I have been obsessed with cars for years now, having spent a considerable amount of my download usage reading about them i know more about my neighbours cars than they do.

 Learning about RC cars was a bonus and i wanted one more than i wanted my next breath. Again i returned to my faithful friend - the internet. But they seem to be expenssive for a student like me (for now >).

And then i came across this forum, few weeks later i was converted. After reading the posts here i learnt so much!! So now i am a car and heli fan

I plan to start with a Raptor 90 SE.

ok just kidding 

The posts here suggest the best way to start is with a coaxial heli. Read about the LAMA V4 and now i know what i want  After the LAMA i will graduate to a BELT CP.

My budget is 5k so the heli at RCD fits the bill and its in Bangalore so save on shipping!

1. I would like to know if there are any FP 4ch helis available? (since budget is a matter i prefer buying from India)
2. Are there any other coaxials i can consider? (within 5.5k)
3. Training skids are a must and i plan to make them myself (iv seen in on a post here)
4. Anther reason i picked the LAMA is because i can use the SIM. Does the SIM come as standard or is it a freebie by RCD?

One main comment.  While the LAMA was the original stable indoor heli and hence frequently recommended for beginners, the new 3ch ones like the Model Art one (with gyros, as a must) are also very stable and can be a more cost effective substitute.  If you are planning to go to a Belt CP type of heli soon, then this may be a better option.  The SIM is an attractive part of the LAMA package, not sure if anything like that comes with the Model Art one (probably not... so that may still leave the Lama as a good deal).

All the electric helis at RCD are sold out as far as I know...
Chech this 1 out... A 4ch FP heli... 1k out of your budget
http://rotor.co.in/show-detail.asp?prodid={34D7EC61-E085-470A-A736-5239E921F6DE}&pn=1

Very old version though...

One of my friends wanted to buy a heli.He has no idea what to go for.I advised him to start with a car or an airplane and then get into helis.helis are harder to fly right?If there is any beginner heli please let me know.

The ones with regular/full capability are harder to fly, but the 3 channel ones are easier to fly indoors (which is sort of impossible with planes).  Of course cars are the easiest, but 3channel or even 4channel indoor helis (Model Art, Nine Eagles, Lama etc) are an excellent way to start in this hobby for true green beginners.

@Anwar:
 The ModelArt one does not come with a sim.
 Its 3ch so yaw control will be missing right?
 What kind of range can one expect with the Lama's and ModelArts 3ch tx?

@Divyam:
Thanks mate. Missed than one while searching.

The 3 channel ones have yaw control by using differential torque.. They dont have roll.. i.e. they can turn sideways but cant slide sideways.. so in order to go in any direction either the nose or tail has to be pointed that way..

Right. Now it seems obvious The 3 ch helis do not use any servos do they? Two motors for the coaxial rotor which control elevation and yaw,third motor with horizontal rotor to provide fwd/aft. Is this right?

Pretty much.  There is also a gyro on the better models (in an all-in-one board that has receiver, gyro and speed controllers) that helps with stability.

The key here is that one is just getting the very basic (also minimal) stick feel with these.  To get the feeling of a real RC heli, it would take a 4 channel single rotor FP at least.

For anyone who is into this for the longer term, and has an experienced heli pilot around, I would strongly suggest the 450 size/clones (the route Vinay went). That is a solid foundation for heli flying, and something you can keep around for pretty much forever, even when you move on to more complicated stuff.

I am a beginner.I dont know anything about  RC helis .But i wish to buy one at least  of Rs 2000-3000 .Can anyone help me?Please

Welcome to RC India

Please go through the beginner section, and use the "Search" functionality. It would really help you with an overall picture of this hobby. 

PS: Merged with the existing thread on the same.

Anwar bhaiya.. The 450 clone prices look tempting.. But how much does the entire set of parts add up to? i.e. inclusive of gyro/servoes/motor/esc etc..

Please go through the various 450 threads (from Vinay and others).  They would list the components used, and sources. That way you can get the current prices.

Anwar bhaiya, i have been going thru the various threads, but some of the smaller parts like smaller tools end up adding a lot to the end cost.. So was just wondering how much money should one be prepared so shell out overall in order to get the 450 in flying condition.. Just a approximate figure..

I will defer to this to someone like Vinay, since he did this recently.

I was reading Vinay's build thread.. all the parts, throttle curves, pitch this that.. gave me a headache! Man those things are complicated!
Oh n i just got back from prateek13's house, we fixed his syma 9053 3-ch heli and had a blast flying it!

@prajwaltheawesome

ModelArt heli cost Rs.1750 without gyro and Rs.2250 with gyro. You can get it at many stores, ModelArt at FORUM MALL, BIGBAZAR, any SAPPHIRE store, TOY's N TOY's Indiranagar have many 3ch rc helis from Rs.1850 to Rs.5500. PM me if you need any help with this

@Everyone

1. Thankyou for the replies

2. I'v read many posts which say "The ModelArt heli is fun and almost industructable but it will not prepare one for further heli flying" and "the controls do not feel accurate". Is this true? Will this heli prepare one for a CCPM like Belt-CP?

3. Can someone shead light on the range the Lama tx and infrared tx provide? just curious .

4. I dont intend to use this (whatever i buy) outside, its to get a good fell of what a propotional rc system is like, orientation, coordination between hand movement and what i see, basic understanding on how everything works. The 3ch is very basic and does not have a servo or any trim adjustments. Keeping this in mind isnt it better to not go in fot the ModelArt heli?

5. The sim is mainly whats pulling my strings towards the Lama V4. Its a sweet thing to get the heli and the sim for 5.5k isn't it?. This is what i feel. Any thoughts?

@Anwar:
I will read through 450 threads once i get my net set right. It keeps getting disconnected now and then! Had to type all this twice

2. No, in my opinion it won't... The sim is the way to go!! You can learn all your orientation and all on that very easily...1

3. From what I know, Lama comes with a 2.4g radio which has more range than your ever gonna need... Modelart one comes with infrared which should give you about 10m range in proper lighting.. Too much light and there's disturbance...

Hmm.. so the ModelArt heli is a no no.

Anyone got a clue as to when RCD may stock the Lama V4? It's been out of stock for more than a month now

W/o TX and RX. It will cost you around 9 k To have one flying and with some spares lying around which you will need. I wanted to start with Co axials, but believe me, its better to learn on a sim and start with a CCPM heli directly. Once you fly CCPMs, co axials feels just like kids toys.

9k is above my budget as of now. This is just a stepping stone - not that its going to be the last heli for me so i dont mind starting small Rather enjoj a coaxial heli now as a beginer that jump to CCPM and then not experience a coaxial at all right? Any way this is just my opinion on the subject.

I would suggest you go for a simple 3-ch, and plan for a heli capable radio with sim. If you invest 5k to 7k on a Lama, you will end up upgrading everything later on. 

Guys, How many of you are using Co-axials regularly for entertainment. I have heard many say that after a while it gets boring. Anwar bhai can we have a vote for this? This will help people step up the right path. COz if people invest 5 k on a co ax, and then not use, its not worth it. But the case with ccpm is diff, its addictive. 

If you have a co-axial only, they can be quite a bit of fun, especially if you try to fly it in patterns (like backwards figure 8 etc). 

But if you have other helis, these tend to be for the rainy days or quick demos for guests (their kids, actually ) !

my suggestion to the begginers dont buy this 2, 3 thousands  helis and waist money, start with araptor 30 nitro helicopter thats the best one for the begginers  only the kit and the electronics will costs 20000 rs, but its worth .rx tx all oither than that. as per my advise raptors are the best spares are availble plenty .

While we can see the logic behind this suggestion, there are several practical issues with this.

1.  The starting cost is pretty high, compared the 450/500 clones.

2.  Nitro would be a challenge for beginners with no local help from experienced nitro flyers. Setting up, tuning and maintenance of nitro engines are much more involved than electrics.

3.  Fuel costs and availability are significant issues.  

4.  Spares availability for the 450 class is very good (of course, by stocking up the usual parts from outside).  Hopefully the spares for the clone 500s will also be aplenty soon.

For someone with a local field of nitro heli fliers (and the money to spend), a Raptor 30 is a very good suggestion.

I see the point here. I can use the 3ch just for a feel and fun, use the sim which would actually help me and if its 6ch/7ch it can be of use for any model cars/heli/plane later. Wow! Good that you guys are around

Just so that others know..The ModelArt is available at bigbazar for 1.5k. They usuall have many 3ch helis but only this was available today.

While we are on the topic of coaxials-

1. Is there any coaxial which can be used outside in anything more that a light breeze?

2. And is the difference between a indoor coaxial like the Lama and an outdoor coaxial like the Big Lama only the motor (180 in V4 and 370 in Big Lama) and the gyro? How is the gyro different? Is it the sensitivity?

 

1.  The one you mentioned in [2], the "Big Lama" is a common choice.  Even that does not seem to handle any significant amount of wind.  For outdoors, it is not a good idea to plan for a coax.  Just go with a regular CP heli.

2.  Not sure.  Although there are gyros with different performance characteristics (that includes sensitivity, ability to handle vibrations, other software differences etc).  There are fundamental physical differences between various gyros (I am not refering to the Lama ones), like "piezo based" and "SMM/MEMS" ones (just google them if you want details).

When you get a 3ch, get one with a gyro, they tend to be more stable for a few hundred rupees more.

The ones with gyros are very stable... like this one :

Will get the one with the gyro. There are other 3ch helis available but should i stick to ModelArt one as it is easy to get spares? I'v seen a couple of 3ch FP helis as well.

i have same heli but its called 9074 with gyro

ya its very stable but once u fly ccpm heli its like a kids toy and also it flys only for 4-5 mins.

Just saw this "targeted ad" on Youtube (targeted at me )

http://www.xheli.com/s031-heli-yellow.html

Hey, i was looking at that model too.. apparently its really bad at flying outdoors.. I'd still go for the syma 9053 volitation over the s031.. This one comes with only a 800mAh batt that too NiMh i think..

Got myself a ModelArt 3ch heli wth gyro Doesnt seem like much but is a biggggg deal for me

The heli cost Rs.2250 at ModelArt in Forum. Its available in two colours (black and red) for the model with gyro and three colours without gyro (black, red and "white and red") The guys there were helpful and answered all my questions.

What you get:
1. The heli (ofcourse )
2. The IR Tx (batteries not included).
3. Spare tail rotor.
4. Wall charger for heli.
5. USB charger for heli.
6. Instruction manual (paper actually) in the worst possible english

Here's what i have to say about it:
1. The thing is TINY but cool. Its a lot of fun to fly around.

2. It flies pretty well and as suggested in the earlier posts, is very stable.

3. The heli kept spinning initially but was fine after adjustment of the trim on the tx.

4. On a full charge it flies for a little more than 10 mins. Charging from empty to full takes about half an hour. It can also be charged using the usb cable or from the barreries in the tx (refer pics).

5. The charging point on the heli and the on\off switch is very delicate and thats my only complaint.

6. The tail rotor is used for fwd and backward movement. It rotates only when fwd\backward control is provided else remains stationary .

7. I love its durability. So far in 12hrs of owning it i have crashed (and i do mean crash and not a mere bump) into my bed, fish tank, tv, fan , the ModelArt guy (two guys actually ) and dropped it from 5 feet height. Not a scratch. But one should take care not to assert throttle when the rotor blade is not free to move, say when the heli is fallen on the floor. The skids are slightly flexible so falling from a height will not cause any damage.

8. I now see the point in having a small heli. The larger 3ch heli can perform the same movements as the small one at the cost of additional weight,  an hence needs a larger battery which takes longer to charge. So the heli spends more time at the plug than in the air. Makes sense to have a smaller heli (only wrt 3ch case).

1. Charger wire from tx to charge the heli.
2. Charging point on heli and on\off switch.

haha! My father would try to fly the big helis I had so I got this Apache for him instead..that is one very stable helicopter..

The heli moves fwd when i try to hover. What can be wrong? It does not have any trim adjustment for fwd anh backward movement.

Rajath, a Modelart 3 ch with Gyro SHOULD have a Trim adjuster or Alignment Trimmer. I have a cheaper model - better looking and flies beautifully from DealExtreme and it has a Trimmer. Easy to miss the trimmer. Not suggesting anything but just recheck. As per this website, the Modelart Gyro heli definitely has a trimmer switch. It may be located somewhere here as shown in the pic.

Sorry, missed the website link :

http://www.rcskyhobby.com/products.php?prd_id=209&main_page=products

There is only ont trim which is for yaw. the other projection is a button and says "accel" on it.

one not ont

The 'accel' button is probably a dummy. I have the same  located on the left hand side of the Tx - it doesn't work. You have to trim it using just the yaw adjuster (Right hand side of Tx and like a wheel?) and your direction stick (right lever). Takes some practice, but once you are set, it's easy!

Yes it is on the right and like a wheel. Direction stick is on the right. I tried adjusting the trim already. The heli kept rotating initially and stopped after trim adjustment. Now the heli does not rotate but it moves fwd very slowly, if i try to correct by applying backward control it moves backward - difficult to keep it howering in one place.
Will try it again tomo, thanks VC

  Don't worry my friend, with a little bit of practice, you will get it right.

All the best and Happy flying!

Hi,

Just an FYI.. to make a heli hover at one place you have to give little inputs every half a second in the opposite direciton of the heli's motion.

Thats the key info which I have been missing even after trimming I need a constant movement of joystick to ensure that it hovers above the point it started.

Thanks

@VC even after trim adjustment the heli happily moves fwd. So next i will try applting controls to counter it. The problem is that when the tail rotor starts rotating the heli moves back and when tail rotor is stationary it moves fwd. Creates a pendulum motion

The trim didnt help but applting controls did. Il experiment with adding small weights on the tail to counter the fwd movement and see how that helps.

Fixed the fwd movement problem. I fastened a small bolt to the tail using insulation tape. I experimented by placing it at different positions untill the heli became stable. Now there is no fwd or backward movement. Hovering is possible easily
VC Thanks for your help

Can someone explain what 3.5 channel is? I saw it on a heli at National Market.

The .5 channel seems to be a marketing term for the ability to control lights on the heli.

Hmmm... thanks The guys at National market said you don not get more than 3.5 channels for a heli when i asked they had any 4ch .
They had many syma models.
Quoted 1800 for a syma s006. Could this be a fake?

Syma has many models ranging from INR 400- 3000/-  here is the website
http://www.dh-toys.com/Eng/Main.asp

The extra .5 ch on syma heli's allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the controls.. Usually there is a toggle switch which allows you to select HIGH/LOW.. They call it "head speed selector" but it does not affect the speed of the main rotors but rather that of the small tail rotor which controls the pitch.. They apparently call it .5 channel because it is not proportional and has only 2 settings..
On some of the heli's if you set it to HIGH and then give a sudden forward/back command, the balance bar tries to counteract the movement causing the blades of the 2 rotors to clash and the heli drops out of the sky like a rock

Yday i packed the heli in a box with paper all around so that it doesnt move about. Cycled to IMM. When i tried to fly the heli there it started spinning clockwise. The trim was properly adjusted before i left home and i can confirm that it could not have changed. I tried to counter the spin using the trim but did not help or even make a difference so turned the heli off. Tried about 20 mins later and it was still spining but slowly. Got back home and tried again and to my surprise it was perfectly stable without any trim adjustment.
Can someone explain why this happened?
How do you carry a heli around while travelling?

I remember there was his guy, some ebay seller, he had a good range of beginner helis, I suppose you should try with him.

I think this guy can help you out!

http://www.rcindia.org/for-sale/ebay-seller-rtumu-is-back!/

Opened up the tx to have a look. This is what i saw..

This is also sold as Tercel 3ch heli
http://www.kooltoyz.co.uk/tercel-mini-helicopter-pheonix-black-p-718.html

Having used it for about 40 battery cycles now i can report no faults. I use 700mah everyday rechargable battery for the tx since day one on a single charge and its still going strong. The heli has taken many crashes with very small dents on the blades but flies like it's new. No vibration or loss of control at any point of time. Charging still takes 30 mins and fly time of 10 mins - quite consistant. I let the battery cool 'after charge befor use' and 'after use before charge'. Iv seen a double horse heli wobble in flight but this one is stable, not a hint of shake when in air. I am very happy with my purchase and would recomend it to buyers if they are looking for 3ch with gyro. Here's a small video ...

Just discovered that the ACCEL button on the tx is used to accelerate charging when using the charging cable on the tx. Either that or it just makes the green LED blink.

Hi All, I am planning to buy a RC helicopter. After going through some sites i closed down on this one. my budget is upto 5000 inr .
http://www.hobby-estore.com/Helizone-RC-Firebird-3-CH-Helicopter-Gyro-p/eh-helizonefirebirdbundle.htm

Please advise

Just search for the other simple helis here (like the "Model Art" one), they seem to pretty much the same with local availability and lower prices.

The search will never come to and end
I request you to suggest the model and vendor and i will go for it directly. I am undecided whether to go for Indoor or Outdoor and secondly i feel for 5000 whether outdoor flying is available. considering my budget of 5000 pls give me the suitable model and vendor so that i can get the heli at the earliest.

Simple : DO NOT BUY THIS!

$99.9? are they kidding?

Please do not spend more than 2500 on a 3ch heli IR. Its pointles.

The ad says "2 Selectable Frequencies Let's You Fly Up To 2 Helicopters At Once". First of all the two selectable frequencies is so that two people can fly one heli each in the same room and not for one person to fly two helis.

The 3ch small heli (micro) about 15-20 cm length is a lot of fun indoor because it is small and easy to move around. I fly my little heli between the fan blades (fan off ofcourse) and the ceiling and stuff. Its useless outside and will get blown around by the wind.

The larger ones cost Rs.3000 or so will be good only if you have enough space indoors. I dont fancy it as i feel it will be too big to fly around comfortably inside - and it cannot take the breeze outside.

My suggestion is that you either buy an IR heli locally (markets also have them these days - bigbazar also has them) or buy one from forum member HellyFlyer, rcforall, ckalyan etc or spend somemore and get a lama or equivalent 4ch.

A gyro stabilized one is usually worth the small extra price.

You should get a gyro stabalized one for that rate. In blore head to National Market for cheap helis. Real cheap Syma models available.

If you are looking for cheap and best heli to begin with then take my advice and get yourself one of these... buy from this seller as I have experienced very good support and service from him. So far may be 3-4 same model from him. 2 for self and 2-3 for my friends & family.

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-Metal-3-Ch-Remote-Control-Mini-RC-6020-Helicopter-/120517843142?pt=AU_Toys_Hobbies_Radio_Controlled_Vehicles&hash=item1c0f6c58c6

Very great product and every single part used is available as spare (which makes it great). While you order it, order some spare tail rotor blades.. as much as you like.. as they usually break when come in contact with any object.

The tail rotor blades on my lil heli have suffered quite a lot of abuse but seem to hold on Was expecting it to break long back but didnt. Touch wood

Thanks for the support of all  . Ultimately settled for 9098 Double Horse power. Eagerly waiting for the same

UPDATE:

Still going strong Love this little thing. Flight time 6mins 23sec on continuous flight. AUW of 27gms.

hi friends iam a beginner,i have much interest in helis not to buy.i want to build my own quadrocaptor.i could't find any designs of quadrocaptors.please help me.

Hi Jeevan,
Welcome to rcindia. Please visit the "Beginners... Start Here" link at the top of the forum, you'll find every thing you need.

Welcome to RCI

There are several designs - even on this forum. You can get the frame and electronics from LHS here itself. Search the forum and i am sure you will find what you are looking for

hi jeevan,
you are on the right track.you'll get lot of info on software in self designed DIY and college projects and for hardware visit the RC outlets and resellers mentioned in this forum.Some  of them stock quadro stuff.All the very best.

hey jeevan ... i can help with tricopters.. but quads are a bit different... well.. still lemme know throgh pm if u need help

Hi. this is Pritam final year be student. I'm doing project on tc helicopter. so can someone help me in building helicopter. thank you.

[Moderator Edit] Topic merged. Please take a look at existing topics and they will help.

sorry.typo.I meant rc helicopter.

Hi...........
everyone
i want to buy a rc helicopter as me a beginner so pretty confused which one to prefre......
pls help me select one....
and what is the difference b/w 3 channel and 4 channel helicopter..............

Jok..choosing an Rc helicopter is, based on the money, and interest that you have..a simple little heli with gyro is a best machine, for beginners..but yes by flying this little machine, means, you may not become a best RC professinal machine pilot..a two channel heli means, that you can lift it up, and hover, while can control in to left and right, with altering its tail rotor speed to high and low..in a simple three channel heli, you can lift it up, hover, can turn left and right, and can also go foreward and reverse..and the channel use varies when we enters in to big machines..these big machines employs complicated swash plate controls, mixing, alomg with throttle ratios and gyro, all are employed..its all complicated..
so, as a beginner, you can choose a micro heli, at first, with a gyro, that helps you in flying a lots..most of the time, these types of machine came with twin contra rotating props, as main rotor discs, while a little one at rear end for foreward and reverse motions..the left and right turn controls are attained by altering the rotational speeds of main rotors..so, at first go for a micro heli..with gyro..this costa about a 650 to 1200 Rs /- around..and please check while purchasing, for any gear problems, and make sure this one is hovering well..

4 channel Fixed Pitch helicopters are very good for learning

Roopesh sir I completely agree with what you've mentioned.. I as a beginner have tried these micro heli's and believe me even they seem complicated to fly. I have already messed up 2 of them while trying to fly them indoors and now looking to get a third one...

Punty..if so, because of these things.. at first make sure the purchased heli is one equipped with a GYRO.. you can make sure that the gyro is working, by holding it in palm, while locking its landing skid by fingers, while main rotor rotaes, by shaking it left and right in a fast manner.. in these movements, speed of the main rotors must changed, and you can hear the variation of speed by ear.. if so, we can decide that the gyro is responding.. and in some good heli, there must be a potentiometer to adjust the sensitivity of gyro.. if all are ok, try like this..

place the heli in your palm.. hold it about your chest height.. make sure an eye protection.. make sure no fans are switched on..and look for any wind.. slowly increases the throttle.. now it must hover just over your palm.. if it tends to turn any direction, you can make it straight by turning the trimmer potentiometer, on Tx.. now watch the hovering.. and gently increase the throttle.. practise hovering.. and then can go for directional flights.. wind and the stronger lights are the good enemy of these crafts.. and cut throttle instantly, that if you feel it as crash..  falling ground will not hurt much these tiny machines.. go for a good heli.. 

@ Roopesh sir.. Thanks a lot for the valuable advice.

try with patience..

what are the good heli kits avilable in india. what does it need addition to body. i think motor,esc,servo and rx/tx. anything more? and what is this 450 and 500 nos.

My heli has been sold. I received another ModelArt 3ch heli for repairs.
Here are a few pics :