Hi Folks! Super pschyed to be here. I'm at the beginning stages of getting into the sport of flying Heli's and have my first question for all of you out there.
What are your recommendations for a a straight forward stable flyer. No 3D. Probably 500 or 600 series heli. Something that down the road a few years I can rig a video camera too and get stable, little vibration shots from the air.
I totally understand this might not happen for up to five years, but I need to start somewhere and also understand that the 1st place to start is with the Pheonix simulator.
So a radio and simulator is 1st... Radio recommendations?
The reason I'm jumping the gun with the heli question is that I'm looking for a used heli and I am keeping my eyes peeled for a good match for what I am going to try to pull off down the road.
I'd like to buy a new radio soon so any info on any of this would be awesome.
Thanks.

I know you said you don't want 3D but the majority of helis i seen on youtube with the video camera attached have been 3D type heli's i'm looking at getting a trex 450 clone and from what i seen on youtube 450's handle the style of camera i'm getting pretty well.
i've seen videos of the trex 500 using a camera too.Just because its a 3D heli it doesn't mean have to do 3Dmaneuvers with it.

You might consider spending @ $125 on a  small Co-Axial type such as an E-Flite Blade MCX2 or the twin rotor Rescue Heli. I too want to get into bigger helis as soon as reasonable but just one crash and it will easily cost more than ones of these little guys. I was steered into this direction by some great 3D heli pilots and I'm having super fun and a steep learning curve. Works well with my simulator as I am going back and forth from my actual simple little co-axials to collective helis on the simulator. Just a thought. Besides, it is darn cold outside now and any time I want I can get out my little micro and buzz around the den.

What about getting something like this?http://www.hobby-wing.com/walkera-uf...elicopter.htmli'm considering that and its the same general style as the bigger ones, learn on that little guy and then you'll have the basic understanding on how to move the bigger guys later on.
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That Walkera looks like one super little heli. Lots of high end hardware and it does have what appears to be a superior 3 axis control board. I'll see if my LHS has one and give it a good look. Sure seems like an ideal transition between Co-Axial and Single Rotor fixed Pitch. As I have read the guys here seem to think pretty highly of them. If I decide toget one instead of the E-Flite fixed pitch single rotor I was planning on as the next step, I willfile reports.

Here is the walkera for about 30 bucks cheaper...

http://www.xheli.com/walkeraheli-uflys-rtf.html

Thanks you guys. The Walkera looks good and affordable. I'll have to think about that one... If I was to invest in a quality radio that will last and hopefully not grow out of, what would you recommend? I would like to get something fairly soon so I can get going on the Phoenix simulator.

3D, yea, I realize you don't need to do the 3D with a 3D chopper, just wondering if there was a non 3D option out there that was known to be more stabel because it didn't have the 3d technology incorporated into it? So Trex is the best bet?
Thanks!

As far as I know the Trex is the best bet all the youtube videos with camera's have the same type of helicopter and they've all looked stable. unless they don't know what their doing.i'm going to be getting this heli in a few weeks
http://www.ehirobo.com/shop/product_...oducts_id=9708.i'm not going to fly it right away though i'm also going to get that walkera to practice.I'm just getting the bigger one so i wont have to later on.
that heli is a Trex clone and i heard itscompatiblewith trex parts. and its cheaper so thats why im getting it.

Hmmm interesting.  So now it's 2011, what radios do you guys recommend.  I honestly don't think I'll be flying around others at all.
I need to make sure I can fly good distances, good range for me will be important..  Any suggestions?
thanks to all...

I’d go with a DX7 new or checkout the classified ad’s here and on other forums for a good used one. It should fit your needs now and for some time to come. Its one of the most popular entry level radios. I think it will also work with the Pheonix simulator.


As far as helis go there are a lot of things to factor in.

What is your budget?
Do you have anyone to help you learn?
Are you willing to build it?
Do you have to run your camera rig on the same heli yopur planning on learning on?


If you have someone to help mentor you through the learning curve go with a Trex 600 or a trex 600 clone. They are stable enough to make a decent camera ship.

If you don’t have anyone in your area to help you learn to fly I’d say stay smaller then a Trex 600. Say a 450 or 500.

Don’t bother with the little coaxil helis . They are nothing more than toys and have no value in teaching you to fly a real RC Heli.
I’d also recommend saying away from all that little walkera crap people are recommending above. They are MUCH harder to learn on.

Great input...<div>I'm thinking of the DX6 used... along with the trex 500.</div><div>I plan to learn for a few years on this heli then run the camera on the same rig.</div><div>I don't know anyone at this juncture who can help me learn.</div><div>I will be buying thePhoenixfor sure...</div><div></div><div>Sounds good? I just hope the 500 is stable enough for a camera...</div><div>Looks like I will spend about $900 for everything plus a charger, batteries and tons of extra parts.</div><div></div><div>Thanks for the help!!!!</div>

i have the dx6i and it seams to be a good radio from what everyone it telling me and it fairly easy to use too hope this helps you ,,,,,

DX7 is now 199 that's tough to beat and I would recommenced it over the 6. The 500 is a nice heli but the 600 is just so much more stable. There are a abundance of used 600's and radios on the other heli sites if your looking to really cut costs..
Mike

You are on the right track, DX7 or just to confuse things how about a Futaba 7CHP FASST (I love my 7C). The radio link is almost bullet proof, but the DX7 is easier to find info on and has all those tempting E-Flite BNF models you can take advantage of fr fun. As to the heli,
the T-rex 600e will rock your socks, E helis always have lower vibes and are easier to setup, but have a higher initial cost. Nitro helis are cheaper to get going a bit but require tuning the engine, and buying fuel all the time. The 500 is very stable, but the 600 can lift more equipment so take your pick.