OK guys, I'm a newbie...and am very interested in an electric heli.

Now, I originally saw the Skylark...which looks decent...however it would be coming from Hong Kong. (not to comfortable ordering from there). Now, I've read that the Skylark is pretty much the same as the Hummingbird...

Now, I've also been reading that the Corona is the best beginner's model.

So, right now I'm thinking about either of those three. Can anyone suggest one more then the other? Also, where would be the best (& reputable) online places to order from?

One last thing...what does FEDA mean?

<ducks>



moose

I recently purchased a Corona from a Hobby Store and have been flying it for several weeks (I too am a beginner). It is VERY durable - I've flown it in my garage and banged into various objects with no harm done - the rotor blades are flexible and do not break. I've ordered parts directly from LMH and they arrived within a couple days. The Corona is too big to fly indoors. The only parts I needed to buy thus far is the boom ($9.99) because it bends after tail strikes, however I found out how to minimize dents in the boom. The Corona is easy to build and maintain/repair.

I considered a Hummingbird but I felt it was too small to fly outdoors. Even in a mild wind the Corona is tough to handle for me (a relative beginner), I imagine a Hummingbird would be worse outdoors.

I suspect that the Hummingbird is cheaper to operate, as it requires smaller batteries. I've been purchasing 7 cell 3300 MAH NIMH battery packs for the Corona at a cost of $60 each - pretty steep, but I get 9-10 minute flights.

Thanks for the info...

another thing I noticed was that it seems like the skylark comes with everything you need while the hummingbird, you need to get a radio, crystal. (and not to mention, mount the actuators, etc. etc)

Is this a correct assumption? What other kits are practically RTF? I think I need to start with a model that already has everything mounted. (but maybe one of you would suggest otherwise?)

Thanks in advance,
moose

another question that I THINK I know the answer to...
(I've searched the forum...and others have hinted to this...but I couldn't find a definitive yes or no...)

Will Hummingbird spare parts work on a Skylark? It looks as though they SHOULD...but i was just curious if someone could let me know for sure.

thanks!
moose

You would be better off with a Corona. You can get help online from places like www.ezonemag.com. You should also search for someone in your area to help you.

Rob

My only experience is with LMH (121, in my case), and I am also an absolute beginner.

The Corona (much the same as the 121, except for the rotors) is everything but RTF. But the manual is outstanding, building is fun, and assembling the heli yourself will help you understand how it works. It does cost quite a bit more than a hummingbird, but it is supposed to be much more durable, and - as has already been pointed out - can be flown outside, as it weighs more than twice as much.

Thanks for the insight!

moose

Got few weeks ago my Smartech SkyLark. (Got for 220$ RTF).
Order from HK is 100% safe from HK eShop. But so far I can't guarantee for eBay traders. Got mine for a 100% reliable HK eShop.

I'm a 100% beginner, so I can compare with other. I just see that nothing is available for less!

So far my SkyLark work fine, gyros & electronic look good & stable. The GWS TX is little bit too cheap for fine Helicopter control.

On overall I can suggest the SkyLark for a price of around 220$.

Spare parts are easy to find since many Hely share or are compatible, like Ikaruss piccolo.

Happy hovering !

e_lm_70