10th January 2010

Remote control helicopter tool sets ratchet up performance not price

Upgrading a remote control helicopter can be a cost-savings for pilots who seek greater performance from their current models, without purchasing a new model. Popular upgrade options include changing plastic RC helo parts to metal by purchasing metal parts or replacing a brush motor with a brushless motor and ESC.

Some mechanical skill is needed; owners find helpful specially designed tool kits like the RC Helicopter Tools Portable Kit or the RC Hobby Tools Set, which contains 10 pieces:
• tip nose pliers
• a cut silk clamp
• a ball head clamp
• a 5.5mm long-handle socket
• a 4.5mm long-handle socket
• a long-handle Phillip’s screwdriver
• a long handle A screwdriver
• a 0.9mm long-handle hexagon socket screwdriver
• a 1.5mm long-handle hexagon socket screwdriver
• and a 2.0mm long handle hexagon socket screwdriver.

A relatively inexpensive project, ranging from US$10-$100, a pilot can upgrade an existing RC helicopter for more power and playability. For the RC helicopter guru, refurbishing a current model at low cost can be a fun mechanical project that ramps up the flying possibilities.

posted in Toolsets for RC Helis | 0 Comments

7th January 2010

Upgrading RC helicopters requires more tinkering than funding

Perhaps the largest factor when considering refurbishing a remote control helicopter is actually mechanical aptitude, not cost.

For technically skilled and experienced pilots, it may be in their best interest to refurbish their RC helicopter models by purchasing parts for upgrade. Expect to spend from US$10 to US$100 to upgrade a model.

There are many models worthy of upgrades and a few popular ways to refurbish RC helicopters:

• Upgrade a plastic helicopter to a metal version by purchasing metal parts; Models for which metal parts are available include: the Esky Lama v3, Lama v4, Hunter, Kob, Comanche, Esky Big Lama, Esky Honey Bee King 2, Esky Belt cp v2, and Esky Belt cp.

• If you own the Esky Honey Bee King 2, for example, you could upgrade to a brushless motor and ESC.

• Models with general remote control systems can be upgraded to JR, Futaba, or Spektrum remote control systems.

• Some 450 remote control helicopters can be upgraded to a Flybarless E-Stabilizer Gyro System using a GYRO 3 Axis Gyro System Flybarless E-Stabilizer.

With little cost, a skilled pilot can enjoy more power and playability with a little tinkering and without purchasing a brand new RC helicopter.

Which would you recommend?

posted in RC Helis | 1 Comment

6th January 2010

How To Build an RC Helicopter

When you decide to Build an RC helicopter and jump into the RC helicopter hobby, the first thing you will need to do is decide on and purchase a model.  However, you will not be ready to fly immediately; no matter what model you choose, you will need to build it before you can fly.  Building an RC helicopter can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and information you will gain a lot of knowledge and joy for completing this task.

The first thing to do is to decide on what helicopter to buy. The best way to determine this is to find out the different kinds of RC helicopters, read reviews on various models of the types you are interested in, and make an informed decision from this information on how to Build an RC helicopter.

After you’ve decided on and purchased your RC helicopter, you will also need to purchase the various parts for it.

You will need an engine to make it run, servos to control various mechanical parts in the helicopter, a gyro to control the tail rotor, a radio to control it once it’s ready to fly, and receivers to transmit signals from the radio to the servos. You should also make sure you have the tools necessary to Build an RC helicopter; screw drivers, ball drivers, nut drivers, wrenches, pliers, fuel-filters, addition glow plugs, ball link pliers, and a pitch gauge. You may also want to see what kind of bolts and screws you will be using so you can purchase additional ones, just in case the kit is missing some, or through mischance one rolls off and goes missing during assembly.  Finally, you should prepare for when you are ready for your test flight by having field equipment, which should definitely include the type of starter your helicopter requires!

When you begin building your helicopter, it is extremely important you read and re-read the instructions until you fully understand them and how the parts will fit together when you begin building the helicopter. When you start the actual assembly of the helicopter, it is of prime importance that you take your time.

Anything that turns should be balanced, all end points should be equal, and all bolts are tightened enough, but not too much.

You will also want to balance your blades, which is best done with a blade balancer. Afterwards, you will need to set up your radio. The more familiar with your radio you can be before you fly, the better off you will be. Before you fly, you may want to have an experienced RC helicopter pilot look over your model. When you decide to Build an RC helicopter and jump into the RC helicopter hobby, the first thing you will need to do is decide on and purchase a model. Having an experienced hobbyist look over your Build an RC helicopter can help ensure that everything is put together properly and ease your mind about your upcoming first flight.


posted in RC Helis | 1 Comment

6th January 2010

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.

posted in RC Helis | 1 Comment