Complete Beginer

[Steve-Tap]

Hi all and welcome. Im a new member 55 years of age and have been given a two chanel model 9061 helicopter as a birthday present purchaced at maplins electrical.

Im not being ungrateful but would you recomend that I return the present and change for something else or would this be a good starter to hone my less than basic skills. I have not dare fly it yet any help please.

Steve

[stevieb337]

i've had a couple of small cheap heli's given to me as presents and they are fun to play with in a nice big room but after lots of research and talking to others i have ordered a phoenix sim (best one apparently) and a spektrum DX6i transmiter combo to learn how to hover ect the best part is once i am confident, i can use the DX6i with any model with the right receiver so dont need to spend out on that at a later date

hope that helps

steve

[Mart61]

Hi Steve and welcome aboard.

I think the first question you may need to answer is what is your budget? Without having some idea on how deep your pockets are, it's a little difficult to provide an answer.



However, in light of your newcomer status, I'd say fly what you have and see if it's something you wish to get into in a more serious fashion.

[JohnJ]

Steve I think I would heed the advice given above, R/C Helicopters are great fun but you are basically correct in saying the one you have is really just a toy and of very limited use after the first five minutes!

It's an excellent hobby to take up at almost any level but it's not easy and a good Simulator will show you what you're up against as well as saving you money!

Whatever you do enjoy yourself.

John

[spunkmyer]

To be honest keep it and fly it its all fun. of course if your here then it did something for you!!!!! How much you looking to speed is the first thing,

[wibplus]

Hi Steve and welcome to the best forum.

The little heli,being 2 channel, is basically a toy. Have as much fun with it as you can and then, if your interest is perked up, go to a local club or to a hobby shop and talk to them. I have found that people in this hobby are more than willing to load you up with info before you make the decision to throw your wallet at helis.


Welcome to the most addictive pastime in the world.

[Tim Procter]

How much you looking to spend is the first thing,

In other words welcome to the "having no money crew"

Great hobby though.

[JohnJ]

Hi Steve and welcome to the best forum.

before you make the decision to throw your wallet at helis.

Ha Ha I like that phrase - My heli certainly chews my wallet to shreds on a regular basis

John

[smokingtommy]

agree a sim is one of the best things you can get to start with weather its a phoenix or realflight G5 both are about the same. Also take a look at the BMFA web site and see if there is a club near you and also ask about on here if there is a indoor club yet again popping along to a club will give you a good look at the hobbie to see if its for you before you splash out on ££.
You will find pritty much every one in this hobbie very friendly and always willing to help out.
if you feel the hobbbie is for you and it catches your intrest you will get lots of help on here as to where and how to move forward.
and welcome

[brin]

hi mate and welcome. the big question is are you interested in getting into this hobby as its not for the faint hearted its quite a big commitment if you are then get a sim ,a mcx (small twin rotor) Fast Lad Performance and good luck.

[tiddler]

Hi Steve,
If its the sort of thing I think it is your heli will probably shoot up into the air, spin about uncontrollably, and give you the impression that its impossible to fly.

And you'd be right

Get yourself a copy of Phoenix and then a decent 4 channel heli You wont regret it

[smokingtommy]

this the link to find clubs near you
British Model Flying Association - BMFA - Search for affiliated clubs by county

you may not see the indoor clubs on the site ,but its a start

[heliTV]

I've been asked to try and sort out a few 2 channel foam helis in the past for friend's children - the trusted blob of blutac usually gets them flying forwards! Fine for kids but I would probably have given up if I'd started with one...
OK here's my take:-
If you want to have heli fun at home, go the route of buying an mCX - more expensive than the toys but about the same size and MUCH better - has proper heli controls and is SO stable. It's also small enough to fly almost anywhere... If this turns you into an addict, then almost everything you learn with it helps with bigger helis and sims.
If you're thinking you may want to get into the bigger stuff and want to see its for you, try a trial lesson with an instructor. I use Pete at Phoenixmodelaviation.co.uk .. or buy the simulator (Phoenix IMHO)
If you do get hooked, you'll end up with the sim anyway!!!
Hope this helps

[GtD]

Welcome to the forum

What part of the country are you in? You might be close enough to somone to pop over and have a quick go on Phoenix and see their model(s) - and listen to their own story of how they started & learn from their mistakes. That way if you decide it isn't for you, you haven't had to splash any cash

[boxy]

hi mate i agree with most if not all of the above, i think the best way to forward is to visit a local club see if you like it then buy yourself a better heli. sims are a must if your going to take it up! but go to a club first otherwise its going to be a expencive mistake good luck