Newbie wanting to spend 300..???

[Daywalker]

Hi guys,

Just wondered if any of you can help me out?.

For ages I have been thinking about getting my first heli and learning how to fly etc. I have around 300 to spend and would like to know if you could recommend which make/model to go for..electric..etc?. I would like to get everything I need and so its ready to fly (once I know how) I would use it outside in a large field..so will have plenty of room.

I hope you guys can help me out and maybe once I am confident with it, meeting up with a few of you.

Cheers

Mike

[Thomas]

Buy a sim, it's the best, easiest and cheapest way to learn. RealFlight G3 (comes with controller), Reflex - need to get a transmitter, both very good.

Once you've had a play get youself to an instructor type person to get your hands on a heli to get a feel for the real thing, then decide what you want, by getting the hang of the sim first will save you time and money with an instructor.

[Daywalker]

sim? pleading ignorant here.. can you explain more?

[Stuart]

What Thomas is saying is that if your budget is strict at 300.00 then a good simulator will get you some good virtual airtime and get you on the road to learning how to fly an Rc Helicopter.

Various simulators are on the market from the Realflight G3 to the XTR sim and others too. The ones mentioned are seen as the best on the market for reality and flight physics.

http://www.realflight.com/

http://www.reflex-sim.de/

By the way, to keep the homepage clean I've moved your post from the Main Discussion to the Beginners.

[Daywalker]

Stuart,

Cheers mate...

The 300 can stretch...just don't tell the Mrs

What would I be looking at to get a heli etc?

Is sim the only option?

Mike

[Stuart]

Mike,

See below what I would consider as a beginners setup

1. Raptor 30 (Can get usually reasonable deal on eBay for these or the BMFA Website Classifieds - see one for sale here http://www.bmfa.co.uk/class/detail.php?siteid=57041)
2. OS32 or TT39 Engine (TT engine included sometimes)
3. Minimum X2610 JR or FF9 Futaba TX with the necessary RX, you'll only need to increase later as your flying grow's. I would suggest you get the best you can. (Also can be found on auction sites and the BMFA site.)
4. Rx Battery
5. Glowstick, Stater Motor and Hex Stater Shaft
6. Training Gear

Stay away from the bling factory and carbon blades etc, the woodies will get you in the air no problem.

If your going to go down the route of buying the full setup, then you must get BMFA insurance and also locate your nearest club. Go and see what they are flying and ask them to assist in helping you to setup and check over the heli before any flying takes place. Also take note of any current frequency's being used and get assigned channel for your use.

[wazzer]

I personaly would recomend getting a Decent Sim like Reflex XTR

along with a decent TX like a Futaba FF9 or JRPCM9X and practice like hell

The sim will be the best value peice of equipment you will ever buy when entering the sport of model helicopters and will save you loads of cash in crash repairs.

My advice would be to go to a shop or a find a friend who has a sim and have a go, you will clearly see how much money and time you can save in damages.

A decent TX like a FF9 will last you thoughout most of your flying carreer and is money well spent

I wouldnt consider buying an actual Model heli Like R30-50 until i could safley hover around on the sim in a controlled fashion.

Only then would i consider spending the cash on heli the time it takes you to learn to fly on the sim can be spent saving cash for a good heli setup

The Sim is nowadays considered a must have even for experienced pilots as it allows you to practice all year round and allows you to practice your new manouvers with out risk of damaging your new heli

Just my Two Pennys Worth

Ben

[Daywalker]

Thanks for all the advice chaps...

Ok..my next questions are to see if anyone in the sussex area has a sim I could look at etc and also...for Stuart..the parts you listed... if I got those..do I have to build it myself, I am a trained mechanic so that idea sounds good to me..but might need instructions
Also..to see if there is a local club near Haywards heath???

Cheers

Mike

[Thomas]

I'm over near Petworth, I never found a club in Sussex, have a look at http://www.bmfa.org/clubs/clist.php for a club, quite a few are full though.

... when I started I made the trek over to Dorset and had a couple of lessons with Ade, well worth it, I ended up joining his club but limited to one weekend a month.

[primesigns]

I am in East sussex. There is one in Polegate, somewhere!

I belong to one in Bexhill but that's a bit far for you. I would love to meet you down there on a sunday

[Daywalker]

Hi Mate,

Pm me your details etc..what you fly..blah blah blah...I could come down there..its a bit out of the way but don't know any others...I am in Haywards heath... my budget is now 500!!!! so.....look out

Mike

[primesigns]

Well i am a newbie too four weeks into training...

I went the other route.

I have got the Lama XRB for indoor use. Once i have mastered that i wil be buying the Raptor 60. If you goto ModelZone in Brighton they are doing the whole Raptor 60 pakage for 620 all in. Can't go wrong!

Only thing. Most clubs are indoors and only use small electric helis. In short if you go for a big fuel powered one you won't have the support of a small local club unless they are an outdoor club which is unlikely in this chilly home we call England.

I would not have been able to get my heli off the ground with stability if it wasnt for the club.

I would recommend the Lama XRB for training the move on, but hey it's your dime!

[Thomas]

I bought a cheap 60 off eBay, everyone told me not to and that a 60 was underpowered, I liked it, only problem is that my cheap 60 is now an expensive 90!!

What I'm trying to say is that if you get a 60 one day you will want to upgrade it as it's cheap to do so (as long as you are not tempted by lots of carbon and metal bits like me) may aswell get a 90 to start with as the only noticable difference is the boom is a bit longer.

For a first nitro I'd go for a 50 rather than a 60, less daunting and parts are cheaper too - a 50 size will have loads more power to weight than a 60.

[Daywalker]

Ok..confused now..do I go indoor or outdoor????? 8O

[Thomas]

Outdoor, cos you'll end up doing that anyway, I'd start be choosing a transmitter and a copy of Reflex.

TJD models are up near Dartford, they alway have time to give advice, may be worth popping up there to get your copy of Reflex and having a chat to them - go on a weekday when they are quieter though.