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Hi all
First post here so I'll start with an introduction...
About 15 years ago I got into fixed wing radio control and with the help of my local model shop (in SE London) and local flying club I built a high wing aerobatic capable trainer, if that isn't a contradiction in terms. It was a Moronic if anyone remembers them. At the time I had an Atari ST and bought an RC aerochopper to learn and practice on. It served me very well and during a flying lesson I managed to land it on my first flight. (The model had been checked out by the model shop and instructor first).
Recently I noticed how cheap RTF electic helicopters had become and, with a little prompting
, my wife bought me a coaxial type for my birthday. Now, although I'm still amazed at how well this thing flies for the cost, it has some severe failings in terms of range/servo glitching and outdoor performance is very limited (the blades touch easily). I've had to buy alot of spares as the result of the range issue and blade touching crashes. So I have decided that the only thing that this model is good for is for fun flying in the garden (when it's very calm!) and to help me learn nose in flying. (I know I could use my old ST and Aerochopper but the last time I tried to use it, it didn't work).
Although my garden isn't huge it is certainly big enough for me to learn hovering with whatever I get as the next step, so an electric collective pitch model would seem to suit. I like the idea of practising to becoming reasonably competent at home (something you can't do with fixed wing) but would obviously join a club if I got good enough to fly circuits and to try 3d flying. From reading around, the mini-pred seems to be the RTF collective pitch model of choice and so I very nearly bought one yesterday at a local model shop but I didn't partially because of what I've read here.
I think I've decided that if I do take the next step, it will be much more cost effective/satisfying to build a kit. That way I learn how it all works, how to repair/maintain it and how to change it to suit my skill level as I improve (hopefully!!).
I like the look of the Dragonus model, particularly as it has an adjustable head ratio. I gather it is prone to interference from internal EMF so decided that a 2.4 GHz TX/RX would be the best radio gear to go with the model. As I'm starting from scratch it would make sense.
I think I meet the minimum PC specifications of Phoenix and have seen that it is compatible with the Futaba 2.4 GHz TX (DX6 and DX6EX) compatible with Phoenix so I would use that to supplement my garden practise.
Could I use my coaxial TX with Phoenix? It is an Easy Copter Expert V2, (think its a Walkera 5#4 clone so a Walkera tranny) which has a small output on the back about the size of a keyboard/mouse PS2 socket. If so where can I get a cable?
Can anyone recommend a heli supplier/shop in the Romsey/Southampton/Salisbury area? I've not been impressed with the ones I've visited so far but then I am comparing them to the support I got when I build my Moronic and I'm sure the market has changed. Maybe it's me (PM me if it needs that). Are there any other clubs in the area that might be closer than the ones at Middle Wallop and Martin Down?
Does all the above sound like a reasonable approach if I decide to take the next step?
Any comments and suggestions will be most welcome.
Cheers
Bill
First post here so I'll start with an introduction...
About 15 years ago I got into fixed wing radio control and with the help of my local model shop (in SE London) and local flying club I built a high wing aerobatic capable trainer, if that isn't a contradiction in terms. It was a Moronic if anyone remembers them. At the time I had an Atari ST and bought an RC aerochopper to learn and practice on. It served me very well and during a flying lesson I managed to land it on my first flight. (The model had been checked out by the model shop and instructor first).
Recently I noticed how cheap RTF electic helicopters had become and, with a little prompting
, my wife bought me a coaxial type for my birthday. Now, although I'm still amazed at how well this thing flies for the cost, it has some severe failings in terms of range/servo glitching and outdoor performance is very limited (the blades touch easily). I've had to buy alot of spares as the result of the range issue and blade touching crashes. So I have decided that the only thing that this model is good for is for fun flying in the garden (when it's very calm!) and to help me learn nose in flying. (I know I could use my old ST and Aerochopper but the last time I tried to use it, it didn't work).Although my garden isn't huge it is certainly big enough for me to learn hovering with whatever I get as the next step, so an electric collective pitch model would seem to suit. I like the idea of practising to becoming reasonably competent at home (something you can't do with fixed wing) but would obviously join a club if I got good enough to fly circuits and to try 3d flying. From reading around, the mini-pred seems to be the RTF collective pitch model of choice and so I very nearly bought one yesterday at a local model shop but I didn't partially because of what I've read here
. I think I've decided that if I do take the next step, it will be much more cost effective/satisfying to build a kit. That way I learn how it all works, how to repair/maintain it and how to change it to suit my skill level as I improve (hopefully!!).
I like the look of the Dragonus model, particularly as it has an adjustable head ratio. I gather it is prone to interference from internal EMF so decided that a 2.4 GHz TX/RX would be the best radio gear to go with the model. As I'm starting from scratch it would make sense.
I think I meet the minimum PC specifications of Phoenix and have seen that it is compatible with the Futaba 2.4 GHz TX (DX6 and DX6EX) compatible with Phoenix so I would use that to supplement my garden practise.
Could I use my coaxial TX with Phoenix? It is an Easy Copter Expert V2, (think its a Walkera 5#4 clone so a Walkera tranny) which has a small output on the back about the size of a keyboard/mouse PS2 socket. If so where can I get a cable?
Can anyone recommend a heli supplier/shop in the Romsey/Southampton/Salisbury area? I've not been impressed with the ones I've visited so far but then I am comparing them to the support I got when I build my Moronic and I'm sure the market has changed. Maybe it's me
(PM me if it needs that). Are there any other clubs in the area that might be closer than the ones at Middle Wallop and Martin Down? Does all the above sound like a reasonable approach if I decide to take the next step?
Any comments and suggestions will be most welcome.
Cheers
Bill
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