Archive for August, 2009

What spare parts and accessories might I need for my RC helicopter?

Monday, August 10th, 2009

As we have been explaining in the past few articles, there are many parts and accessories you can purchase for your RC helicopter. RC helicopters will occasionally need to be tweaked or mended from time to time, to get them to fly to their full potential, but you can also safeguard their protection when not engaged in flying. Therefore, it may be worth investing in a flight case to keep your helicopter protected and store items such as the transmitter, batteries and charger.

As well as making sure your beloved RC helicopter is well looked after, you could do with investing in a tool kit to make any small modifications or repairs yourself. You could always buy the tools separately but, for beginners especially, all you would basically need would be contained within the kit. They are easier to transport and they usually include basic items for general helicopter maintenance and setup such as; screwdrivers, ball link pliers, socket drivers for replacing nuts and bolts, wire cutters, Allen drivers, a pitch guage and a voltage reader for diagnosing battery charging problems.

There are standard spare parts available for all RC Electric Helicopters irrespective of size ranging from the small palm size Salvation RC Electric Helicopters to the larger 450 size 6 channel models. You can also get accessories, for instance, spare batteries for your RC helicopter transmitter.

More about spare parts and accessories for RC helicopters

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

In the last article we stressed the importance of finding a dependable source for all your RC helicopter requirements. As you can never be sure when you will be in need of a crucial spare part, you need to find a stockist you can trust – and who can offer same day shipping. Also, there are many spare parts and accessories available for RC helicopters, so it can sometimes be difficult to locate what you need. The RC helicopter seller should be able to help.

Most genuine stockists should offer a report upon sale of the helicopter to prove it has been thoroughly tested and is in full working condition. Therefore, your only issues should occur once you start dealing with the hazards of flying the helicopter where there are hazards and obstacles to navigate – as well as the general wear and tear of the craft. But, if you do crash your RC helicopter, you don’t want to be grounded for long – so grab the part you need and get flying again.

All of the top RC helicopter models should be backed up by a wide range of spares, upgrades and accessories so you shouldn’t really have a problem getting the part you require.

How to find spare parts for your RC helicopter

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

If you have been involved with RC helicopters for a number of years, then you’ll know that from time to time parts of the RC helicopter may need replacing, or they may break off during a particularly hazardous flying session. Therefore, it is important to find a stockist you can trust for all your spare parts and upgrade requirements.

These days, with RC helicopters becoming a very specialist hobby, you can find many retailers and hobbyists who stock all the spare parts for all the RC helicopters on the market. It is imperative that you do your research to find a reliable supplier with a good reputation with other hobbyists. You can find this out by checking out their selection of parts and upgrades for sale. Customer service is of paramount importance if you need to guarantee a particular part arrives in time for when you need it. This is especially the case if an RC helicopter event is coming up in the near future.

Generally, the stockists who advertise the full range of RC helicopters and all the spare parts you could ever need would suggest they know what they are talking about; they should also be able to advise if you are unsure of the part you are looking for.

Purchasing an RC helicopter for those more experienced in flying

Friday, August 7th, 2009

The most recent articles have generally looked at RC helicopters for beginners, as well as those who are finding they need a new challenge. That is why the outdoor training RC helicopters are recommended as the step between 4 Channel and 6 Channel helicopters. However, for those who are used to flying and controlling their RC helicopter outdoors, then 6 Channel helicopters are recommended for more advanced hobbyists.

If you are looking for an RC helicopter with more moving parts and you have a great deal of patience, slowly learning as you master the craft, then 6 Channel helicopters may be for you. If you have dreams of becoming an advanced pilot then you should certainly consider the E-SKY and Walkera range.

If you spend some time looking around on the internet, or have already found a reputed RC helicopter stockist, then you will be able to find great deals on E-SKY and Walkera helicopters, which are of the highest quality.

As explained previously, these Remote Controlled Helicopters do require a greater degree of skill and patience to operate. The E-SKY Honeybee and Belt-CP are popular models to choose. Walkera are also market leaders in producing new and unique models such as the 4G3 and the 22E.

Purchasing an RC helicopter for those with some experience of flying

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

Over the past few articles we have been looking at RC helicopters for those new to the hobby looking for a beginner’s model to help them get used to the controls and master the basic skills of flying an RC helicopter. As with most things, the more you practice, the better you will get at it. This is no different with RC helicopters.

In this, as well as the next article, we will consider RC helicopters which are more challenging and more suited to outdoor flying, where the control of the craft is of the utmost importance. The safety considerations are important when flying the RC helicopter outdoors, and if you ever decide to attend any RC helicopter events, one of the main things stressed to those engaged in flying, is the safety aspects of the hobby. There are rules in place for spectators, as well as your own, safety.

So, if you have reached the stage where you are feeling more ambitious then you could consider either the E-SKY Honeybee or the Walkera 4G1B models. These are still 4 channel RC helicopters, but they are outdoor training models and so, you are bound to find them more challenging.

Purchasing an RC helicopter for beginners (Part 2)

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

In the last article we looked at 3 Channel RC helicopters which are ideal for beginners. As you get into the hobby, you may want to spend longer mastering the controls of the helicopter. At this stage, 6 Channel helicopters are more suited to skilled and patient hobbyists however, 4 Channel helicopters are the logical next step up for serious beginners.

So, now we will consider the merits of 4 Channel helicopters. These helicopters can be mastered much quicker than the more advanced models, but will provide you with a certain level of enjoyment that is superior to the 3 Channel models.

The 4 Channel helicopters are larger than the 3 Channel models and so a serious step up in skill level is required. With a little time and effort they can be mastered and allow you to develop the crucial skills needed to fly the even larger and more advanced 6 Channel models.

With these helicopters you will have to be more precise than ever before and like the 3 Channel models can fly forwards, backwards, up, down as well as spinning on their axis – but with the added difficulty of flying left and right.

Again, these models will not break the bank, but can be purchased at around £70. You should consider the well known E-SKY Co-Comanche model which is ideal for beginners and can be used outside. Other popular models to consider include the top quality Walkera Airwolf, Dauphin and Chinook models.

We will be looking at more challenging models in the next article.

Purchasing an RC helicopter for beginners (Part 1)

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

When looking to buy a beginner electric RC helicopter there is a deluge of information on the internet. This can be a bit daunting when you are just starting out in the hobby. You can get confused as to whom to believe. Despite this, you can find many RC helicopter sites that offer advice and are only too happy to help beginners find their first helicopter model.

You should always consider the advice of experienced hobbyists and established RC helicopter retailers as they will have seen it all before and know how to advise. Here is a short summary of one of the basic models you can consider:

3 Channel RC helicopters are the easiest types of helicopter to try when first starting out and are excellent value for money. These starter models will help you to get to grips with the art of flying. These palm-sized helicopters are cheap to buy at around £25 and are great for use in the home or as a novelty item in the office; you should be able to control one in the air with ease. These helicopters can fly forwards, backwards, up, down as well as spinning on their axis. Why not consider the Salvation helicopter range?

These Salvation RC helicopters may be basic but they are still very good quality and their cheap spare parts make them economical to run. You don’t need any prior knowledge to use them and once the battery is charged you are ready to fly!

In the next article we will continue the theme by looking at 4 Channel RC helicopters.

Things to remember before purchasing an RC helicopter

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

In the past couple of articles we have been looking at newcomers to the hobby. Now, we will take a little time to look at what you need to bear in mind when looking to buy an RC helicopter. If you take a moment to look at all the internet has to offer when it comes to RC helicopters, then you will agree that there is so much out there. This makes it difficult to choose on a particular model. It’s best to start with what you want out of your RC helicopter experience.

When deciding upon an RC helicopter model to buy, it is best to keep it simple and consider how often you will use it and if you want it for competition, or just pleasure. Do you want a model that is state-of-the-art? And more importantly, are you experienced enough to handle some of the more complex models?

In keeping with the theme, we will first look at helicopters for beginners. More experienced and advanced RC helicopter enthusiasts will be considered a bit later on. There are many different ranges of helicopters for beginners so it is best to first try and understand the basic workings of an RC helicopter before looking to purchase a tried and tested basic model. We will look at beginner helicopters in the next article.

Welcome to the world of RC helicopters – Part 2

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

In the last article we were discussing the first introduction to the hobby of RC helicopters and finding your way around the information out there.

There are many designs of remote controlled helicopters for users at all skill levels. The range of products is constantly expanding so it can sometimes seem a little daunting to walk into a hobby shop or browse the internet searching for spares or the latest information on a particular model.

For beginners, there are a number of resources out there you’ll be relieved to hear. There are many fan sites with hints and tips on the best places to fly your RC helicopter. There is also a deluge of info out there on how to meet up with fellow beginners as well as established hobbyists at organised events.

In fact, the British Model Flying Association has compiled a list of RC helicopter clubs all across the country and further afield for you to join and benefit from being a member.

There is so much out there for you to take in and explore, and this will give you the best chance of setting up your RC helicopter for the first time with a sense of vigour and the start of a long-lasting and rewarding hobby. Welcome to the community.

Welcome to the world of RC helicopters – Part 1

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

If you are new to the world of RC helicopters you may not really know where to start. You may have been bought a radio control helicopter for your birthday or Christmas, but are somewhat perplexed as to how you go about flying it, or whether this really is the hobby for you. Fear not, we have all been there at some time or another.

Not all RC helicopter enthusiasts suddenly decided one day to go out and buy themselves the latest model and spend every moment of their lives devoted to this unique hobby. Ok, there may be some out there who are putting their hands up already. For most, it may be a friend’s recommendation, an advert in a magazine, or, as mentioned above, the by-product of an over-enthusiastic parent hell bent on making their son or daughter a wannabe RC helicopter flying champion.

Whatever the reason that has brought you into the world of RC helicopters know that there are others out there in the same boat. In the next article we will look at making contact with fellow beginners and enthusiasts to make the most out of the experience.