E-Flite Blade Micro RC Helicopter Range Review

Over on the main site i have produced a very brief introduction to the E-Flite Blade range of micro RC helicopters. They have proved a constant winner over the previous years when it comes to cheap and reliable helicopter models such as the Blade mSR and the Blade CX2/CX3.

This site normally covers the larger end of the RC helicopter market. But sometimes we forget that everyone has to start somewhere. I would personally recommend any of the E-Flite range to a budding new pilot. They mostly use coaxial contra-rotating blades to give good stability. Some of their more advanced models incorporate fixed pitch single rotor designs. Still allowing the novice pilot to get up and running in minutes, but with the added precision and agility of a more advanced head.

E-Flite Blade Micro Helicopter Review

RC Helicopter Guides and Tutorials

Remote Control Helicopter Guides

I thought i would just remind you of some of the current RC helicopter guides available on the site. In the future i will make a new post for each one i write, that way if you have any heli questions, you can use the threads commenting system. As for the current guides, if you have any questions or comments, please use the box below.

RC Helicopter Tail and Gyro Setup
Pitch and Throttle Curves
Turbine Helicopters
CCPM Setup
Blade Tracking and Balancing
T-Rex 500 Static
LiPo Guide
Helicopter Radio Setup
Heli Physics
Beginners Guide
Heli Calculator

More to come very soon. Suggestions for guides and tutorials are more than welcome.

Alan Szabo Jr. Tames the New Align T-Rex 100 Micro Helicopter

The new Align T-Rex 100 micro helicopter is finally starting to show itself. Originally scheduled for a Christmas release it is now hitting the shops. It certainly looks like a lot of fun for a rainy day indoors.

New Servers

Just a quick apology to anyone who tried to access the site in the past 12 hours. I had moved the website to a new dedicated server, as the jump in traffic to this site had out grown its previous hosting package. But there was an issue with the new name-servers, so the site was not visible for this period. All is well now however. But it means the site should be a lot quicker, and able to cope with the many hundreds of you that visit this site each day. There are still a few bugs to iron out, so please bear with me, if you notice any thing strange, it should be put rite over the coming day or two. Thanks again!

New Guide on RC Helicopter Tail and Gyro Setup

A new guide has been added to the main section of the site covering setting up a RC helicopter gyro. It covers the basics of a good mechanical setup of the tail, and details on how to configure your gyro. Using popular gyros such as the Align GP750 and Futaba 401 as examples. A good gyro will almost install and set itself up, but a poor one can become a very big headache very quickly.

Along the same lines, take a look at the CCPM head setup guide if you are building your first RC helicopter. The helicopter guides section as a whole is a good starting point to be honest.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With the festive season upon us, i just wanted to say a big thank you to all my readers, and the support everyone has given me to produce this site. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, and a happy new year! I hope Santa brought you all the helicopter goodies you asked for!

Futaba GY701 RC Helicopter Gyro and Governor

Futaba released recently their flagship heli gyro/governor combo, the GY701. Both technologies are combined within one compact unit. Combining two separate technologies into one unit results in amazing response rates. Designed to be useful for the beginner helicopter pilot and 3D expert, it is also available in either a gyro only or governor only box set. Although, you will end up paying more buying them separately. One of the main features of the new unit, is the advanced, adaptive PID operation (Proportional-Integral-
Derivative). It also boasts a wide dynamic range, covering +/- 1200 deg/sec.

The governor is capable of operating over 1000 to 3000 rpm, and includes digital or analogue servo selection. A nice feature is the units ability to allow revo compensation by yaw rate. To keep track of what the unit is “thinking” there is a 128×36 resolution OLED screen on the main control unit. This allows for easy programing of the PC updatable firmware, which is also compliant with the new S.Bus connection.

GY701 Features

• Ultra high-speed
• Consistent and smooth pirouette rate
• Excellent yaw control
• 3D/F3C modes
• 3 color LED mode indicator
• compatible with analog and digital servos
• S.Bus capable
• RPM range 1000-3000
• Governor or rev limiter selectable
• Sensor mounted on the clutch
• Ultra lightweight/small
• Easy-to-use programming interface

You will find in the box (Dependent on the package ordered, gyro/governor set given as an example):

• GY701 control unit
• GY701 gyro sensor
• Engine rpm sensor
• Adhesive pads
• Sensor mounting brackets
• Magnets
• Decal sheet

The unit is also capable of remembering the max engine rpm reached, along with the total runtime of the engine. useful for keeping track of engine wear and tear. The GY701 operates over a wide range of voltages, it is rated between 3.8 and 8.4 V, to cover a broad range of tail servos. This does however mean that care has to be taken of the voltage settings, and requirements of the tail servo.

Overall Impression of the Gyro

The basic pilot will find this a great unit, easy to use, and brimming with features. After the initial setup, the beginner can stop there and get on with flying. However, a lot of the features that can be fine tuned will be overlooked unless you are an advanced 3D pilot. But that is where the unit does excel. Tuning and tweaking the unit for demanding 3D routines, yields proportional results, and a pleasing smile.

All in all this is a very complete/comprehensive set, packed with features. You will have everything you need to make the most of this unit in the box. Available for purchase separately is a PC interface lead, for more in-depth programming. It is also possible to purchase a sensor mount for the engine back plate, if you require to fit it there instead.

Available now from your local model shop, distributed in the UK by Ripmax Ltd., it is supplied in 4 different configurations, as follows:

• Gyro & governor set(RRP £249.99)
• Gyro & governor complete with BLS251 tail servo (RRP £TBA)
• Gyro set (RRP £199.99)
• Governor set (RRP £109.99)

Align T-Rex 100 Super-Micro RC Helicopter

News is thin on the ground at the moment about Align’s latest RC helicopter offering, but some pictures have emerged of this lovely new toy. If you are familiar with the Blade MSR super micro RC helicopter, then the idea behind Align’s new model isn’t a million miles away. It was only a matter of time before they entered this area of the market.

Just in time for the horrible british winter, they are releasing a 4 channel, 2.4Ghz ready-to-fly package RC helicopter, complete with an exclusive transmitter. It is of the fixed pitch variety, and in the super-micro class. So ideal for those wet and windy days indoors to keep you occupied untill summer returns. I suspect there will also be a bind-an-fly version, where you can team it up with your own RC transmitter.

Due to be released before Christmas 2010, it is bound to be a massive hit, and a big seller. Most definitely at the top of a lot of helicopter pilots Xmas list. It is also worth noting just how gorgeous the new transmitter is, very sleek and good-looking. How it handles will be another question though.

The Transmitter will also be switchable between mode 1 and mode 2 configuration, catering for the broadest spectrum of pilot, without needing to manually adjust the transmitter and change the mode mechanically. At the moment there is no RRP, but ill be sure to let you know as soon as any more information is released about this new model.

Spektrum DX8 Full Range 8 Channel RC Helicopter Radio

• RRP £329.99
• Release Date: Now!
• Distributor: Horizon Hobby

The long-awaited Spektrum DX8 is now on general sale the world over. Spektrum have managed to make themselves the dominant force in helicopter radios in a very short amount of time.

Following on from the success of the DX6i and DX7, they have taken all the best bits of these transmitters, added a whole host of new technologies and produced an exceptional RC helicopter transmitter.

One of the great new features is the inclusion of a telemetry unit, to allow the pilot to receive data back from the model helicopter. Be it engine temperature, motor rpm or LiPo voltage levels. This allows the pilot to plan ahead, and see any potential hazards before they manifest themselves.

In a nutshell, if you are looking for an upgrade to the DX6i, or any other 6 or 7 channel radio, then this is a must buy. The ergonomics are excellent. Also, the user-friendly interface to the programming options is of a very high quality, it makes programming this radio a pleasure. Some of the main features:

• Spektrum AirWave Software
• Enhanced Wing Type Programming
• Active Gyro and Governer Trim
• Electronic E-Ring
• Built-In Telemetry
• SD Card Slot
• Comfort Grips
• 30 Model Memory
• 11ms Frame Rate

Pilots will encounter a good level of security and easy to use features. Building on the DSM2 technology and introducing more software features not usually found in similar hand-sets. Whats in the Box:

• AR8000 Receiver
• Neck Strap
• Battery Pack
• Power Adaptor
• 16MB SD Card
• Telemetry Unit
• temperature Sensor
• Flight Pack Voltage Sensor

I will definitely be recommending this handset for a while to come, it will take a lot to beat. The telemetry unit is a very nice touch. The ability to set alarms for set conditions inside the RC helicopter is a god send. Available at all good hobby stores worldwide.

Align T-Rex 500 RC Helicopter Stop Motion Build

Stop motion animation of the construction of an Align T-Rex 500 RC helicopter. Over 2,500 photos were taken during the build of this remote controlled helicopter, and the resulting animation was rendered in Adobe After Effects CS5.