Beginner question
 

Interested in getting started in R/C Helicopters? Want to know what you need, what it cost, which helicopter to buy, what radio you need etc..?? Post all your questions here get the answers from RCU member's who know.

Tools of the Trade........?
 

I posted once about aquiring a Nexus 30, now I am curious what I will need to get this experience going. What about:
A)Blade Balancing
B)Pitch Gauge
C)Tachometer
D)Fuel Pump
E)Tracking Tape

I already have:
12V Starter
Ball end Pliers (?)

Re: Tools of the Trade........?
 

A) Knoll blade balancer,or robart high point balancer with a blade adapter.

B) any pitch gage , Century,hobbico,etc..

C) The best one is MA optical tack @ 120.00

D) any electric or hand all pumps work good..

E) usually the tape that comes with the blade works good enough

Beginner question
 

Additionally,

What does each thing do!!! I am particularly interested in
A)Blade Balancer--on how many axis? (Carbon Blades need balance?)
B)Tach-why do you need to know the RPM's of the Head?
C)Pitch Gauge-found out what this does in a book I purchased, but insight is always welcome
D)Tracking Tape-I assume you put this on the blade to "Balance" it...correct?

Beginner question
 

A) usually a set of carbon and fiberglass blades do not need to be balanced.

B) You need to set-up the head speed to remain constant, it's like drive a stick shift, you use the right engine rpm for the right gear.Same with a heli , if you try to pull to much pitch without enough head speed you won't get the desired climb or performance you want.

C) All setup starts with adjusting the pitch.

D) yes and also to see with blade is out of track.

Beginner question
 

OR you can go to my site at http://www.littlerotors.com and check out:
- What you need to get started.
- How to set it up.
and flying lessons.

Si

Beginner question
 

:D PLug PLug :D

Beginner question
 

My question is regarding radio gear. I know this is as subjective as the individual helicopter a person picks but give me your opinion and as many good reasons why you go with what radio you have as possible. Also list any radio's/companies to avoid and why.

I am also interested to know just how many channels are considered ideal for someone who will be just starting in heli, but plans to practice allot and eventually move to 3-D and aerobatic flight?

Beginner question
 

I sold my JR10sx , replaced it with a 9zWC because,I fly both planes and helicopters. The 9zWC does it all plus it's way more powerful of a radio with tons of features compared to JR. Their are way to many difference to list but some of the main ones are-

Futaba radio's have a Campac
assignable switches
Very flexible mixing
so on ----
If you're going to run all the options9gyro,gov etc.) you need a 9ch radio or 10ch

Beginner question
 

More Questions....please bear with me

1. Do you run an Air Filter on the Carb on a Heli?
2. When advancing the throttle past 1/2...the engine tends to
loose power quickly...yet I have good smoke/oil coming from
the pipe (Running 12% Cool Power Fuel) why? Motor is an
OS 32.
3. Rotopod has me a bit shaky....It tends to tilt too much and flop
around. I would prefer that I had a flat surface to start out
with. Should I go ahead and convert it to Stage II, or should
I Reverse the Beveled Gaskets so they are flat?

Thanks in advance.....

Beginner question
 

1.A- no,to restrictive
2.A- need more info-what is the pitch @ 1/2 stick etc..
3.A- When I started out (way back when) I used to straight dowels with whiffle balls.

Beginner question
 

If you hover mostly on cement or asphalt you won't need an air filter.I hover on grass & it has prevented grass blades from getting in the carb.
As for training gear I have used the hoola hoop method & find it superior to anything else.It has prevented many accidents & tip overs.Good luck.

Beginner question
 

I just wanted to say thanks to FuryFlyer2 for listening to a couple of us (...er, me) and starting this whole beginner thread/forum thingy. Thanks man.

Beginner question
 

We aim to please , we should have it as a separate section soon.