Hello, I have just recently entered into the world of RC Helicopters, and now I would like to take my current situation (a Blade mCX) one step further. I really enjoy my mCX and I practically fly it everyday, and now I am looking for something a little more advanced. I want to start flying in larger areas (be it inside or out), as well as be able to fly faster and further. I'm not totally dedicated yet, but I do want to further practice my new love for RC Helicopters. I'm looking at something in a $100-$250 range, maybe a bit more. I also don't fully understand everything that needs to be bought for something a bit more "involved", be it a controller or the understanding of helicopter parts. Please recommend whatever heli you find that fits my abilities and constraints! Thank you very much!

First off, welcome to RCU. You've come to the right place for the answers to your questions.

Are you wanting to stay co-axial (same rotor setup as the mCX) for the time being, or do you want to step up to a single main rotor with a tail rotor (conventional design)?

If you want to stay co-axial, you can go with a larger heli such as the soon to be released Blade CX3 with the MD520N (NOTAR or No TAil Rotor) fuselage or any of the other co-axial helis.

If you want to try your hand at a conventional design, I would highly recommend a simulator such as FSOne or RealFlight G4. Since your budget is under $250, you could check out one of the many fixed pitch (FP) helis on the market. If you can go with BOTH the sim and a helicopter, I would recommend going with a belt driven tail helicopter such as [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/typhoon.htm]this.[/link] I don't personally know much about this heli (Art-Tech Typhoon CP for $250), but it looks to be a solid design and has a belt driven tail. However, doing so would blow your $250 budget.

If you go with FP, you can get a heli and a sim for your budget (FSOne [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HANS2000]simulator[/link] and the E-Sky Honey Bee Mark 3 [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/honeybee3.htm]helicopter.[/link]). In doing the latter, you can get the hang of flying the FP and deciding on whether or not you want to advance further in helis, as well as prepare yourself for your next step up to a 400-450 class heli (such as the e-Flite Blade 400, Align T-Rex 450, E-Sky Belt CP, etc...).

The FPs and the larger coaxial helis are still essentially indoor helis except for on calm days. However, an FP can take a little bit more wind (not much) than a coaxial can. Once you've gotten some sim time and are ready to spend a bit more on a 400-450 class heli, you can begin flying outside in even more wind. The 400-450 class must be flown outside or in a gym (or similar sized indoor area).

I would recommend staying away from the collective pitch (CP) helis with motor driven tails such as the e-Flite Blade CP series, Heli-Max AXE CP series, etc... They are billed as "step up" helis from the coaxial helis, however they are to sensitive and difficult to control for a beginner. Once you can handle a 400-450 class machine and want something smaller to fly, then step into a CP.

Most of the helis in your price range that I mentioned come RTF (ready to fly) with a radio, battery, and charger. Once you know that you're going to stick with helis and progress, you will want a better radio with at least 6+ channels and in the 2.4ghz band, such as the Spektrum DX6i or DX7, or the Futaba FASST 6CHP.

Others here may have some thoughts on specific models and suppliers to guide you further in your decision.

Happy flying.

You're not going to get much for that money; go for the cx-3. It'll still be very forgiving but wil sharpen Your flying skills as it is a bit 'zippier.'

It is serviceable so will help condition You as a mechanic, and parts are readily available,

If You are still hooked to this hobby a few weeks, months later, or whatever, save Your pennies for a T-Rex 450 or Blade 400.

Collective pitch is a MUCH more stable platform than fixed pitch.

If money was no object, then I would say go straight for the T-REX, that's what alot of people and I did about a year ago.
It will save You alot of money in the long run than going for the inbetweens, dumping them or quitting in frustration because of their inherent quirkiness and unforgiveability.

I was pleasantly surprised of how easy the t-rex was to hover my first try!

You can fly in pretty windy conditions, too with a larger heli. That's important to Me where live!

The larger the heli on single rotors, the easier they are to fly.

Average crash cost is about $25- 30.

I've spent that on a outdoor crash on a cx-2 more than once with the paper thin canopies and plastic this and that.

If I understand correctly Co-Axial helis are much easier to fly and more stable.

Yes, by far. . .

I'm comparing CP and FP, not COAXIAL.

I advised him to get a CX-3 for the next step.

Gary

Coaxial helis are by far more stable than any other heli. However, since he's already accomplished learning the mCX, he may tire of the CX2/CX3 far sooner than on an FP heli. I do agree that the "in between" helis are not the best choice in some situations, but since money is a limiting factor, he may not lose interest in an FP heli quite as soon and the 400-450 class helis are about twice the cost. For the money, he can get a simulator (which he can use to practice on before ever touching the real heli, and use to build skills to fly the 400-450 class helis) and an FP heli (to which he can apply what he's learned on the sim, as well as enjoy a more challenging flight on an actual RC heli). There may be other circumstances that have influenced the budget of less than $250. If he needs to stick to that budget for some time, this would be the better route. Parts may become a concern as well. The FP helis are not even half the cost of a 400-450 to repair and can take much more abuse, so repairs won't be as often and cost less. If his budget was closer to $600, I'd say get the Blade 400 and a sim without any second thought. If you can find a decent 400-450 class heli with a sim for under $250 and it has a good following here on RCU and/or a local hobby shop, I'd say go for it. Without the sim, there will be much more frustration when a crash does happen (not ready to fly it and increased repair costs vs. an FP), and they happen fast. With a sim, the larger heli will be just as easy to fly (if not easier) as an FP.

I'm not a big fan of the FPs myself, however, they do have their place as a step up for those that cannot afford a 400-450 class machine, but want more of a challenge than a coaxial. Plus, he's not even certain if he's "totally dedicated", as he put it. When money's tight, why spend $600+ on a helicopter that may only get flown a couple of times before it becomes a dust collector when one can spend $250 and get a heli that serves it's purpose to the owner until he decides to go further?

Happy flying.

Well, I did look at the CX3 because I feel coaxial helis are a good fit for my abilities. I really like how the CX3 looks, as well as the bigger size. I also like that it is a bit faster and more "hobbiest" (for lack of a better term). But this raises a couple more questions. If I were to buy the CX3, would I need to buy a new controller, or may I use the one that I recieved with my mCX (RTF)? Also, how long can the CX3 run on its battery, because I am also looking at a longer flight time on a single battery. And lastly, are there any must-need accessories, like extra batteries or chargers (because I bought an extra charger and two batteries for my mCX)?

A good choice !

Does the CX-3 NOT come with a controller?

It is an improved CX-2 is what I gather so I suspect flight times to be around 8 minutes with good battery.

Gary.

In fact the CX3 does come with a controller with the RTF version, but my question was could I use my mCX controller, or would have to buy the one that comes with the CX3?

You will be able get the CX3 as both a complete RTF (with radio) or a BNF (does not include a radio, but does include everything else so it can be bound to any DSM2 capable radio). At least that's what HH says.

I apologize if I came off pushy on the FP/Sim. I wasn't meaning to be. I was just trying to give the most information possible for you to make an informed decision. If the CX3 is your choice, I'm sure it will be an excellent helicopter for you and you will be happy with it. It looks to be substantially similar to the current CX2, so you should be able to get plenty of assistance on here if need be.

Enjoy whatever you choose and happy flying.

It may be possible to use the mCX controller with the CX3. However, when pilots go from the CX2 to an mCX, they need to change some of the dip switches (reversing the servos). In that case, you may not be able to use the mCX Tx with the CX3 since the mCX radio does not have servo reversing capabilities. I could be wrong, HH may have included some special programming in the radio to allow the mCX radio to be compatible with another heli/airplane.

You are correct about dip-switch settings being different between the CX2/3 and the MCX. I just got an MCX and I fly it with the CX2a (2.4ghz) transmitter. The CX2/3 dip switches are #6 & #7 up and #8 down. The MCX requires switch #6 & 7 down and #8 is UP. Simple enough, but the MCX Tx will not fly the CX2/3.

Remember that you are never stuck when you have a helicopter that you want to remove from the flightline. There's always someone out there looking for a good used helicopter. Ebay and RC Universe can both get it sold if that's what you want. I think that the MCX is ideal if your indoor flight area is congested.

$250? Hmmm. You cannot get into a premium helicopter for that price, BUT you can get a NEW Esky BELT CP and a Clearview Sim for the price. You'll need a controller but I think you can run the Sim with the Esky controller. An ESKY controller that feels just like the Belt CP transmitter and is USB can be had for about $30.

Personally, I advise getting the Esky controller here [link=https://www.ushobbysupply.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=esky+simulator &osCsid=921b7749bb6e46dc4cc67cbe0069bc4b&x=0&y= 0]SIM Controller[/link]. The $30 gets you a decent controller that is USB so you don't need a bunch of weird interface stuff. ClearView is not premium, but it works really well as a trainer. It certainly will meet your NEEDS. Would we all like a premium $300 sim? Of course, but it's all about priorities. A sim (ANY SIM) will save it's cost in broken parts.

About the BELT CP. I had one. It is not a premium piece, but it is far better than I expected. In the box you'll get a decent transmitter with variable pitch and throttle curve, a fully collective pitch helicopter, Lipo pack, charger, Brushless power, belt driven tail and a decent set of servos. About the servos - the gears are easily stripped, but the servos are rebuildable. A new gearset costs a whole dollar. Or you can upgrade the servos. I recommend that route because you'll be within your price point. If you stay in the hobby and want to move up sell the Belt CP. They sell very well on Ebay. Heck, look for a used Belt on ebay! A few guys on this forum have Belts so there is endless support if you have questions.

Good luck, Soloboss

Oh yes - about Goldslinger's recommendation of a CX3 - you betcha! The CX3 is almost a no brainer - really sweet. I offered my alternative if you decide to go single rotor.

sorry for the double post
Solo

I am in a somewhat similar situation, I fly airplanes and got a MCX as a first heli for winter, there's still snow on the shady side of my house and I want a new heli. My goal is not 3D , I want a 400-450 heli toned down with a scale body to fly at the field. I think a CX3 will be my jumping point. then the Blade 400 of a TREX 450.
watch some youtube, once you get good you can do a few mods, and upgrades to a CX2/CX3 and make them pretty fast and usable outside in low wind.
I'd say FS1 and a CX3, and have fun while you save and research which larger heli to get.

Don't give up on the little MCX yet either, I have just modded the swash plate on my MCX and now I CAN GO FAST!!! it will even fly in the yard now, before if there was enough breeze to feel it on your cheek it was too much, PM me if you wanna know what all I have done.

Does anybody here know the average cost of crashing a Blade 400?

About $30-50, depending on what bends. Usually breaks the blades and bends the main shaft, flybar, and feathering spindle. In more major crashes, you could be looking at stripped servo gears, bent tail boom, bent skids, and broken canopy in addition to the usual parts. Those are just what breaks from my experience.

According to the mcx manual, you can actually reverse the servos using the transmitter and holding the trim buttons for awhile, your mileage may very. Also the mcx is 4ch and I think the cx3 is 5ch, might be a problem, don't know.

Mike

I saw on eflites website that there are beginner settings for the blade 400 on the DX6i transmitter.  Does anyone know of any beginner settings for the same heli using the DX7 tx?

DX6i radio and a Eflite MSR BNF.

Geta Blade mSR......it is small lightweight and a definite step up. A CX3 is a larger version of what you alredy have and the mSR is $149 in the BNF model........once you hone your abilities with that heli then I would step to a Blade SR wicth will be out soon......