one hand
while feathering the throttle and rudder with the other.
With
features such as a nice aluminum head and spare plastic blades and not
to mention the 2.4GHz transmitter and included LiPo and charger, if you
are on the look for your next beginner heli, do not skip out on looking
at the Novus 200 FP.
Distributed
by:
Great Planes Model Distributors
P.O. Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826-9021 www.flyzoneplanes.com
The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in products like the one featured in the review.
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