| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 144.1 | Hope this helps | PUNDIT::COLBY | KEN | Mon Apr 27 1987 17:36 | 21 |
| Brian,
I think if you ask a Cobra owner what he thinks is the best helicopter,
you will be told a Cobra, and if you ask a Champion owner what is
best, you will be told a Champion. From what I can see, they are
both quality machines, and both have their strong-points. I do
not know what features the Conquest 5NLH has, but I would only
recommend that you only consider a Heli version of what ever kind
of radio you choose. I would want as a minimum, throttle and
collective mix, and tail rotor compensation, along with servo
reversing. You should also consider that you get ball bearing
servo's as the servo's on a Heli take more abuse that a typical
plane. I did not see you mention a gyro in your list of equipment.
I would highly recommend a gyro and it makes life easier if it is
the same make as the radio system. I am not sure where you are
located, but you would probably do well to see some helicopters
in action and talk to some of the owners about their equipment,
make contacts for future help, and get some idea what you are
getting into.
Ken
|
| 144.2 | go get one | BASHER::DAY | Just playing with my chopper.... | Tue Apr 28 1987 00:55 | 62 |
|
> 1) Is this a good combination or is there a better one?
Don't know about this one..
> 2) What other accessories are needed other than a Heli, radio & engine?
A helicopter becomes almost flyable with a giro fitted,this is a
definate must. I use a Quest giro,this is a tiny little single box
one with stick priority and gain adjustable from a channel on the
Tx.I believe GMP distribute these in the US. A giro is money well
spent, it will pay for itself by stopping you crashing (so often).
It's perfectly possible to fly a helicopter on a simple 4 channel
set, specially if you already have a spare one.. If you are going
to buy a new set then go for the Heli version.It virtually lets
you set the helicopter up from the Tx.
Pay the extra for ballrace servos.. they are wiggling ALL
the time you are flying.
> 3) With respect to the COBRA what is auto-rotation and pro-head.
Auto-rotation is the same for all Helis.It's a clutch in the
mainshaft which allows the rotor head to freewheel.It lets
you land the helicopter in one piece if the motor cuts while
flying..
Pro-head is probably some advertising gimmick.
4) Is the O.S. .45 a good engine for the COBRA or is there a better one?
OS are good engines, get a Heli version of whatever engine you decide
on tho'
5) Is there somewhere where I can get flying lessons?
Once the Heli is set up,and a decent model shop should do that
for you, you are largely on your own for 2 reasons
1. You have to concentrate so hard on flying the thing that you
wouldn't hear anything an instructor said.
2. Unlike an aeroplane there isn't time to hand the Tx to someone.
Apart from all that they are GREAT. Go straight out and get one
tomorrow,if not sooner...
cheers
bob
|
| 144.3 | Pro Head & engines | MDADMN::EATOND | Dan Eaton | Tue Apr 28 1987 22:58 | 11 |
| "PRO Head" refers to the rotor head normally found on the GMP
Competitor PRO. This is a good head but a beginner is probably
better off with a normal Cobra head. The normal Cobra head is a
little more robust and features dieheidral (SP?) which makes it
more stable. The PRO head has no dieheidral to make flying upside
down a little easyier.
A good engine for the Cobra is the OS50H. I couldn't get one when
I put my Cobra together an had an Enya 45 CX recommended to me.
The Enya's done fine for me.
Dan Eaton
|
| 144.4 | | SPKALI::THOMAS | | Wed Apr 13 1988 15:26 | 23 |
|
Mike, The only way to get into choppers and be successful
is to get in all the way. Half way just doesn't cut it.
Buy a chopper radio. One thing about chopper radios is that you
can turn off all of the mixing and use it in a plane. You can't
do that with an airplane radio.
The shuttle XX is much better that the original
shuttle. If your asking my opinion then..........
Currently the best buy is a Super Miniboy with a Supertiger 45H.
This combination can be had for 315.00 sending away through the
magazines. It is also the most durable chopper I have even seen.
I still don't like plastic. Given a choise between plastic and metal
I would go with the metal. Primarily I'm talking about those side
frames. Plastic heads ,mixers etc are proving to be great but those
sideframes carry all the load.
Give me a call if you want. 243-2506.
Tom
|
| 144.5 | Helicopter purchase | NYEM1::KRUG | | Tue Feb 14 1989 01:19 | 16 |
| I am new in RC and have never flown any type of radio control model.
I've been looking into buying a helicopter. I have read through many
of these note files regarding helicopers, but find that most are
older notes. I have in mind the Schluter Mini-Boy (all metal
construction and ball bearings) and the Futaba Conquest 5NLH radio.
The reason that this has been one choice, is that Tower Hobbies has it
for $372.98 including a OS.45SF-H engine and the Conquest 5NLH radio
for $219.99. I know that this is an expensive hobbie, but is this choice
a good one or bad one? Is there something else that may be in the same
price range which is a better choice? I also have seen a helicopter
by the name of "Sport 500", in the RCModeler magazine for $199 dollars,
is this helicopter any good? One last thing, are Futaba Gyro Stabilizers
very helpful? if so which one. I know I have quit a few questions but
any input would be very much appreciated.
Thanks Fred
|
| 144.6 | | SA1794::TENEROWICZT | | Tue Feb 14 1989 10:27 | 10 |
| Fred,
I agree with you that the miniboy would be a good choise but
I think it can be had for less money. I'll check around. A guy at
the field is flying one with a supertiger 45 with great results.
I wouldn't go with the conquest. limited in functionality that
is critical to easy set up. I'd go with the 7 FGKH.
Tom
|
| 144.7 | MORE OPINIONS | SALEM::COLBY | KEN | Tue Feb 14 1989 12:27 | 23 |
|
Fred,
I would avoid the Mini-boy. The Super Mini-boy has a longer tail
boom and longer blades. I had a mini-boy, and the shorter tailboom
made it much harder to fly. I agree with Tom, I think it could
be had for much less. If not, you may want to consider a slightly
more expensive heli-star. That is a .60 size machine which is
easier to fly that the smaller chopper. I would recommend the
Futaba 154 Mini-gyro. I would not recommend the GMP or old
Kraft gyro, since the quality and durability of them leaves something
to be desired. A gyro is a must. I am not very familiar with the radio
system that you mentioned, but if it is not a "helicopter radio",
I would not recommend it. I feel that a helicopter radio, while
not absolutely necessary, is well worth the extra in ease of setting
up the machine, etc. If you have more questions, please feel free
to send me mail.
________
/ __|__
=========[_____\>
/ __|___|__/ BREAK A BLADE,
Ken
|
| 144.8 | My $.02 | MDSUPT::EATON | Dan Eaton | Tue Feb 14 1989 13:08 | 37 |
| Hi Fred,
I have to agree with Ken that the Mini-boy's not the best choice.
You might consider the Kalt Cyclone. It's a lot of copter for not
much money. A consideration would be how comfortable you are with
getting parts by mail order. Another thing to consider is whether
or not anyone will be able to give you a hand getting the thing
set up.
Another possiblility is to pick up a used machine. Here again, having
some expert handy to help you judge how good a deal your getting
is a good idea.
Definitly get a heli radio. Yes, some of the choppers can be flown
with a standard radio but the heli radios make things a lot easier.
When I got in to RC via choppers I took a real good look at doing
it as cheap as possible. What I ended up with probably wouldn't
fit a lot of people's definition of cheap but I knew the equipment
I got would give me the best chance of succeeding. It's not a
bargin if six months after you buy it you chuck the whole mess as
being to hard.
/ \ /
Dan Eaton - Demented / / \
Dragonfly / #
Pilot / #
/ #
\ #
//@@@ #
/ l @## .
/ #@ .
/ .
@ / \.
_/\
/\_
l
|
| 144.9 | | SA1794::TENEROWICZT | | Tue Feb 14 1989 13:33 | 57 |
| Fred,
I wouldn't no with the Sport 500. It doesn't have
collective. Collective is the ability to change pitch settings
of the main blades as the throttle is advanced or retarded.
Chopper Grading
DEFINATELY USE A GYRO
Kalt Baron 28 ($159.00 if you can find one)
Good, docile minimum engine size,can be flown
on a aircraft radio but much better with a helo radio. Somewhat
fragile in a crash.
Kalt Baron 30 ($239.00)
Not as good as the 28. This is a lengthened
28 with an improved cyclic. More responsive but also fragile in
a crash.
Kalt Cyclone ($259.00)
Good,bigger,more stable but aerobaitc. after
learning it needs the modifications of the cogged belt for the
tail drive and an auto rotation clutch. Used 50-60 sized engine.
More durable than the 28 or 30.Limited in repair of major components
(plastic).
Shuttle (new)
Green or white
colored ($269.00 - 329.00)
Good,responsive. uses smaller engine sizes 28-32.
Limited in repair of major components(plastic) Flies well.
Schluter Super
Miniboy ($240.00)
Good,stable,unses 40-50 sized engines.Durable.
Parts availability good. Can be flow on aircraft radio but should
really have a helo radio.
GMP Cobra ($350.00)
Schluter Junior 50 ($350.00
Excell 50 (420.00)
Excell 60 (480.00)
Scout 60 (480.00)
Champion (500.00)
Great. uses 50-60 sized engine,Durable Good parts
availability. Can be very manuaverable,Fly great.
TOM
|
| 144.10 | | NYEM1::KRUG | | Tue Feb 14 1989 19:12 | 6 |
| Thanks guys for the quick replys. I have a question on the Miniboys,
is the Super Miniboy any bigger than the Miniboy? and if you were
to choose between the Super Miniboy and the Kalt Cyclone, which
would it be?
Thanks Fred
|
| 144.11 | Go for the Cyclone. | MDSUPT::EATON | Dan Eaton | Tue Feb 14 1989 19:28 | 6 |
| If it was my money, I'd put it on the Kalt. It's big, it's fairly
new. I have a friend how has a couple of Heli-Boys. Parts are starting
to get hard to come by. I worry a little about how long Schluter
intends to continue supporting the Mini-boy.
Dan Eaton
|
| 144.12 | | SA1794::TENEROWICZT | | Wed Feb 15 1989 10:40 | 15 |
| The superminiboy features a lengthered boom and rotor span as compared
to the original miniboy. Other than that they are basicly identical.
Dan, I wouldn't worry about the Superminiboy's parts availability.
The heliboy has been out of production since 1983. To date the super
miniboy is still being manufactured by schluter. I have not seen
or heard anything that implies in any way that they are going to
take it out of production. It's the only chopper they have to fit
into the smaller chopper market.
As far as the cyclone over the superminiboy I still choose metal
over plastic.
Tom
|
| 144.13 | | PCOJCT::KRUG | | Thu Feb 16 1989 16:53 | 14 |
| Well after talking to you guys and a few people around my area,
I think I am going to go for the Schluter Junior 50. I got a price
from Americas Hobbies in New York City for 329.95. I hope this
is the right choice. I also am going to check out a Flying Club
this weekend. I guest I'll spend the little extra money on the
Helicopter and put some of the other needed parts off till a
little later. Any one ever deal with this hobbie shop?, its
only a little over an hour drive from were I live.
Any Comments?
Thanks for all the Replys
Fred
|
| 144.14 | See First? | BPOV02::CAVANAUGH | | Thu Feb 16 1989 17:06 | 17 |
|
I've been there, it's a bit of a hole-in-the-wall and not that easy
to find (but then I'm not from NY City either!).
Maybe the helicopter buffs in this file can help with respect to
price, but I found AHC to be high compared to other advertised
discounters.
Then again, it you really want to see and touch what you're buying
before you buy it, going to AHC or another shop who has the copter
you want is the only way to go...
I did buy a radio from AHC once at the WRAM show, but again based
on their advertised prices in the model mags would be reluctant
to order from them.
Chris
|
| 144.15 | | SPMFG1::TENEROWICZT | | Thu Feb 16 1989 17:14 | 9 |
| Fred, I think the Junior is an excellent choise. EXCELLENT. I
fly one
Good point about the WRAM show. I'f your only an hour from NYC
then maybe waiting for the WRAM show might be a good choise. You
could attend and probably get a better price.
Tom
|
| 144.16 | Good choice! | MDSUPT::EATON | Dan Eaton | Thu Feb 16 1989 20:48 | 5 |
| Fred, I think you made a wise decision. The only better one would
have been a GMP machine 8^) but maybe that's because that's what I
fly.
Dan Eaton
|
| 144.17 | | NYEM1::KRUG | | Tue Feb 21 1989 12:32 | 9 |
| Well I just got the Schluter Junior 50. I was going through the
part bags and noticed that they are numbered from 1 to 12 then 15
(its something like that). Does anyone know the numbering sequence.
I was wondering if I am missing any of the part bags. Another
question is should I use Thread-Lock on 'all' the screws? (someone
mentioned that), one more thing for now, what type of grease
is good to use for the bearings? Any other helpful hints welcome...
Thanks many times over. Fred
|
| 144.18 | | SPMFG1::TENEROWICZT | | Tue Feb 21 1989 14:25 | 10 |
| Steps 13 and 14 probably include the canopy and blades hence no
bags with their numbers. A read threw of the instructions will
verify this. Where grease is called for I use white lythiam grease.
Fir light lube I use triflow. Yes use thread lock on all screws.
One note. When you build the head/blade holders use triflow not
grease to lube the barings.
Tom
|
| 144.19 | GOOD LUCK WITH IT | SALEM::COLBY | KEN | Wed Feb 22 1989 16:00 | 23 |
|
Fred,
A couple of points. Step 1 in the manual uses the parts in bag
1, step 2 uses bag 2 etc. Check your manual to see what steps
13 and 14 do and it will tell you if it is something like the
canope or not. The next thing is I would not recommend using
the thread lock that Schluter provides with the kit. I would
use locktite 242 (blue). The stuff that they provide does not
really do an adaquate job locking threads, and with a chopper,
it really is necessary. The third thing is "Don't listen to
Dan Eaton. He flies GMP, which probably says something about
his taste." :*). Just kidding, Dan. I think you did make
a good choice (I fly Schluter) and want to wish you the best
of luck. By all means, find a club and get someone experienced
to set it up for you. It makes all the difference in the world
when learning to fly.
________
/ __|__
=========[_____\>
/ __|___|__/ BREAK A BLADE,
Ken
|
| 144.20 | Me? Bad Taste??? Nah! | MDSUPT::EATON | Dan Eaton | Wed Feb 22 1989 17:59 | 26 |
| RE:Note 890.14 Helicopter purchase
> it really is necessary. The third thing is "Don't listen to
> Dan Eaton. He flies GMP, which probably says something about
> his taste." :*). Just kidding, Dan. I think you did make
Now Ken, if I've ever accused you and Tom of having bad taste in helicopters,
I apologize. After all, on reflection I find its not you who has bad taste,
but your suppliers. 8^)
/ \ /
Dan Eaton - Demented / / \
Dragonfly / #
Pilot / #
/ #
\ #
//@@@ #
/ l @## .
/ #@ .
/ .
@ / \.
_/\
/\_
l
|
| 144.21 | Heli choice question (.30 size) | WEDOIT::COZZENS | | Mon Oct 16 1989 17:51 | 17 |
|
I'm thinking of a .30 sized Helicopter. I'm very compitant
with planes, but have never tried Heli's. I do realize they're
very different. Anyhow here's my question. I'm trying to decide
between the Concept .30, or the new Excell .30. I've heard
nothing but good about the Concept, but haven't heard anything
about the Excell.
Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.
I want the capability to learn on it, and also have full
aerobatic capability for the future.
Thanks
Glenn
|
| 144.22 | | SA1794::TENEROWICZT | | Mon Oct 16 1989 18:01 | 15 |
| Glenn,
Miniature Aircraft has just come out with an Xcell 40. They
did this by changing the engine mount of their 30 to accept a 40
sized engine. They did this because the 30 Xcell was a dog with
a 30 sized motor in it. The only was a 30 was any good was to install
a mini pipe on an OS32.
I have hovered the Concept and it does hover well. I personally
don't like DDF heads but that's my problem. Have you ever thought
of buying a Miniboy? They still make them and they do hover and
fly well.
Tom
|
| 144.23 | what about Junior 50 | WEDOIT::COZZENS | | Mon Oct 16 1989 18:17 | 14 |
|
I haven't thought of the mini-boy, but have considered
a schluter Junior .50, but I don't know if it has the future
capability of inverted flight. I know I'm pushing it with
aerobatic capability, however, I know how I am with planes,
and I'll be practicing just about everyday, and won't quit
till I can do it. The reason I decided to stay small was
cost and I live in an apartment.
I already have a JR Centry 7 PCM Heli radio, extra servo, gyro
and battery. All I need is the Heli, and engine.
Glenn
|
| 144.24 | Either would be good. | MDSUPT::EATON | Dan Eaton | Mon Oct 16 1989 20:05 | 10 |
| Glenn,
between the Excel 30 and the Concept 30, I put my money on the Concept
30 and have been pretty happy with it so far. Used to be, when asked
to pick between a small ship and a big ship I'd say the bigger the
better. It speaks well of the Concept that choosing between it and
a Junior 50 is a tough choice. I don't think you could go wrong with
either. Have you read the review of the Concept in the Sept. & Oct.
issue of RCM?
Dan Eaton
|
| 144.25 | It's almost flying time!!! | RAVEN1::TYLER | Try to earn what Lovers own | Thu Mar 26 1992 05:42 | 5 |
| Got my numbers in the mail today! 8^) AMA# 438928
Called the hobbie shop, but my blades are not in yet. {^(
Its raining anyway. Boo, bad rain, go away!!
|