Learn to Fly a Radio-Controlled HelicopterThings You'll Need
* Control kit
* Assembled RC helicopter
Step One
Read the instruction booklet that comes with your RC helicopter। Make sure you have at least a basic working understanding of the constituent parts and mechanisms that drive your RC helicopter. This will only help make learning to fly one easier.
Step Two
Make sure that there are no loose screws on your RC helicopter before you try to fly it। Loose screws can result in important parts flying off as you attempt to make the helicopter airborne, and can lead to significant damage to your RC helicopter.
Step Three
Have your RC helicopter unit checked over by someone with advanced expertise before you fly it। He or she will be able to spot any assembly flaws that might prevent proper flight or cause damage to your helicopter।
Step Four
Familiarize yourself with the different functions of the control panel before you attempt to fly। Most RC helicopters' control units have the same controls that are found in real helicopters, and can be quite complex in nature. The instruction manual included with your unit will walk you through the details.
Step Five
Master the skill of hovering before you attempt any other moves with your RC helicopter। This skill alone can take many attempts to master, and it is the most basic and necessary function you will need control of as you develop in skill.
Step Six
Move on to more advanced techniques, such as turns and dips, when you are comfortable with your ability to hover। Expect that you will crash your RC helicopter frequently as you learn to fly it. It is best to learn to fly it over a grassy area that can absorb the shock of a crash and may minimize and prevent damage to your helicopter.
Step Seven
Practice, practice, practice। Eventually, the skills you need to successfully fly an RC helicopter will become a matter of course।
Overall Tips & Warnings
#1Be prepared to cover the repair costs of the crashes that are very likely to result as you learn to fly RC helicopters।
#2Never fly an RC helicopter indoors। This not only prevents potential damage to the RC helicopter as well as the house, but also stops the collection of dangerous fumes that can collect in unventilated indoor spaces.
#3Avoid contact with spinning blades at all times. The blades rotate quickly enough to cause serious injury.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
RC Helicopter Safety
From: http://www.rchelimag.com/
1।Perform Your Pre-Flight Check Every TimeThis is the first rule because it's very important. Performing a thorough pre-flight inspection procedure before each and every flight will help keep you and your heli safe. An entire article can be written on the topic (in fact it was in RC Heli #1) but here are some basics. Inspect your radio's operation, make sure all the servos are functioning properly, look for loose screws or broken pieces on your heli, do a radio check, make sure your frequency is clear, make sure all of your linkages are in place, and check your battery voltage. Going through a thorough procedure before every flight will help keep you and everybody else around you safe. It's a good idea to make yourself a pre-flight check list, make multiple copies, and check off each item as you go before each flight.
2।Hold On Tight at Start Up(pic of someone starting following this procedure)When starting your glow or gasser be sure to hold onto the head or the blades at the grips firmly. Also, make sure that your radio is in normal mode and that the throttle/collective stick is in a down position. Make sure the transmitter is within reach and you have access to the fuel line in case you have to kill the engine. If you need to goose the throttle a little bit, do it while holding on tightly to the blades. I have a pair of thick leather gloves that I'll put on my left hand while starting my heli up. Once it's up and running and I'm a safe distance away I'll shake off the glove.
3।Never Hold Your Heli WithThe Blades SpinningThey may not look dangerous, but this goes for small micros too. Never hold onto the boom, skids, or anything else on your electric or glow heli when the blades are spinning. This can be very dangerous should you have a mechanical failure.
4।In the Beginning, Never Fly AloneIf you're a beginning pilot, never fly alone. It's great to have an experienced pilot by your side as you're learning to fly. Whether on a buddy box or not, they can give you direction while in flight, and can grab the radio in an emergency. Also, should something terrible happen they can call or go for help if somebody happens to get injured.
5।Avoid Using a Test StandSome guys will tether their helis to a test stand or work bench to make engine adjustments or pitch changes. This is not a good idea! Using a stand means you're up close to the heli with the blades or load simulators spinning. If something should come loose or the stand should become unstable you could have some serious injury and damage on your hands. Instead, perform adjustments at the field. Be patient, take your time, and do it right.
6.Keep Your DistanceThere's no need to be inches from your helicopter, especially while in flight. Always keep at minimum a 15 to 20 foot distance between your helicopter and you or bystanders. If you're performing a difficult or 3D maneuver, double that distance. No matter what the size, helicopters move very quickly. The more distance between you and it, the more time you'll have to react should you need to quickly duck and कवर
7।Know Your SurroundingsBefore you take flight, survey the area. Make sure that there are no trees or obstructions that could get in your way. If there are, fly somewhere else, or if you're comfortable flying near these obstacles, remember where they're located. If it's too windy, just don't fly. Also note where the sun is and don't fly into the sun, as you could become blinded even for a split second and lose sight of your helicopter. With that in mind, it's a good idea to wear sunglasses or yellow tinted "shooting" glasses to reduce glare.
8।Hold That StickIf you need to transport your helicopter, glow or electric, with the engine running, or the power system armed be sure that you're holding the stick down or utilize throttle hold. Holding the radio simply by the handle, or on your neck strap can allow you to accidentally hit the throttle stick.
9।Be Prepared
Should you have an accident, be sure to have a first aid kit and cell phone on hand।
10।Always Use Common Sense!Of course many of these rules will help you avoid this circumstance, but should you have a crash or lose control of your helicopter either in your pit or at the field, don't overreact। Be calm, assess the situation and use common sense. Common sense coupled with these rules will help keep every flying experience safe. Don't be afraid to speak up if you see someone at your field not paying attention or not aware of one of these safety rules; politely bring it to their attention. Flying RC helicopters is a hobby that's even more fun in numbers, so keep your buddies safe as well.
1।Perform Your Pre-Flight Check Every TimeThis is the first rule because it's very important. Performing a thorough pre-flight inspection procedure before each and every flight will help keep you and your heli safe. An entire article can be written on the topic (in fact it was in RC Heli #1) but here are some basics. Inspect your radio's operation, make sure all the servos are functioning properly, look for loose screws or broken pieces on your heli, do a radio check, make sure your frequency is clear, make sure all of your linkages are in place, and check your battery voltage. Going through a thorough procedure before every flight will help keep you and everybody else around you safe. It's a good idea to make yourself a pre-flight check list, make multiple copies, and check off each item as you go before each flight.
2।Hold On Tight at Start Up(pic of someone starting following this procedure)When starting your glow or gasser be sure to hold onto the head or the blades at the grips firmly. Also, make sure that your radio is in normal mode and that the throttle/collective stick is in a down position. Make sure the transmitter is within reach and you have access to the fuel line in case you have to kill the engine. If you need to goose the throttle a little bit, do it while holding on tightly to the blades. I have a pair of thick leather gloves that I'll put on my left hand while starting my heli up. Once it's up and running and I'm a safe distance away I'll shake off the glove.
3।Never Hold Your Heli WithThe Blades SpinningThey may not look dangerous, but this goes for small micros too. Never hold onto the boom, skids, or anything else on your electric or glow heli when the blades are spinning. This can be very dangerous should you have a mechanical failure.
4।In the Beginning, Never Fly AloneIf you're a beginning pilot, never fly alone. It's great to have an experienced pilot by your side as you're learning to fly. Whether on a buddy box or not, they can give you direction while in flight, and can grab the radio in an emergency. Also, should something terrible happen they can call or go for help if somebody happens to get injured.
5।Avoid Using a Test StandSome guys will tether their helis to a test stand or work bench to make engine adjustments or pitch changes. This is not a good idea! Using a stand means you're up close to the heli with the blades or load simulators spinning. If something should come loose or the stand should become unstable you could have some serious injury and damage on your hands. Instead, perform adjustments at the field. Be patient, take your time, and do it right.
6.Keep Your DistanceThere's no need to be inches from your helicopter, especially while in flight. Always keep at minimum a 15 to 20 foot distance between your helicopter and you or bystanders. If you're performing a difficult or 3D maneuver, double that distance. No matter what the size, helicopters move very quickly. The more distance between you and it, the more time you'll have to react should you need to quickly duck and कवर
7।Know Your SurroundingsBefore you take flight, survey the area. Make sure that there are no trees or obstructions that could get in your way. If there are, fly somewhere else, or if you're comfortable flying near these obstacles, remember where they're located. If it's too windy, just don't fly. Also note where the sun is and don't fly into the sun, as you could become blinded even for a split second and lose sight of your helicopter. With that in mind, it's a good idea to wear sunglasses or yellow tinted "shooting" glasses to reduce glare.
8।Hold That StickIf you need to transport your helicopter, glow or electric, with the engine running, or the power system armed be sure that you're holding the stick down or utilize throttle hold. Holding the radio simply by the handle, or on your neck strap can allow you to accidentally hit the throttle stick.
9।Be Prepared
Should you have an accident, be sure to have a first aid kit and cell phone on hand।
10।Always Use Common Sense!Of course many of these rules will help you avoid this circumstance, but should you have a crash or lose control of your helicopter either in your pit or at the field, don't overreact। Be calm, assess the situation and use common sense. Common sense coupled with these rules will help keep every flying experience safe. Don't be afraid to speak up if you see someone at your field not paying attention or not aware of one of these safety rules; politely bring it to their attention. Flying RC helicopters is a hobby that's even more fun in numbers, so keep your buddies safe as well.
Don't Fly on Windy Days: RC helicopter/Airplane
Flying Your RC Safely, Responsibly
If it seems too windy outdoors to fly, it probably is. Your RC plane or helicopter doesn’t stand much of a chance against wind so it really isn’t worth the risk. Even if you are able to get your aircraft into the air, gusts of wind can cause crashes and could send your aircraft into dangerous areas such as a crowd of people, a tree, or the side of a building.
If you can't fly indoors, wait for a very still, windless day to fly your RC aircraft।
RCGroups Rules DiscussionThis discussion of how much or how little regulation is necessary by a flying club includes a list of some common rules imposed on RC flying fields।
RC Helis Are Not ToysIn these RunRyder forum discussions members talk about various flying mishaps with helicopters as well as other RC aircraft।
Safety in the WorkshopThe British Model Flying Association has safety advice for when you are building or working on your model RC aircraft including tips on handling fuels।
Safety in the Flying FieldThese BMFA safety tips cover fuel, wind conditions, and equipment when you are flying your RC aircraft.
If it seems too windy outdoors to fly, it probably is. Your RC plane or helicopter doesn’t stand much of a chance against wind so it really isn’t worth the risk. Even if you are able to get your aircraft into the air, gusts of wind can cause crashes and could send your aircraft into dangerous areas such as a crowd of people, a tree, or the side of a building.
If you can't fly indoors, wait for a very still, windless day to fly your RC aircraft।
RCGroups Rules DiscussionThis discussion of how much or how little regulation is necessary by a flying club includes a list of some common rules imposed on RC flying fields।
RC Helis Are Not ToysIn these RunRyder forum discussions members talk about various flying mishaps with helicopters as well as other RC aircraft।
Safety in the WorkshopThe British Model Flying Association has safety advice for when you are building or working on your model RC aircraft including tips on handling fuels।
Safety in the Flying FieldThese BMFA safety tips cover fuel, wind conditions, and equipment when you are flying your RC aircraft.
Introduction to Using Lithium Polymer (Li Poly) Batteries in Your RC Helicopter
Lithium Polymer batteries are currently considered the best electric power source available for use in electric rc helicopter kits। The reason for this is that lithium battery packs are significantly lighter than NiMH or NiCD packs, and have higher capacity for the same size. Over the last five years they have worked their way into the hobby market, and in addition to being used in electric rc helicopter kits they are also common in rc boats, cars, and airplanes. Their low weight and high capacity make them ideal for long flight times, while also providing more power.
Understanding Lithium Polymer Battery Specifications:
Lithium Batteries are also know as LiPo, Li-Po, LiPoly, and Li-Poly. What do all the lithium battery specifications mean? The values that are the most important are:
* Pack voltage (depends on cell count; each cell is 3।7 V)
* Capacity (mAh)
* “C” rating (describes the rate at which power can be drawn from the battery)
Lipo Battery Cell Voltage
The nominal voltage of each cell in the pack is 3।7V, but this can go down to 3.3V during discharge, and up to 4.2V when fully charged. A battery pack is composed of two or more cells put together in series for increased voltage, or in parallel for increased capacity. A 2 pack with 2 cells in series would be rated at 7.4V (2x 3.7V).
The battery pack configuration is denoted by the number of cells in series and the number of cells in parallel। A 3s2p pack would have three cells in series, and 2 cells in parallel, using a total of 6 (3×2) cells. A 4000mAh 3s2p pack would have a capacity of 4000mAh (2 x 2000mAh), and a voltage of 11.1V (3 x 3.7V). It would internally consist of six 3.7V 2000mAh lithium polymer cells. The cells would be doubled up (the 2p part of 3s2p) to get 4000mAh, and there would be three in series (the 3s part of 3s2p) to get 11.1V (3 x 3.7V).
The “C” Rating
The “C” rating describes how quickly a battery can be discharged। A 2000mAh LiPo battery with a “C” rating of 1C continuous would mean it should not be discharged any faster than 2000mA or 2A, which would take one hour. A 2000mAh pack rated for 12C continuous would be able to discharge at 12 times its capacity (12 x 2000mA = 24000mA or 24A) at which rate it would discharge in 1/12th of an hour. Using a pack with a higher C rating than you require will leave some room for safety, and extend the life of your battery.
Continuous Current:If you know how much continuous current will be drawn and the capacity of the pack you want to use, you can easily determine what C rating you require। If you are drawing 5A from a 1320mAh pack, simply take the current and divide by the capacity: 5A = 5000mA, 5000mA / 1320mAh = 3.8C.
Burst Current:LiPo batteries are also given a C rating in terms of burst, which is how quickly the battery is able to discharge for a short time। A burst rating of 20C would mean a 2000mAh battery could supply 20 x 2000mA = 40000mA or 40A for a few seconds.
Selecting the Best LiPo Battery for Your RC Helicopter
Thunder Power eXtreme 450To select a battery for your rc helicopter, you first need to know what voltage you require and how much current you will be drawing continuously.
* If the motor in your rc helicopter is rated to work with 11।1V, you would need a 3 cell battery। * If you need to draw 20A, and you would like your rc helicopter to have a 10 minute (1/6th of an hour = 6C) flight, you would need a battery with 20A / 6 = 3।3A = 3300mAh।
* This means you would need to put a 3s 3300mAh battery with a C rating of 6 or higher in your rc helicopter।
* Thunder Power RC has a LiPo battery for almost any electric RC helicopter।
Always Remember These LiPo Safety Instructions
* Remove the battery pack from your rc helicopter before charging।
* Only use chargers designed to work properly with lithium polymer batteries।
* Always place your LiPo on a fire-proof surface while charging or use a LipoSack।
* Never leave your battery unattended while it is charging। * Never charge a lithium battery if it is below 3।0V per cell.
* Never charge a lithium battery that is puffed up, or damaged in any way.
Understanding Lithium Polymer Battery Specifications:
Lithium Batteries are also know as LiPo, Li-Po, LiPoly, and Li-Poly. What do all the lithium battery specifications mean? The values that are the most important are:
* Pack voltage (depends on cell count; each cell is 3।7 V)
* Capacity (mAh)
* “C” rating (describes the rate at which power can be drawn from the battery)
Lipo Battery Cell Voltage
The nominal voltage of each cell in the pack is 3।7V, but this can go down to 3.3V during discharge, and up to 4.2V when fully charged. A battery pack is composed of two or more cells put together in series for increased voltage, or in parallel for increased capacity. A 2 pack with 2 cells in series would be rated at 7.4V (2x 3.7V).
The battery pack configuration is denoted by the number of cells in series and the number of cells in parallel। A 3s2p pack would have three cells in series, and 2 cells in parallel, using a total of 6 (3×2) cells. A 4000mAh 3s2p pack would have a capacity of 4000mAh (2 x 2000mAh), and a voltage of 11.1V (3 x 3.7V). It would internally consist of six 3.7V 2000mAh lithium polymer cells. The cells would be doubled up (the 2p part of 3s2p) to get 4000mAh, and there would be three in series (the 3s part of 3s2p) to get 11.1V (3 x 3.7V).
The “C” Rating
The “C” rating describes how quickly a battery can be discharged। A 2000mAh LiPo battery with a “C” rating of 1C continuous would mean it should not be discharged any faster than 2000mA or 2A, which would take one hour. A 2000mAh pack rated for 12C continuous would be able to discharge at 12 times its capacity (12 x 2000mA = 24000mA or 24A) at which rate it would discharge in 1/12th of an hour. Using a pack with a higher C rating than you require will leave some room for safety, and extend the life of your battery.
Continuous Current:If you know how much continuous current will be drawn and the capacity of the pack you want to use, you can easily determine what C rating you require। If you are drawing 5A from a 1320mAh pack, simply take the current and divide by the capacity: 5A = 5000mA, 5000mA / 1320mAh = 3.8C.
Burst Current:LiPo batteries are also given a C rating in terms of burst, which is how quickly the battery is able to discharge for a short time। A burst rating of 20C would mean a 2000mAh battery could supply 20 x 2000mA = 40000mA or 40A for a few seconds.
Selecting the Best LiPo Battery for Your RC Helicopter
Thunder Power eXtreme 450To select a battery for your rc helicopter, you first need to know what voltage you require and how much current you will be drawing continuously.
* If the motor in your rc helicopter is rated to work with 11।1V, you would need a 3 cell battery। * If you need to draw 20A, and you would like your rc helicopter to have a 10 minute (1/6th of an hour = 6C) flight, you would need a battery with 20A / 6 = 3।3A = 3300mAh।
* This means you would need to put a 3s 3300mAh battery with a C rating of 6 or higher in your rc helicopter।
* Thunder Power RC has a LiPo battery for almost any electric RC helicopter।
Always Remember These LiPo Safety Instructions
* Remove the battery pack from your rc helicopter before charging।
* Only use chargers designed to work properly with lithium polymer batteries।
* Always place your LiPo on a fire-proof surface while charging or use a LipoSack।
* Never leave your battery unattended while it is charging। * Never charge a lithium battery if it is below 3।0V per cell.
* Never charge a lithium battery that is puffed up, or damaged in any way.
Measuring the Efficiency and Power of your Electric RC Helicopter Power System
To get the most out of the electric power system in your electric rc helicopter, you will need to know if any of the components are under-powered, or over-powered and just adding weight। This article discusses what you can measure, and how you can measure it. This article is fairly advanced. We recommend reading What Does An Electric Power System For An RC Helicopter Consist Of first.
Each component of your power system is good at something। Are you taking advantage of each of them? A 25A speed controller in a small coaxial helicopter with a motor drawing 5A is not being used properly. By measuring your electric power system you can discover mismatched equipment and correct it. In this example, a 10 amp or 7 amp ESC would save weight.
Measuring the Electric Current in Your RC Helicopter
The measurements you are interested in describe the flow of electric current (using unit of Amps, A), the electric potential (using unit of Volts, V), and power (using units of Watts, W)। These can be measured with a wattmeter. A wattmeter can be inserted between your battery and speed controller and it will tell you the voltage, current, and power drawn from your battery. Measurements should be taken when your helicopter is at full throttle. For RC hobby use, there are small wattmeters that can be installed in you aircraft, and can log measured data over the entire flight. These are called flight data loggers, and in addition to current and voltage, they can measure rpm, temperature, and more with the addition of the appropriate sensors.
Measuring Current And Voltage in Your RC Helicopter
The current reading should be within the limits of the speed controller, battery, and motor। The voltage indicates how your batteries are performing. Usually you can confirm your battery is adequate by noting that current is below the battery’s rated max current (For Thunder Power batteries, this would be the continuous rating, not the burst rating). This rating generally says ‘this battery model is approved for this use,’ whereas voltage says ‘this battery is performing as expected’ or ‘this battery can’t handle this.’ As a rough guide, your lithium polymer battery voltage at full throttle should be above 3.3V per cell (i.e. a 3s lipo should be above 9.9V).
Measuring Temperature in Your RC Helicopter
The temperature gauge is used to tell you the temperature of your motor and batteries। For both, the key temperature is 60°C (140°F). Both should be under that temperature. Above this temperature, lithium polymer batteries are permanently damaged, while motors lose efficiency and become dangerously close to demagnetizing and burning the windings. However, being too cold isn’t ideal, either. Cold is a sign that the motor isn't being properly used (i.e. it's too big), and cold batteries don’t put out as much power as 50-60°C batteries.
Tips
* Put together a power system that is slightly conservative
* Test and measure that system, and then adjust based on those measurements
* Currents will be near every component's limit, and temperatures after a flight will be ideal
* At that point, every component will be played to its strength।
* Have fun flying!
Each component of your power system is good at something। Are you taking advantage of each of them? A 25A speed controller in a small coaxial helicopter with a motor drawing 5A is not being used properly. By measuring your electric power system you can discover mismatched equipment and correct it. In this example, a 10 amp or 7 amp ESC would save weight.
Measuring the Electric Current in Your RC Helicopter
The measurements you are interested in describe the flow of electric current (using unit of Amps, A), the electric potential (using unit of Volts, V), and power (using units of Watts, W)। These can be measured with a wattmeter. A wattmeter can be inserted between your battery and speed controller and it will tell you the voltage, current, and power drawn from your battery. Measurements should be taken when your helicopter is at full throttle. For RC hobby use, there are small wattmeters that can be installed in you aircraft, and can log measured data over the entire flight. These are called flight data loggers, and in addition to current and voltage, they can measure rpm, temperature, and more with the addition of the appropriate sensors.
Measuring Current And Voltage in Your RC Helicopter
The current reading should be within the limits of the speed controller, battery, and motor। The voltage indicates how your batteries are performing. Usually you can confirm your battery is adequate by noting that current is below the battery’s rated max current (For Thunder Power batteries, this would be the continuous rating, not the burst rating). This rating generally says ‘this battery model is approved for this use,’ whereas voltage says ‘this battery is performing as expected’ or ‘this battery can’t handle this.’ As a rough guide, your lithium polymer battery voltage at full throttle should be above 3.3V per cell (i.e. a 3s lipo should be above 9.9V).
Measuring Temperature in Your RC Helicopter
The temperature gauge is used to tell you the temperature of your motor and batteries। For both, the key temperature is 60°C (140°F). Both should be under that temperature. Above this temperature, lithium polymer batteries are permanently damaged, while motors lose efficiency and become dangerously close to demagnetizing and burning the windings. However, being too cold isn’t ideal, either. Cold is a sign that the motor isn't being properly used (i.e. it's too big), and cold batteries don’t put out as much power as 50-60°C batteries.
Tips
* Put together a power system that is slightly conservative
* Test and measure that system, and then adjust based on those measurements
* Currents will be near every component's limit, and temperatures after a flight will be ideal
* At that point, every component will be played to its strength।
* Have fun flying!
RC Helicopter Simulators - Using an RC TX Controller to PC USB Interface
What do you do if you want to learn to fly an RC helicopter, but you don’t want to take the chance of crashing it on your first try? If your RC transmitter has a standard trainer port or buddy port connector, you can use it as a controller for a computer based flight simulator। All that is required is a USB FMS interface cable with the correct end to plug into your transmitter, and the simulator software to run on your PC. Using your actual transmitter you use when flying your real rc helicopter on the flight simulator software allows you to familiarize yourself with the controls in a safe environment.
Free FMS Flight Simulator Software For Your PC
The most well known free software that can be used with these cables is called the Flying Model Simulator, or FMS। You can download this from the FMS Homepage. The FMS flight simulator is extremely good, it allows you to load many different models of aircraft and landscape that can be found on the internet. Even without an RC TX, you can install this program and fly aircraft with you keyboard. This software is compatible with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP. It will not work with Vista or Mac operating systems.
Connecting Your Transmitter to Your Computer
GWS sells a great FMS transmitter to USB interface cable in three types: Futaba, Hitec and JR। These GWS interface cables take the signal from the trainer/buddy port on standard RC transmitters and convert it into data that your computer interprets as coming from a USB joystick or game controller.
Getting Help with the FMS Software
The FMS Forum is a great community resource for learning and troubleshooting the FMS Flight Simulator Software.
Free FMS Flight Simulator Software For Your PC
The most well known free software that can be used with these cables is called the Flying Model Simulator, or FMS। You can download this from the FMS Homepage. The FMS flight simulator is extremely good, it allows you to load many different models of aircraft and landscape that can be found on the internet. Even without an RC TX, you can install this program and fly aircraft with you keyboard. This software is compatible with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP. It will not work with Vista or Mac operating systems.
Connecting Your Transmitter to Your Computer
GWS sells a great FMS transmitter to USB interface cable in three types: Futaba, Hitec and JR। These GWS interface cables take the signal from the trainer/buddy port on standard RC transmitters and convert it into data that your computer interprets as coming from a USB joystick or game controller.
Getting Help with the FMS Software
The FMS Forum is a great community resource for learning and troubleshooting the FMS Flight Simulator Software.
What Does An Electric Power System For An RC Helicopter Consist of
Your electric RC helicopter power system is a combination of battery, speed controller, and the motor that drives your gearbox and rotor blades।
Thunder Power 3s1320The battery supplies the power। RC helicopters have used Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) packs, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) packs, and the newer, lighter, and more powerful Lithium Polymer (LiPo or LiPoly) battery packs. All of these are rechargeable and can be used over and over.
Castle Creations Phoenix 45 Brushless ESCThe electronic speed controller (ESC) is the component that interprets the control signal coming out of you radio receiver (RX) and passes battery power to the motor to make it run at the speed you want। Speed controls are available for brushed motors with two motor wires, or for newer brushless motors with three motor wires.
Hacker A20-6XL RC Helicopter MotorThe motor is the final component that converts the electric power to mechanical power. Brushed motors are less expensive, but less powerful. High performance helicopters tend to use newer brushless motors.
An example of a compatible RC helicopter electric power system is:
* LiPoly Battery: Thunder Power Pro Lite 3s1320
* Brushless ESC: Castle Creations Phoenix 45
* Brushless Motor: Hacker A20-6XL RC Helicopter Motor
Thunder Power 3s1320The battery supplies the power। RC helicopters have used Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) packs, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) packs, and the newer, lighter, and more powerful Lithium Polymer (LiPo or LiPoly) battery packs. All of these are rechargeable and can be used over and over.
Castle Creations Phoenix 45 Brushless ESCThe electronic speed controller (ESC) is the component that interprets the control signal coming out of you radio receiver (RX) and passes battery power to the motor to make it run at the speed you want। Speed controls are available for brushed motors with two motor wires, or for newer brushless motors with three motor wires.
Hacker A20-6XL RC Helicopter MotorThe motor is the final component that converts the electric power to mechanical power. Brushed motors are less expensive, but less powerful. High performance helicopters tend to use newer brushless motors.
An example of a compatible RC helicopter electric power system is:
* LiPoly Battery: Thunder Power Pro Lite 3s1320
* Brushless ESC: Castle Creations Phoenix 45
* Brushless Motor: Hacker A20-6XL RC Helicopter Motor
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
So You Want to Learn How to Fly an RC Helicopter
A radio control heli requires a lot of time and patience, but it can be very fun and exciting to fly.
The newcomer will need to be prepared for the cost of the kit, as well as the cost to repair damage from the inevitable crashes.A radio control helicopter also require dedicated attention while flying and attentiveness to safety precautions.
There are many reasons to start flying remote control helicopters, even though they are often seen as the most challenging RC to learn. Some people enjoy the extra challenge that learning to build and fly an RC helicopter gives।
However, Remote control helicopters are a demanding hobby.
When learning how to fly for the first time, you need to have patience and time to get set up and to learn the RC heli skills you need. The helicopter absolutely must be set up properly before flight, otherwise there is no chance it will fly.
The instructions should be read until you gain a thorough understanding of where the parts fit together, and how they fit together, and after assembly you should have your new model checked over by an experienced RC helicopter pilot.
Loose screws can mean parts that fly off when you try to fly!
The controls on the radio are much like the controls in a full-sized helicopter, and as such, they are fairly complex. It can take many sessions to simply learn how to hover, the most basic skill the Remote control helicopter pilot will need, as the controls are very sensitive to small adjustments and require that everything be set 'just' right, and changed with every shift in the wind.
Another demanding aspect of remote control helicopters is the safety factor. It goes without saying that a non-electric helicopter must be flown outside to avoid the fumes.
Also, the blades can spin at a speed fast enough to cut through flesh and even bone, so you must be sure to fly in an area with lots of space and with all bystanders safely out of the way.
But much like driving a car or riding a bike, these skills will eventually become second nature. With dedication, patience, and practice, you can become a successful RC heli hobbyist.
Tips for the R/C Helicopter Beginner
Getting into RC helicopters can be a scary experience for the RC helicopter beginner, unless you know what tools to acquire to make this hobby fun and exciting।
Fortunately for the beginner, there are many things, such as instructional videos, RC helicopter magazines, and RC helicopter flight simulators to help them prepare and learn.
A good place to start learning the ins and outs for an RC helicopter beginner is with a RC helicopter flight simulator. Although these seem quite expensive - the general price is around $200 USD - the experience you gain with the simulator is invaluable.
With a good simulator, the flying experience closely mimics that of a real RC helicopter, allowing the you to learn the controls at your leisure.
Experiment all you like - in a simulator, the crashes cost you no time and money.
By learning to fly and making your mistakes in a simulator, you save yourself hours of time and hundreds of dollars in repairs. One highly rated simulator is Real Flight Generation 2, which comes with a USB control pad that looks like a RC helicopter radio. Avoid RC helicopter simulators made for game consoles, as these usually do not have controls or physics that mimic reality.
When you're ready to start looking into purchasing a RC helicopter, investing in a RC helicopter hobby magazine is very useful for the RC helicopter beginner. Within these magazines you will find reviews for helicopters and parts to help you make the best decision on what to buy.
Once you are ready to fly, you must choose your RC helicopter.
As a RC helicopter beginner, you will find that there are many options for you to choose from - micro, mini, and larger sizes, electric and gas powered.
While the larger, gas-powered helicopters are easier for a beginner to control, the can't be used indoors due to the fumes, and they are more expensive to repair when they break. The smaller, electric powered helicopters, on the other hand, are more difficult to control but they can be used indoors as well as outdoors, and cost less to repair.
Before you set up your RC helicopter, you should read and re-read the instructions so you gain a good understanding of how the parts fit together, and where they should go.
After you've assembled your first RC helicopter, you should take it to your local hobby shop to have it checked over by an expert to make sure everything is in order. Remember, a loose part can mean a lost blade when you try to fly, damage to the helicopter, and possible serious injury to yourself or to bystanders.
The main blades of RC helicopters spin at a speed great enough to cut through flesh and cause serious injury!
Having an expert to 'mentor' you through your first experiences flying your RC helicopter is very helpful. A mentor is able to give you tips not necessarily covered in the instructions or magazines, and provide real-time help with building and flying your helicopter.
Alternatively, you can watch instructional videos, many of which are made for specific models of helicopters and provide step-by-step walkthroughs on building the helicopter and getting started with flight. For the RC helicopter beginner, watching how the helicopter is put together in real time can clarify any confusing parts of a paper manual.
Using these tools to gain experience and knowledge will help you have the confidence you need to start your hobby off in an exciting and fun manner.
How To Buy the Right RC Helicopter
When you decide to buy an rc helicopter, you could go into a hobby shop and pick one off the shelf, but it is in your best interests to research the options available to you before making the purchase.
There is more to consider than just initial cost when purchasing the model - the fuel that the helicopter will use, the availability of parts for the helicopter, the average repair costs for the helicopter, and the learning curve involved in flying the helicopter.
The first choice you will need to make when you buy an rc helicopter is what size of helicopter you want.
While the smaller helicopters tend to be less expensive, they are also harder to control. Larger helicopters need more flying room, but they are more versatile, and easier to fly, especially with precision parts.
However, they are more expensive, on average, to repair after crashes.
The size of helicopter you choose may also determine the fuel it uses. Mini and micro helicopters tend to be electric powered. The advantage to these is that they can be used in smaller areas - they can even be used indoors, because of the lack of fumes.
They also tend to be less expensive and often come as complete, ready-to-fly kits. However, because they are small, they are harder to fly.
Larger helicopters tend to be gas powered, and must be used outside, both because of the fumes and for safety reasons.
Depending on the kit you purchase, you may need to buy additional parts, such as servos, receivers, an engine, probably a gyro - and don't forget the radio!
You should also purchase any additional tools you will need at this time. You will need ball, nut and screw drivers, wrenches, and pliers to assemble it.
You may also want to purchase specialty tools like ball link pliers and a pitch gauge to make the assembly that much easier when you buy your rc helicopter.
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