RE: What is my helicopter???
Appears to be one of the many 3 channel co-axial helis that are flooded in the market today. Hard to tell what it is, at least by me anyway as I dont fly those any longer and never really got into them anyway. They are basically throw away toy grade helis that get people interested in the hobby. Once you master it, you will grow bored of it and want to be challenged more and move up to a FP or even a CP heli. They are good for what they are...cheap toy to get your interest sparked. Not much use in trying to find parts or repair them. Just be careful and not slam it into any walls or furniture and just have fun with it. When it breaks...trash it and buy another one. Helis like that can be had for 30 bucks or less almost anywhere online. Welcome to the hobby.
Posted on: 5/16/2013 1:39 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513466

RE: Large Helicoptere RC en metal 2.4Ghz 4CH
No...thats not a CP...its a FP heli. I think collin is a spammer. Could be wrong, but doubt it. [;)]
Posted on: 9/18/2012 1:44 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232696

RE: New to site and Helis
For me, it was all about the intimidation factor...that resulted in quivering thumbs during the whole flight. It literally wasnt any fun to try and fly, for me anyway. All I could do is see how much time I had into the build, plus the money too! I think my most expensive 450 crash only cost me about 100 bucks total in parts...but took several hours of my time to rebuild. I never have any long periods of time all at once, so it was spread out over a week to get it back "just right". So, after that first crash...which was only about 10 seconds into my first flight...I was even more gunshy. So, I bought a 500 thinking "bigger is better". Well, that is true once you learn the basics...but it wasnt any better for me because now I had this even more expensive helicopter in the air that was even more dangerous to life and limb. Needless to say, my nerves werent any better. I then happened upon a super deal on an almost new Raptor 50 nitro. It flew even better, well hovered and just reacted a lot better to my control than either the 450 or 500...but still, I couldnt bring myself to get into FF or FFF with it because yet again it was even more expensive and way more intimidating! It wasnt till this past Spring that I bought an mCPX and that really opened up my RC heli world. I was flying FF and FFF circuits with it the very first day. I had done a lot of reading on how robust it was and the mere size of it I knew that I wouldnt kill myself or anyone else while trying to get the CP helicopter deal "down pat". And was I so right! I can now fly it like I stole it. Im not into 3D but can flip it over and fly inverted circuits with it. I can roll it...loop it and do figure 8's, stall turns....piros....all the easy things that look really cool but does take a basic understanding of orientation and basic heli flight skills to accomplish. If I had never bought my mCPX, I would probably still be too scared to push the limits and get going with my larger helis. This is also attributed to the fact that I have no mentor and have learned heli flying 100% on my own accord with reading things on the net. But it sure is nice to be able to put any heli that I own in the air and fly it around. Something that no one else in my club can do. And that is a good feeling in and of itself because there are some really good airplane pilots in our club that can do things with planes that I cant at this point in time. Anyway...I dont want to sound discouraging to anyone that may read this. Its just when i find something that works...and that is either in product or procedure, I like to share it with others that may find themselves in my same shoes (having no mentor and only relying on the internet for help). Without a doubt...the mCPX is like a real life flight SIM that will let you progress in the hobby more quickly than a SIM alone. And also keep you flying without having your crashed heli on the workbench waiting for spare parts and the to find time to actually put into fixing a broken heli. Since I bought my mCPX I have only had 1 crash and that was with my 500 due to uknown circumstances. I think I had a cheap servo strip coming out of a hard banked turn on my cyclic. But I guess I will never really know.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 12:03 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232606

RE: Educate me on charging Lipos
Different lipos charge at different rates. Charging at 1C should be safe for any lipo I would guess. LiFe is a different story. You can charge almost all of them at higher rates.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 11:00 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232536

RE: New to site and Helis
Goodluck with the 450. Hopefully you will do better as a n00b, than I did. I just couldnt get over how intimidating a larger heli (compared to the mSR and mCPX) are to me. Not to mention the time it takes to rebuild one being new to helicopters and setup not making a whole lot of sense to me. What the mCPX did for me was allow me to lose all my inhibitions about crashing and hitting myself with it (or others). The first 2 years I had helis I owned 2 450's, a 500 and a Raptor 50. Couldnt fly any of them besides a hover and move it around tail in. Once the mcpx hit my hangar...I took off (literally) and never looked back. saying that...Id say the mCPX will be in your future. Goodluck and have fun.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 6:06 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232215

RE: Large Helicoptere RC en metal 2.4Ghz 4CH
[8|]
Posted on: 9/18/2012 5:44 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232193

RE: first CP heli problems
yeah...sounds as if your main gear(white gear) has slid down your main shaft. This will cause a severe vibration. It is a common thing to happen...I have to slide mine back up the shaft after almost every crash. Its designed to do this so it wont break/strip things it shouldnt.
Posted on: 9/17/2012 7:09 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11231000

RE: New to site and Helis
You did good by choosing the mCPX over the Genius CP. I did look at the Genius CP when I first heard of it. And its pretty cool that you can basically set it up for a beginner, making it basically a fixed pitch heli. BUT, like someone above said...the biggest thing is spare parts availability. And I would think you would be hard pressed to find a local hobby store that would carry these. So, that only leaves mail order for replacements. On the other hand...almost all hobby shops carry eflight models and most stock all of the common parts that break. So, when you break something...its just a drive to the shop and buy what you need and be back in the air the same, or next day. Means a lot...at least to me it does. As far as 450 size helis go. Id skip over that size and go right to a 500 or larger. I own a 450...but it doesnt get flown nearly as much as my 500. The only benefit IMO of the 450 is they are cheaper to fix from a crash (but a 500 isnt that much more cost to fix than the 450) and they can be flown in a smaller area IF you have the skills. Im not saying people should not buy a 450. I think all heli pilots should own one. Its just when new...I think they are a little much for the average "newbie". A 500 is so much more stable...reacts slower...is easier to see so orientation is better. Its just better all the way around. I would even suggest a 600...but the crash cost of a 600 is considerably more than a 500. So...as Ive said before...get a SIM and an mCPX and learn to fly the rotor off of it. Then move up to a 500 and build your confidence there. Then you should be able to fly anything you want after that. Goodluck and I hope you enjoy the mCPX. Be SURE to get familiar with the Throttle Hold feature. It will save you from breaking things on the mCPX if you hit it in time before impact. I've crashed my mcpx at least 50 times and so far all I have ever replaced has been the swash (finally broke a ball end on it after drilling it inverted into the ground at WOT) and 2 tail booms. Otherwise all crashes have left me with just adjusting the main gear back to speck and flying. Guys at the field cant get over how crash resistant the thing is. I pile drived it in yesterday at least 3 times doing flips and never broke a single part. And this was from at least 8 feet off the grass each time.
Posted on: 9/17/2012 7:05 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230996

RE: indoor helicopters
Its not under 50, but as morgan already said...do you want to be able to fix it when you crash? Notice I said WHEN you crash! lol Anyway...for just under 100 dollars...you can get a Blade mSRX (probably find an older mSR that had not sold yet for even cheaper RTF). I have an mSR and it was a good entry level FP heli that is hard to break...and when you do break it there is a ton of parts available almost everywhere. Just look at it this way. If you buy one for 50 bucks and crash it and break something and you cannot get parts...you are out of 50 bucks and you buy a 2nd one. Now you have spent 100 bucks and when you crash the 2nd one...rinse and repeat. Why not spend the 100 up front and when you break something...just go to your local hobby store and buy the replacement part for 8 bucks or whatever it cost? You will save a ton of money in the long run and own the helicopter long enough to see if you want to progress to something larger and outdoors.
Posted on: 9/14/2012 6:46 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228225

RE: New to site and Helis
yes...the mCPX is definitely one to get first if you have the slightest interest in flying CP helis. And really, CP is...IMO, the only way to go. Regardless if you intend to 3D fly it or not. They just fly sooooooooo much better than any other helicopter.
Posted on: 9/14/2012 6:38 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228217

RE: New to site and Helis
Better start saving those pennies! ;) Welcome to the addiction!
Posted on: 9/13/2012 5:05 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227050

RE: Will changing paddle angle affect windy day performance?
[quote]ORIGINAL: jester_s1] So are there any helpful people with suggestions on how to make an entry level 450 handle the wind a little better? [/quote] Make it heavier maybe? I dunno as Im still pretty much a n00b myself (my 3rd year in). Or, you could do what I did....build a 500. Its night and day difference as far as flying in the wind, and the crash cost isnt that much more than the 450. If I knew then what I know now...Id of waited on buying a 450 till later. Id of started out on the mCPX and then went straight to a 500. Id say even 600, but crash cost for a 600 is considerably more than a 500.
Posted on: 9/13/2012 5:02 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227048

RE: Mcpx electrical issue?
Glad I read this post. While my mCPX doesnt suffer from this, my mSR does! I thought it was batteries...so ordered some new ones and the problem still persists. Guess I'll get the ole solder iron out!
Posted on: 9/10/2012 11:51 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223953

RE: WHen lifting heli goes left.....
[quote]ORIGINAL: Solman [quote] its a condition that real helicopter pilots have to compensate for as well...given that their tail rotor is on the right side of the boom looking from the boom to the canopy. [/quote] Well there you go, we are not flying full scale heli's. A lot of the issues that full scale has to deal with doesn't apply to us. Don't forget that if you are flying fbl, the gyro also compensate for those changes. [quote] If any heli with a right mounted tail rotor doesnt go left on liftoff...that means you have the mechanical setup off a bit to compensate. ALL helis that are right side tail rotor, go left on liftoff. It shouldnt be extreme or your mechanical setup is off in the other direction. [/quote] I was going back and reviewing as to what may be a misunderstanding, are you talking about the tail rotor or cyclic going left? After looking at all the posts, the original post does not mention if it is cyclic or rudder going left. [/quote] You may be correct when you say that a lot of the issues that full scale pilots have to deal with that doesnt apply to us...but this isnt one of them. I just reread my comment and I probably was somewhat unclear. So let me explain better. When I said "go left" I meant only during liftoff. This is why some people think that their heli is "leaning" to the left. The reality (model or full scale) is the tail rotor's horizontal "wash" is pushing the entire helicopter to the left (given its a right side mounted rotor). When the heli gets "light on its skids" but not totally lifted off...it appears that the helicopter is tipping to the left or what otherwise would look like someone input left cyclic. There is only 2 ways to counter this. 1. Lift off very fast or "jump" into the air/hover 2. Compensate with right cyclic input when lifting off (this is what I prefer as I like to slowly lift off for appearance). Again...full scale helis react the same way. Its something called Physics that is responsible for this. lol Once the heli is in the air...you dont notice this. ONLY DURING LIFTOFF. Or if you do notice it...something is out of trim or mechanical setup is wrong. If your heli is actually turning right or left....then you have a gyro issue or setup issue with your rudder servo/endpoints/ect... Yaw has nothing to do with what I was trying to give input on. Sorry if I confused anyone.
Posted on: 9/10/2012 10:55 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223880

RE: Airwolf helicopter purchase (Be careful)
[quote]ORIGINAL: Wildfire2 [quote]ORIGINAL: ATVAlliance Again, please dont take this as a bash...just hopefully you will see I am trying to point out what isnt so obvisous to you right now. I do hope you stick with the hobby and get flying. It is a great, fun hobby! Goodluck! [/quote] Well one thing I've learned about life is everyone's got an opinion and I appreciate reading yours
Posted on: 9/6/2012 4:56 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219293

RE: WHen lifting heli goes left.....
If any heli with a right mounted tail rotor doesnt go left on liftoff...that means you have the mechanical setup off a bit to compensate. ALL helis that are right side tail rotor, go left on liftoff. It shouldnt be extreme or your mechanical setup is off in the other direction. Most of us dont really realize this after learning to fly as our thumbs (and/or pinch) compensates or we just "jump" right into the air and dont lift off slowly. Not trying to be argumentative here...its a condition that real helicopter pilots have to compensate for as well...given that their tail rotor is on the right side of the boom looking from the boom to the canopy. A left side tail rotor would do the inverese, make the heli want to go right on takeoff.
Posted on: 9/5/2012 1:56 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11218594

RE: Airwolf helicopter purchase (Be careful)
You really are lucky that you did not get hurt, and or killed! However, I feel that even though you most likely did get a sub par helicopter...it would not have made a difference even if you did not. I only say this because after watching your video it is quite obvious that you know very little about RC helicopters...and at least all you suffered was a loss of some money and a "bruise" to your arm. IF you had not had the issues you had, you may have been hurt a lot worse or even killed...or even worse...hurt or killed a bystander! Anything of the 450 size and larger has the ability to kill. Even a 250 size heli could do considerable damage and even maim or kill given it hits you just right. But enough of that already! From watching the video it is quite clear that the heli throttle channel was reversed. This is the only way it could have WOT at low stick and no throttle at full stick. Also, you said you started flipping switches and then it reacted. This tells me that you hit throttle hold, turning it off. This is a safety feature so you can prepare the heli for flight by plugging in batteries, etc. Also, TH allows you to cut power to the motor if you see a crash is inevitable...thus breaking far less parts during the contact with the ground. You base your opinion that the heli wasnt test flown by circumstantial evidence. Maybe they have a set of "test blades" at the factory. That way they can include a brand new set of blades when shipping out. This would explain why there are no marks on the blades when you recieved the heli. Also, maybe they use a different radio to test fly the heli at the factory...thus the reason the throttle channel was reversed. Im just guessing here...you could also be correct...but, you could just as easily be wrong about that based on the circumstantial evidence you saw. Im not advocating for the company. Until this thread, I had never even heard of the company. And I dont want to come off as "bashing you" by any means. I really do feel sorry for your loss of money and frustration of the whole ordeal. Its just you really cant jump into this hobby with a 600 size heli, and its even worse if you figure you can start out with a scale fuse on ANY heli being a beginner. There is more to it than just slapping a scale fuse on and flying it. Ive been into helis now for 3 years and am just now feeling like Im becoming a competent pilot. Ive not even begun to start into scale fuses as I know they require a bit more attention to get right. Outside of micro planes...and a few other smaller planes, Ive never had ANY model fly right out of the box. They ALL require some experience in the hobby and be gone over 100% before even attempting to power them up. I wont put my life or any bystanders in jeapordy to a company down the street, let alone half way across the world. And if I dont have the skill to give it a once, no twice-over...I get someone with more experience to do so. Its just not worth the risk, IMO. I would do this even with a brand name heli such as Align. They are mass produced things and quality control can be lacking at times, even with the best companies. I hope this doesnt put a bad taste in your mouth for the hobby. Like I said...you were lucky that you were out some money and only suffered a bruise to your arm. It definitely could have been a lot worse! If RC helicopters is still something you are interested in...get yourself a good SIM and practice lots. Then go out and buy a Blade mCPX to see if you can actually translate what you learned on the SIM to the real thing. If so...go and get you a 500 clone and build it up. Building your own heli makes you learn every aspect of how they work. Without the theory of setup being fully understood...you wont stick with the hobby long as you will be working on it a lot when new....and still work on it a good deal making sure everything is working properly, replacing broken/worn parts, etc... I normally wouldnt even comment on a thread like this. But after watching your video and especially the part about you taking the heli to your local authorities to try and get it banned...was a little bit of over reaction, IMO. If you were more experienced, you could have fixed all of these issues within a few minutes/hours and had the heli flying properly and enjoying it. Rather, your inexperience caused you much grief and some personal injury and loss of money. Id just hate to see a lot of folks up there in the great North...get deprived of buying what they want just because one person went on a crusade for safety...when the reality they were in over their head with the heli from the start. Again, please dont take this as a bash...just hopefully you will see I am trying to point out what isnt so obvisous to you right now. I do hope you stick with the hobby and get flying. It is a great, fun hobby! Goodluck!
Posted on: 9/5/2012 1:44 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11218578

RE: Newbe with 450
Exactly as others above have already said... I like bright colors on my canopy. I also prefer white blades over dark. And I usually put some bright tape on the end of my boom as well as on my tail blades. Here is a pic of my 500 with tape on the tail blades (I havent put any on the boom as I had a crash and didnt want to go with orange and havent found any lime yellow at the LHS since the crash) I also put on some lime yellow skids...this really helps orientation, but it is a 500 and orientation isnt that bad to begin with. I find that it is easier for me to maintain the orientation of the heli by watching the main rotor disc as well as the main shaft angle. Thats just me, Ive heard other people talk about different things that make it easier for them to maintain where the heli is positioned in the sky.
Posted on: 9/5/2012 12:43 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11218512

RE: Frustrated Nubie
I agree with morgan. I would have bought the mcpx as my first heli if I knew then what I do now. However, I would say that trying to fly a CP heli without any other tools is a very big bite to take at once. Couple the mcpx with a decent SIM and a lot of SIM time before flying the real mcpx will result most n00bs with success. The Clear View SIM does have the mcpx modeled in the newest version. It flies pretty much like the real one...even the weak tail torque and all! LOL
Posted on: 8/24/2012 1:29 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204721

RE: What is this worth?
You sound a lot like me...only been into helis about 2 years now and rc alltogether 3 and a half or so. Still I have about 9 helis right now...all the way from my 1st el-cheapo co-ax to a Raptor 50 and just about one of each size inbetween. By far, the Raptor 50 is the smoothest flying heli I own...but I dont fly it much because of being afraid of crashing it and the expense of having to fix it back. Plus, its still on 72Mhz and I want to switch it over to 2.4 but need to learn how to setup a Raptor type of head/servos first. Anyway, my point in replying again...is I fly my 500 electric the most. Its crash cost isnt that much more than the 450 and it is a LOT easier to fly. It reacts a little slower and with the larger disc size it "floats" a little better so you have more time to make corrections than on a 450 or smaller. I feel that the 2 most important helis that I own right now are my 500 and my mCPX. These 2 helis has progressed my helicopter flying skills more than any other one thing since I started messing with them. So...I would just build it...if you crash it, throw it away and buy a 500 clone and transfer the parts that didnt break over to it. Then as you crash and repair the 500...you can replace the parts with Align or higher end aftermarket and at some point end up with a super nice helicopter. Thats what Im doing now...And the only thing left as clone is the main frame and tail assembly. Everything else I have upgraded with Align, even the main rotor head. Or you can continue to use aftermarket/clone spare parts to rebuild from your crashes and save even more. Wasnt anything wrong with my EXI 500 clone right out of the box. I did buy the carbon fiber edition though. I cant comment on the quality of the plastic kit goodluck!
Posted on: 8/17/2012 5:46 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11196666

RE: Tower pro mg90s good for 450 flybarless?
They should be fine unless you are doing some extreme 3D flying. And then they may be ok still, but if it were me and I was flying extreme 3D with the heli, Id get something better. I dont have any FBL helis...but in my reading you may have to tweak with the gain a little when using them. Supposedly, they are very similar to the HS65MG's. And I use them on my heli and they are great! I dont think I would use one on the tail though.
Posted on: 8/17/2012 5:37 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11196660

RE: i have officially crossed over
[quote]ORIGINAL: s7jstep1 (as with all rc vehicles) im sure on model will lead to a collection (and an angry girlfriend haha) [/quote] Just remember...its ALWAYS easier to ask for forgiveness...rather than permission! ;)
Posted on: 8/16/2012 11:54 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195941

RE: What is this worth?
I say build it and fly it if you have next to nothing in it. If you crash it...you can salvage the parts (motor, esc, servos, gyro) and put on a new heli of same size. Really, the kit is the cheapest part of a build. you start racking up money in electronics...and they should be usable on any 500 class heli. Just my opinion. BUT...to counter my own statement...you will have some crashes when you first go to CP helis. I started out on co-ax (what a waste)...then to FP...and when I went to CP, i still crashed. Granted, not that much...but out of my 250, 450 and 500...ive crashed them all at least once. The 450, 3 times! lol So, saying that...maybe the best thing would be to sell it like someone else already posted and put that money towards a good clone of a 500...say like the EXI and electronics. That way you will have the ability to buy ANY part you need, clone or Align for an Align 500 heli. goodluck!
Posted on: 8/16/2012 11:43 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195926

RE: Frustrated Nubie
They should have pointed you to the mCPX. Any FP heli will have a time in wind. The larger ones will do better...but even they will have difficulty in wind. The mSRX will fly outside in low to NO wind. So you may be able to get some use out of it afterall. But the mCPX will easily fly in winds around 10-15 MPH and slightly more, dependant on your skill. With being brand new...id not fly in wind at all until you can hover and feel totally in control of the heli in a hover...that way if you get in trouble you can correct it by going into a hover and regaining your orientation. Im sure you will get a plethora of responses here, all probably different. But I think the mCPX is not only a cool little helicopter...but a valuable tool that will help you learn a whole lot of flying a real 6ch heli. goodluck.
Posted on: 8/6/2012 12:45 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183101

RE: Flight Simulator
I like Clear View simply because it looks decent (graphics) and it does the job for 40 bucks. I use a GWS SIM cable for my DX7...works great! So for less than 60 bucks you can have a SIM that will teach you the basics. I dont find it realistic for practicing 3D flight...but I dont really have anything else to compare it to....so I dont know if other more expensive SIMS are better at replicating the heli for 3D stuff. IF you are brand new and want a SIM to train you to hover and fly circuits...Clear View will do the job and save you some coin to put towards your heli and or radio equipment. Once you actually are flying around in circuits and want to progress into 3D...you could always upgrade to a better SIM with physics suited for that. Keep in mind that flying on the SIM isnt exactly like flying a real heli simply from a perspective standpoint. A SIM can take you a long way to learning how to hover/fly...but it wont take you all the way. The only way you can do that is to actually fly a heli. A great tool that has taken me much further than any SIM ever could was when I bought a Blade mCPX. That little heli is basically a real life SIM. Ive had tons of flights on mine and with minimul crash damages when crashing it...and trust me I have crashed it plenty. I finally broke the swash on mine yesterday, matter of fact when doing inverted circuits and I got to low and dorked it in. Dont let my high recommendation for the mCPX forgo a SIM altogether...I had plenty of SIM time plus hovering a 450 and 500 size heli before I bought the mCPX. Its just I wasnt progressing toward actual flight circuits on the larger helis because they intimidated me. Once I got the mCPX and started trying to fly it around did everything make much more sense to me and it just "clicked". goodluck!
Posted on: 8/6/2012 12:41 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183092

RE: xheli - a VERY SERIOUS warning to all
This thread started in 2008. And the sim question was from 2010. Just thought Id point that out. ;)
Posted on: 8/6/2012 12:32 PM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183075

RE: Took the training gear off today
Dont know if you are a plane flyer...but if you are...ever flown a cub? Flying a heli is a lot like flying a cub where you have to use rudder to make a coordinated turn. Only thing is most cubs will turn with the good ole "yank and bank" system (up elevator and aileron). And if you dont use rudder on a heli when turning you will pretty much be on your way to a nice crash! A heli just needs gentle thumb steering the tail at all times. You may want to put some higher expo on the rudder channel so you dont put too much rudder in and cause yourself to lose orientation during the turn. After getting my nerve up to fly a circuit (thank you Blade and your mCPX, LOL) I find that hovering in a tight area is much harder than flying circuits. Im still not really "hovering" nose in but can hover side and tail in pretty easy. I can fly simple circuits but havent went into figure 8's with my larger helis. I can fly just about any way I want with the mCPX though...even inverted. Its just my nerves are more calm with the tiny one as I know that even if I hit myself or others I wont do much if any damage to life or limb. Helis, to me anyway, are harder on your nerves the larger they are. goodluck
Posted on: 8/3/2012 10:55 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "RC Helicopter Beginners Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11179753

RE: Help me get into rc airplanes!
Not a thing wrong with buying from Hobby King. You just have to be somewhat educated in the hobby to be able to separate the junk from the better stuff that they have for sale. Granted, Ive mostly bought parts rather than planes...but I do have a couple planes from there and both are good planes, one of which (about a .25 size Yak54) is one of my all time favorite electric planes. It was an ARF but I used cheap Turnigy motor and cheap HXT servos all the way around and its just an all around awesome flying plane. Its a balsa/covering and not one of the many foam yaks that they sell. Maybe HK shouldnt be for the brand new beginner...as Ive seen stuff on their site I wouldnt touch with a 10' pole. And new people wouldnt be able to tell what is good and what is not. So I guess I can see both sides of the argument.
Posted on: 8/1/2012 7:43 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11177134

RE: LiPo Batt.
This is just my opinion, but on a heli as large, expensive and potentially dangerous as a 700 can be...I wouldnt chance a suspect battery. I know batteries arent cheap...so the choice is up to you. But, a bad crash from loss of power could end up costing you way more than replacing the battery. Again, just my opinion.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 7:10 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "Electric RC Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168465

RE: Genius CP mechanical setup?
I dont think the Genius CP has adjustable links...other than the cyclic ones and you wouldnt use those for blade tracking. Just like the mCPX pretty much...other than on its 3-n1 board, you can set some dip switches to tame it and basically make it a FP heli where it wont go inverted. So, saying that...if your blades arent tracking...I would look for warped blades and/or bent feathering shaft.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 7:06 AM by Author "ATVAlliance" in the forum "Walkera Helis - Dragonfly, etc.."
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168460