PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This is a fantastically robust remote control helicopter that is built for outdoor use. Comes complete with figures.

PRODUCT FEATURES
Very Robust
In Built Gyro
Indoor and Outdoor Use
Mains Charger

For those interested in getting seriously involved in the hobby of flying a remote control helicopter then a better option maybe a collective pitch model. Initially the learning curve will be very steep and you will have to put a lot of time into practicing basic manoveures. but if you stick with it you will have a hobby for life.

To the beginner, the idea of altering the factory settings on a new remote control helicopter may seem strange but if you  are serious about the hobby then you will need to get involved in the detail. For those just looking for a bit of fun then a less complicated, more stable, coaxial remote control helicopter would be a better choice. If you have opted for a
collective pitch model then be prepared for a steep learning curve.

When you see references to adjusting the throttle curve, what is meant is adjusting the feel of the throttle, ensuring that it is more responsive when you need it to be and stable at other times, such as in the hover.

The throttle curve basically sets a level of output for a particular stick position. If no alterations are made then you will get a 1:1 ratio. At a throttle position of 50% you will get output of 50%.

On more advanced transmitters you normally get to select up to 7 throttle / output settings. More experienced pilots usually change the settings to give a more “sensitive” response when spooling up the helicopter and reduce it as the helicopter transitions to a hover and then once the throttle is  moved to the 3/4 position the curve climbs steeply again.

Using this type of configuration means the helicopter will spool up quickly to reach a hover, settle down a bit in the hover and then accelerate faster as the throttle is increased.

As you can see getting a programmable transmitter is just as important as the helicopter itself

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Syma Micro Shark remote control helicopter is very stable in the air . With the USB charger that is supplied it is easy to charge. For additional enjoyment you should also consider purchasing an additional battery. You will then not be limited to the flying time of a fully charged battery which is normally about 10 minutes. At an exceptionally low price this remote control helicopter is super value and will provide hours of entertainment.

PRODUCT FEATURES
3.5 Channel
Ready to Fly
Built in Gyro
Infra Red Control

Flying a remote control helicopter is great fun but don’t forget to make sure that you have defined you own requirements before you purchase a model. Remember not all remote control helicopters are the same

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Syma Dragon Fly remote control helicopter is a 3.5 channel model that is suitable for beginners. Ready to fly straight out of the box it comes with a rechargeable battery pack and a set of spare blades. Any remote control helicopter that has less than 4 channels should be regarded as a toy so if you are serious about getting involved in the hobby over the long therm then there are other helis you should have a look at.

PRODUCT FEATURES
Built In Gyro
Long Life Li-Po Battery
Indoor and Outdoor Use
Full Function RC

There is a remote control helicopter for all abilities and budgets. It is just a matter of ensuring that you make the right choice. Some beginners like to jump straight in and get a collective pitch helicopter. If you do go for that option then we would strongly advise that you also include a simulator and training gear in your order.  The best option of all is to join a model club. Unfortunately there may not be one close to you and if not then you will have to take tings a little slower in order to avoid unnecesary crash damage. The ufast.org blog is full of useful info on the topic of remote control helicopters

Understanding the control system of your remote control helicopter is key to getting the most out of model. If you have opted for a toy or coaxial model then the system will not be as complicated. You will be able to get the heli in the air fairly quickly, which is  what they are designed for anyway.

If you have decided to purchase a CP remote control helicopter then be prepared to spend some time understand how the model works and is put together. Cutting corners at the start will cause you problems within weeks.

We have already explained some of the terms used to describe the TX system and we will continue with some more in this post.

Throttle Hold
This switch can be turned on and off. When it is activated  it stops the rotor blades from spooling up if the throttle is acidentally moved forward. It is a very useful safety feature.

Gyro Switch
This switch allows you to pre programme the TX with different gain values. By flicking a switch you can change from one value to another. This functionality is usually used vy experienced flyers who perform 3d manoveurs.

Expo
Some helicopters can be very sensitive especially those capably of 3d flying. This can be very disconcerting for a novice or someone who prefers flying more sedate routines. The expo function allows you to increase / decrease the control sensitivities around the central
stick positions. For small stick movements the control movement can be programme to react slower and for large movements it can be programme for fast reactions.

Multi Model Memory
For those who plan to fly multiple models this is a really useful feature and highlights one of the main advantages of buying a quality TX. Transmitters with this function have multiple slots that store set up values for a range of remote control helicopters. Some will even have a slot for external memory cards.

For those serious about the hobby of flying a remote control helicopter it is well worth investing in a top of the range TX. As your skill level increases you will come to appreciate all the extras such transmitters offer.

Believe it or not the TX you purchase will have as big an impact on the level of enjoyment you experience when flying a  remote control helicopter as the model itself. Getting the setup right is vital and if you do not have the correct TX you will not be able to get the helicopter flying as you would like.

If you opt for a ready to fly model then chances are you will not have any option regarding a TX but when buying the model check the details to see if an upgrade is possible.

Getting your head around the various terms used to describe the functions on a TX is very important and in the next few posts we will explain some of the most important features.

Throttle Curve
The throttle curve defines the relationship between the throttle and the collective control position. When flying 3d and aerobatic manoveures the relationship between the throttle and collective pitch is symmetrical. maximim power will be combined with maxium pitch.

Dual Rates
This referes to the function which controls the sensitivity of the main control sticks. When learning to fly, less sensitive control sticks will not be as frustrating and a little more “forgiving”.

Flight Mode
This function will also help the pilot change the sensitivity of the helicopter. It is also referred to as “Idle Up”. before taking to the  air the piolt can pre programme the TX with different combinations of throttle and main blade settings. Change from one setting to another can be done at the flick of a switch.

We have just looked at the main controls / “sticks” on a remote control helicopter TX and outlined the two main “modes” that pilots use.  There is no right or wrong mode but some people do have a preference for one over the other.

There is a second level of controls that a pilot can use. These are called trims and are used for making minor adjustments while flying

For example if your helicopter tends to drift to the right you would use some left trim to compensate. It is all about keeping the helicopter in balanced flight. To the beginner this may seem like a far way off but with regular practice you should reach a stage where just keeping the  helicopter in the air is no longer considered an achievement.

On newer transmitters you will notice that the trims are digital whereas on older versions they were manual.

Even if you have spent time getting the setting on your helicopter just right the conditions will change each time you take your helicopter out. When the helicopter flies straight and level on it’s own you will know you have mastered the use of trims.

At this stage we have highlighted two key points regarding the control system of a remote control helicopter

1. You should not purchase a remote control helicopter with less than 4 channels
2. You should only consider rc helicopters that operate on the 2.4GHz frequency

The next TX characteristic we will discuss is the mode setting. This should be outlined in the spec for the  particular helicopters you are considering.

The main two options are mode 1 or mode 2 and most helicopters come set up using mode 2 .

On mode two, the left “stick controls the throttle and yaw and the right stick fore / aft and left / right. This configuration is the same as you would find in a real helicopter.

No mode is better than the other. The fact that most helicopters are sold in mode 2 is more convention than  a statement of quality. It is highly unlikely that once you start flying on one mode that you will change. It is a difficult transition and it offers no advantages.

If you do find that the helicopter you purchase is set up in a mode not to your liking it is still posible to change the setting using the TX.

As you can see the mode setiing is not a crtial factor but you should certainly be aware of what it is and how it can be  changed.

As we suggested in our last post there are certain things relating to the control system that you should clarify before deciding to purchase any particular remote control helicopter. The first is the frequency at which the transmitter works. We  recommended that it should operate using the 2.4GHz frequency

The second thing you should check is the number of controls / channels. Very often you will see references made to the number of channels that a rc helicopter has. This refers to the number of control inputs that are available. We highly recommend that you do not buy a helicopter that has less than 4 channels. Anything with less than 4 channels will be very basic and should be classified  as a toy and is certainly not a hobby grade remote control helicopter.

The TX for a 4+ channel heli will have two sticks and each stick will control two channels. These are the primary controls. The TX will also have other trims and toggles on the top of the TX casing.

On a 4+ channel TX both “sticks ” will move forwards / backwards as well as left / right and when the position of a stick is changed a signal is sent via the antenna and picked up the reciever on the helicopter.

The way in which the helicopter reacts to the change in control input will depend on the mode of the helicopter. In the next post we will go through the different mode settings.

There are certain minimum specifications that you should not go below when purchasing a remote control helicopter. One of those recommendations relates to the control system and the frequency it operates on.

One of the first things you should check when looking at the various models available is whether or not it operates on the 2.4GHz frequency. This is far more advanced than the more traditional MHz frequency and eliminates any worries regarding interference from other devices in the area.

Without going into too much detail, the transmitter (TX) scans the spectrum for available space and then locks onto the receiver (RX), thereby creating a very strong signal.

Although the technology is still relatively new to the world of remote control helicopters most Ready to Fly (RTF) models come with the new transmission frequency as standard. For example one of the most popular helicopters for beginners is the esky lama which now comes in a 2.4Ghx version.

When buying a new model stict to a recognised brand such as e-filte and you can be fairly confident that you will be getting a  helicopter built to the highest spec. However we suggest that you read the spec carefully to make sure as some shops may still  have older versions in stock.