Learning The Basics......

[robertwo]

Finally went out and purchased myself a Raptor 50 with all the kit and a SIM (Phoenix)... Had the Heli looked over by local shop (Skyline, who were very helpful) and spoken with a local club where I have a lesson booked for Saturday to at least try and learn to hover.

Been practising on the SIM, using the "EasyFly50" from the training section... Been trying for a few days to hover this, and it's coming on, can't really keep it stationary to be honest (or not for long anyway).... It tends to start waiving side to side and picks up more and more speed as I try to correct it until it just ends up somehwere in the distance or in bits on the floor.....

How realistic is this to the real thing, and is the "EasyFly50" in Phoenix the best model to use? I noticed there are 1001 different settings that can be altered for each model... Does anyone have any settings for these that would better simulate the model I am using (can give you the details of everything on it if it would help) so that I can setup a custom model that will be as simular to the real thing as possible.

Advice is what I am looking for, any hints, tips that might help me along with getting the hang of at least the hovering... Flying the heli off the ground and around in circles seems.... I wouldn't say easy but, but a hell of a lot easier than hovering.... Landing.. Well, all I can say is I glad I'm practising in a SIM and not on the real thing... might need a truck load of spares otherwise but getting there with it, but only with the Training model has it has the training bars on the bottom.... If I try the actual Raptors in Phoenix and then generally end up on their side....

Anyway, any advice on technique would be appreciated.

Cheers

Rob

[Boggy]

use the raptor 30 it hovers really sweetly.

i think on the easifly the gyro is not set to hh as default

[Ade_Law]

the problem you are having is you are over controlling.

dont worry about the model moving to start with just try to keep it sitting nice and flat. if its sitting flat it wont go anywhere very quickly.

use small inputs just a gentle pressure on the stick. no need for more than that.

once you have it sitting flat you can lean the model over a few degrees in the direction you want it to go.

use the hover training too, you can get used to using one control at a time then.

Ade

[robertwo]

A clip from Phoenix for anyone that has it and can view it.
http://woodshill.com/clip.zip (It's a Zipped File, so will need extracting before it can be loaded in to Phoenix)

[Boggy]

you are over doing it as ade says ...try to anticipate what the heli is going to do next as you input a movement.remember for every action theres a reaction so if you move it left apply right to stop it or it will just carry on.
get the heli "tail in" so you are directly behind it . in the edit aircraft section click on tail rotor and set the gyro to heading hold this will stop it from turning as it moves away.

[SlamDunK]

My first post so, Hi all.
Rob, I've been 'flying' now for one week (All Phoenix) so, like you I'm trying to learn fast.
I found the training heli's feel too soft to really show you what's happening so I switched to the Buzzard Nightfly.
Firstly, it's a lot more responsive to stick input.
Secondly, the lights help you visualise the orientation of the Heli so much better.
I found I needed to pay a lot more attention to my throttle inputs, but I don't suppose that's a bad thing.
Give it a try and don't be scared to be (quietly) aggressive with the right stick, short, almost stabby movements to counter (if not preempt) the Heli's movements.
Also having read a million pages in the last couple of weeks I discovered the pinch method rather than using just your thumbs, after an evening getting used to it it made a huge difference.
Finally, if it does drift away from you, try to stabilise it (easier with the Nightfly), make sure the tail is toward you and let it drift back to where it started.
I may be talking rubbish, but as a 'noob' this has helped me loads.
Good luck.

Duncan.
ps. If you ever want an online session give us a pm and we can smash helis without shame!

[tracanas]

the problem you are having is you are over controlling.

dont worry about the model moving to start with just try to keep it sitting nice and flat. if its sitting flat it wont go anywhere very quickly.

use small inputs just a gentle pressure on the stick. no need for more than that.

once you have it sitting flat you can lean the model over a few degrees in the direction you want it to go.

use the hover training too, you can get used to using one control at a time then.

Ade

I agree wih Ade is the best thing for start, and no rush you have all the time on the world for start fligh.


Quim

[marktigere1]

It all takes time.

I've been flying for three years in total (started in 1998) but have not progressed much further than hovering in different orientations.

Mind you, I love the hobby and am in no rush so it suits me fine.

Cheers

Mark

[robgt]

Pinch, Thumbs or a mix of the two methods of transmitter stick control is all down to personal preference - do what you feel comfortable doing

Cheers,
Rob

[Sesame]

I started with the pinching method but ive changed over to thumbs.

personally I find it more natural and comfortable. plus when I was pinching I found I needed longer sticks than standard, which was a drawback when using someone elses transmiter.

[kevinh]

thumbs!!!!! tried changing found it very uncomfortable using the pinching method

[robgt]

I started with the pinching method but ive changed over to thumbs

I started with the pinching method too - now I use thumb on cyclics and a half pinch on pitch - thumb on top, index finger in front.
It works for me

Cheers,
Rob

[Ade_Law]

I use thumbs on top finger in front

[robgt]

Ah ha!
Another half pincher

LOL
Cheers,
Rob