31st October 2009

Gas remote control helicopters: Perfect for the experienced pilot

Electric-powered and gas-fueled remote control helicopters have notable mechanical differences that correlate to usability and maintenance.

Gas-fueled RC helicopters are generally larger in size. These models have more powerful engines that allow for faster flying speed and longer flying time, thus requiring larger flying spaces. Gas RC helos tend to be noisier also.

Electric-powered RC helicopters are smaller, thus making them easier to repair. Powered by either a brushless motor or a brush motor, electric models run quieter, too.

Gas-fueled models require more maintenance and tend to be messier because they are filled with gas or nitro before each flying session. They should also be cleaned up after each session. Repairing gas-fueled models is more challenging and parts tend to be harder to get.

Because of these factors, fliers with lower budgets or experience levels would do better opting for the electrical-powered RC models.

A few top-quality gas-fueled RC helo models:
The Align T-REX 600 Nitro Pro and the Align T-REX 700 Nitro Pro models are both great choices.

Sam Huang is the proprietor of EnjoyHobbies.biz, an online RC hobby shop.

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28th October 2009

Electric remote control helicopters ideal for beginners

With so many remote control helicopters to choose from, let’s investigate a basic aspect – electric vs. gas – that will boost the fun factor for you or anyone for whom you’d consider buying this skill-based toy. First, there’s electric vs. gas models.

Pilots with little or even no experience with remote control helicopters are more suited for electric-powered RC helicopters. But there are a few additional key factors when deciding whether to go gas or electric:

Cost
Beginners may want to hold off on springing for an expensive model, especially if they’ve never flown RC helicopters. Gas-fueled RC helo models are more expensive because they are just like real helicopters. They have an engine powered by gas or nitro and are larger and need more power to operate. Electric-powered models are more economical because there is no need to purchase the gas or nitro. Plus, the parts are more affordable.

Time and maintenance
Gas-fueled models require more maintenance and are messy because they have to be filled with gas or nitro before a flying session. Gas RC helicopters also have to be cleaned up after the session. Electric-powered RC helicopters are easier to repair.

Space and sound
Electric helicopters are quieter because they are powered by either a brushless motor or a brush motor. Gas-fueled RC helos generate more noise. Electric-powered RC helos have shorter flying times and fly at slower speeds.

Some electric models that really stand out
The Esky Honey Bee 2 and the Art-Tech Falcon 3D V3 models.

Sam Huang is the proprietor of EnjoyHobbies.biz, an online RC hobby shop.

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23rd October 2009

RC helicopters – beginner’s and budgeter’s fuel for fun

Which low-cost remote-control helicopter models are good for first-time fliers?

Beginners will appreciate a quick learning period requiring minimal practice to fly the RC helicopters we’re discussing here. Even if you’re not spending a lot you should expect four-channel controls and low maintenance costs. I recommend: the Esky Honey Bee 2, the Esky Honey Bee CP 3, the Skyartec WASP V3, or the Syma S009.

Which RC helos do you suggest if I wanted to spend maybe $20 or $50 more for more features?

More features for more money is a given. These RC helis have easy-to-fly controls common in the new generation of RC birds. These helicopters are controlled via a three-channel transmitter that provides four-way directional control (forward, ascend, left, and right). Plus, these models offer adjustable trim via the on-board potentiometer. Another perk is maximum crash resistance – harder to crash land and less likely to break. Good choices if you’d like to upgrade to a beginner-friendly but more sophisticated remote control helicopter include: The Syma RC Helicopters S023, S009, or the Double Horse RC Helicopters models 9060, 9081, 9088, 9089, 9070.

And what if my budget allows for an extra $100, what other features should I expect?

Take a look at the Esky 2.4GHZ Honey Bee King 3 or the Esky 2.4Ghz Belt cp v3. This category of RC helos can handle more rigorous 3D flying techniques. These models have high-performance heading lock gyros that enable sport flying and 3D aerobatics

And, if you have multiple remote-controlled toys flying together, you’ll want the new 2.4G remote control system that offsets conflicting frequencies: Advanced Spread Spectrum technology and digital FSK (Frequency Shift Key) coding technology, are also common in this price range. Combined with four digital servos, remote-control helicopter pilots enjoy rapid responses, precise controls, and nimbler movements.

Is there one low-cost model you’d recommend to almost anyone? Why?

Yes, the Esky Honey Bee 3. Its durability allows it to withstand most crashes. Easy maintenance and simplified mechanics set the Honey Bee 3 apart. But the best part? The Honey Bee 3’s top-notch motor provides super power for high-performance flight and the 3D maneuvers common in professional 3D aerobatic flight.

Plus, it comes factory-tested and fully assembled. Flying fun right out of the box.

Sam Huang is the proprietor of EnjoyHobbies.biz, an online RC hobby shop.

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