Different types of people have different hobbies. One hobby gaining a lot of popularity is flying remote controlled or RC helicopters. While few people can afford to buy real helicopters or even learn to fly one, RC helicopter flying is something a person with a modest budget can afford. Buyers looking to get started in RC helicopters should do the necessary research and learn what they can about this hobby. Before making a purchase, buyers should consider a few things that can help them decide which RC helicopter is best for them.
Most people purchase their RC helicopters and parts from hobby stores, specialty RC stores, and some big box retail stores. However, smart buyers can find better bargains and more selection online, particularly on sites like eBay. The site offers more choices for people searching for RC helicopters.
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1. Type of RC Helicopter
The first thing buyers should consider when buying an RC helicopter is the type of helicopter they want. These helicopter types vary, based on features, motors, and factors. By looking at these types side-by-side, buyers can determine which item suits their needs.
When purchasing an RC helicopter, buyers should think about how and where they plan to use it. For example, if they plan to give it as a gift to a young child, then perhaps a toy helicopter would be the most appropriate choice.
2. Number of Channels
As most users already know, RC helicopters receive radio signals from the controller and translate this into different movement. However, each type of action requires one transmission channel, which is why more sophisticated RC helicopters have more channels. Of course, for beginners, having fewer channels is easier. The most basic helicopters have two channels. One controls the turning or the yaw and the other controls the speed. These helicopters can only fly forward, which limits their movements, but is less complicated to control. A three-channel helicopter adds forward and reverse movements.
RC helicopters with more than three channels can do a variety of movements through the addition of collective pitch. By allowing the user to tilt the rotor blades, the helicopter can do complicated moves like swooping, climbing, rolling, looping, and even flying backwards or upside-down.
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3. Power Source
Radio controlled helicopters need some type of power source to run and the most common types are glow fuel and electric batteries, although some use gasoline and turbine engines. Glow fuel RC helicopters are the most common. A combination of nitromethane and methanol, glow fuel provides seven to ten minutes of flight time, depending on the type of engine. There is virtually no height limit for glow fuel-powered helicopters and while some users report going up to a mile high, few users push their units higher than their eyes can see.
Batteries are safer and more convenient to use. Previously, batteries could not match the power of the glow fuel, but with advancements in technology, many lithium polymer batteries offer four to twelve minutes of flight time. Aside from lower costs, one advantage of electric batteries is that, unlike fuel powered motors, they do not create a lot of noise. For people who use their helicopters in residential areas or take videos with sound, this is a highly attractive quality.
4. Availability of Parts
For buyers who want to go beyond toy helicopters and want to devote their time and resources to flying, then the availability of parts is an important consideration. RC helicopters require much care and maintenance. Flying and using the helicopters can bring about a lot of wear and tear and users find they have to replace certain parts regularly to keep their units flying. The swashplate, batteries, canopy, main shaft, and landing skids are the parts that users replace quite often, especially in the beginning when they crash often. Most parts are compatible among the same types of helicopters, but for some specialty parts, users may have to buy parts made by the same manufacturer.
Some people may even want to upgrade or build their own helicopters, so they must have the right parts. High-quality skids, carbon fiber blades, and aluminum swash blades can help RC helicopters fly faster and higher. These parts are also more durable and may even increase the value of the helicopter.
5. Construction
RC helicopters come in a variety of designs and materials. Plastic, aluminum, glass-reinforced plastic, and carbon fiber are common materials manufacturers use for the body. The blades use lightweight materials like fiberglass or even wood. Some RC helicopters come fully assembled, while complete kits are available for those who prefer to build their own models.
These helicopters need to be lightweight so they can fly and use power efficiently, but they also need to be sturdy enough to withstand crashes. Beginners who are still learning to fly should first go with durable models, such as helicopters made with hard plastic polymers. This material is not very heavy, but still robust enough to survive a couple of crashes. While it is tempting to splurge on the more complex, lightweight models, these do have a very fast response and thus are difficult for inexperienced people to fly.
