How to Choose an RC Helicopter

How to Choose an RC Helicopter

Remote control helicopters are just about the most complicated RC models there are (we will start as we mean to go on, and avoid referring to them as toys!) There are just so many moving parts operating at the same time. Even if you are familiar with RC fixed wing craft (airplanes) you will soon see that flying an RC helicopter is a whole new ball game.

Although there are different ways of powering an RC chopper, the one most newcomers will come across is battery power. This is because practically all RTF (ready-to-fly) helicopters are electric, and they are sold everywhere. They're also cheap. Since an RTF craft is definitely best for a beginner, that is what we'll discuss here.

That being said, apart from the power source, method of starting the engine etc, RC helicopters are all pretty much alike in terms of how they fly. And they fly pretty much the way a full-size helicopter does. How easy they are to fly, depends on how the rotors operate.

A helicopter lifts off the ground by rotary motion. Straightaway you can see that, with just one rotor spinning, the body of the craft will want to spin in the opposite direction. This is called torque. To avoid this happening another rotor must be introduced, spinning in the opposite direction. If you now apply the throttle, the helicopter will lift off the ground in a straight line.

RC helicopters are controlled by means of a transmitter, which sends signals to the receiver, which then transmits them to various electronic servos and, in hobby-grade models, a gyro (on the tail end) Hobby-grade is anything that is not a 2 channel toy. Toys are for little kids. As a novice pilot, you will start on 3 channel or above.

RC helicopters can be one of two types - single rotor or co-axial. Single rotor craft are further divided into fixed-pitch (FP) or collective-pitch (CP) helicopters. Pitch relates to the way the main rotor is controlled. On fixed pitch craft, the rotor cannot be angled in any way, and lift is achieved by throttle alone. On CPs, lift is achieved by a combination of pitch control and throttle.

The fixed pitch RC helicopter normally has a 4 channel receiver; the CP 5 (more commonly, 6.) This makes collective pitch helicopters incredibly manoeuvrable - but totally unsuited to beginners. 4 channels are quite enough to be going on with.

But what are all the controls for? Well, keeping to a basic 4 channel fixed-pitch model, first there's the throttle. But on its own, that only lifts the helicopter up and down. At some point you will want to stop rising and go into hover mode - that's where the tail rotor comes in. Then, you will want to go forward and back, roll side-to-side and do all the other exciting things helicopters do in the air. For that, you need fore-and-aft and side-to-side cyclic controls.

Hopefully, you will see by now that even piloting a simple fixed-pitch radio control helicopter is a tricky thing to master. To steer, you first have to hover. To hover, you have to co-ordinate the two rotor blades. Get it wrong, and you're picking bits of shattered E-sky mainframe out of your hair.

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Micro Helicopter Control Systems - Which Type Will You Choose?

Micro Helicopter Control Systems - Which Type Will You Choose?

Micro helicopters generally come equipped with one of two types of remote control systems. If you're in the market for a new micro helicopter, it's important to understand the differences between these types in order to get the most out your purchase. In this article I'll explain the difference between the two control system types and the pros and cons of each. Plus, I'll provide some Bonus tips on some handy features to look for in a control system. Hopefully after reading this you will have a better idea of what to look for in a micro helicopter control system.

The first control system type is Infrared. Infrared control systems use infrared LEDs (similar to those on a TV Remote control) to transmit the signal to one or more infrared receivers on the helicopter itself. These systems are very common with inexpensive micro helicopters because they are very cheap for the manufacturers to incorporate. It might not sound like this type of system would not work very well on an RC helicopter. However, it turns out that in the right setting, infrared LEDs work very well. But that is the key... in the right setting.

Infrared control systems struggle outside in natural daylight; the wavelength of the sun's rays can interfere with the controller. Direct "line of sight" between the helicopter and controller is required. It won't operate through walls, people etc. Basically the helicopter has to "see" the controller. Finally infrared control systems have limited The spectrum. Over 30 to 50 meters from the controller, they tend to lose the signal. Fortunately for us, these requirements are perfectly suited for micro-helicopters. Micro helicopters are operated in enclosed areas in the sun happens to near-infrared technology is very suitable.

The second type of control is the most typical radio frequency or type "RF" control. This can work in a number of different frequency bands, and not suffer the same limitationsIn infrared. Naturally, however, are more expensive to implement RF control and have their own set of potential disadvantages. In general you will not find the controller very cheap RF micro-helicopters.

RF Controls offer a range much longer than infrared counterparts. You do not have the line of sight issues, and indeed are able to pass through walls. In these days when used at home, is full of RF interference technology from our homes. Thingssuch as microwave ovens, cordless phones, computers, wireless routers and cell phones all the potential sources of RF interference. In practice I have found no defects are a major problem for the micro-helicopters. However, there is something to be observed and respected, especially if you have a lot of these types of devices in your home.

There are a number of features that you can search for a micro-helicopter

Before trim - to cut, you cancompensate for minor problems with your helicopter. For example, a bent tail rotor may cause your helicopter to spin in circles. The Trim Adjustment will allow you counteract the problem so it hovers without spinning.

2. Tri-Band or frequency selector switches -- Micro helicopters often come in different "bands" or "Frequencies" that allow multiple helicopters to be flown at the same time without interfering with one another. Some controllers include switches to select between bands/frequencies. This is a very useful feature that allows you to interchange the controller with different helicopters.

3. Ergonomic design -- This may sound like an obvious feature to look for, but when shopping online, a well laid out controller design is often overlooked. Some manufacturers like to design their controllers for looks rather than usability. Make sure that the controls are laid out in a symmetrical fashion that offers easy access to all controls. Trust me; this will make flying much easier.

4. Built in Charging Systems -- This will only be an option for the very low power helicopters, but it's nice not worrying about lugging around a battery charger and staying near electrical outlets when you want to take your helicopter on the go.

In most cases an infrared control system will be more than adequate for controlling a micro helicopter. However, it's important to understand the limitations before making a purchase decision. If you are looking at higher end micro helicopters, an RF controller (my preference) is a worthwhile option to consider. You don't need to worry about line of sight obstacles such as furniture, walls or passersby. The important thing is to understand your options, and make a decision that will provide the most value to you.

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