Getting Started With Your Radio Controlled Helicopter

Radio controlled helicopters are real fun devices to have. A perfect hobby for those who love flying. With all the modern software's and gadgets today it's become even easier to start flying your radio controlled helicopter. First of all you need to get a simulator that teaches you how to fly your radio controlled helicopter. This is a windows based program and can be plugged into the USB ports with an interlinked transmitter.

Its better you learn using this program before you get a model of your own .It helps you reduce or rather avoid any crashes. The next thing you have to do after you are sure of your flying abilities is getting yourself a helicopter. You have two basic categories to choose from - Nitro or an electric. For beginners a nitro model will do because it's larger and much easier to work with as compared to an Electric model.

With a nitro Model you can choose from sizes 30, 40, 50, 70, 90. To start with you can go with a low budget 30 size. Another low budget models that you can use to start off with are Compass Model or Esky, this model is very easy to use, easily available at any hobby store and you can practice in your very own living room. After you have gained a little experience you can buy the Compass Model Knight 50 Sport, the most durable models in the market.

Once you got the model that you wan the next step is to get all the equipment that you need which is a must to fly your radio controlled helicopter. These equipments include your servos, gyros, transmitters, tail blades, main blades, paddles and field equipments. Your transmitter has to have at least six channels. You can try the new Spread Spectrum available from companies like Futaba. This works on 24 GHz and it does not interfere with any other radio systems, so you don't have to worry about any interference. This transmitter will cost you around $350 to $500, but it's definitely worth an investment because you can use this for a lifetime. Next coming to your servos.

Servos are actually devices that convert the electrical signals into mechanical actions. The servo that you get depends on the type of model you have. Generally all models require four servos, one to control the tail rotor pitch and three to control the swash plate. You will need three similar servos for the swash plates and a high speed one for the tail rotor. A gyro is necessary to control the tail rotor. You can get both the servos and the gyros for around $250.Anothe device needed is the blades which are usually available in the kit, but if they are not you can choose from wooden, fiberglass and carbon fiber blades. Next you will need your field equipment which includes the glow igniter, starter wand and motor and a fuel pump. All these items are sold in a kit and can be purchased easily depending again on your model.

Owning a radio controlled helicopter can be a lot of fun but learning how to fly one takes a lot of patience and hard work. It's a skill game.

Cathy Robertson is the author of this article on rc
helicopter. Find more information about radio
controlled helicopters at nitrotek.co.uk