What Heli to choose.
After lots of investigation over the internet, I settled on a Honey Bee Fixed Pitch RC helicopter by Esky. I selected this one as it is cheap (so are the parts). Everything I read indicated I will have many crashes and yes that has been the case. So cheap parts are an important criteria.
A good link to find out about this heli is the Wiki.
http://www.eflightwiki.com/eflightwiki/index.php?title=HoneyBeeFP
How did I start.
First I purchased the heli on Ebay for $125 Australian.
It arrived in 10 days (from Hong Kong) and worked first time out of the box.
Next, I looked for a Flight simulator as advise on the net indicated a simulator was important to learn without crashing the real heli and hence saving money on repairs/parts.
I used RealFlight G3 - and the models from the Wiki. I could not master flying on Realflight G3 and started flying for real in the back yard!
I found the real thing easier. I have since made my own Heli for G3 - adding wooden blades, changing the motor and specifications to match the weight of the HB FP . It still needs some work as its not as easy (responsive) as my real heli. I now only use G3 when it's raining or too windy.
I have since found the electric watt model that comes G3 is better than the Wiki model - it matches the response better to the real Honey Bee FP. I still find my real heli more stable and easy in it's response than the G3 watt model.
I also made a training stand that I found on youtube but my Heli could not lift the stand with the plastic blades and original motor. I have not tried it with my current setup.
My Heli
I started with a standard Honey Bee Fixed pitch (mode 2 controls) with training set.
[It came with 4 pairs of Main blades and 4 tail blades]. I damaged the first pair of Main blades so used the second pair.
As I was flying out side - advise on net indicated I needed flat wooden blades that would cope with the wind better than the standard plastic blades.
The following are changes made to my HB.
1. I changed to 900 mah Lipo batteries. Modified the frame to hold the battery.
Reversed the frame and added carbon tubes for the battery.
2. I changed to Wooden blades (8 degrees).
http://www.heli-fever.com/product_info.php?cPath=6&products_id=194
3. Changed from the Esky standard motor to the 370 Super motor of the HB King model.
Parts used.
As advised by the Wiki I have 4 rotor heads (EK1-200a) , lots of Control links (EK1-201). I broke a ball off every rotor head - which are now all glued back.
Broke a few control links and started cutting the top links so in a crash they tend to come loose rather than brake a rotor head ball or the control link. Given I am learning I have not found any difference in control. When I get better then I will use the full control link.
Broke the Landing gear (skid set). Used the old skids for mounting the battery.
What is my learning progress.
I have been learning for some months now (only on weekends) when I get time. Weather dictates when I can learn also.
I can now finally hover in a small space - still moves away sometime by I can get it back.
There was a time about 2 months ago I was ready to give up. But I kept trying and finally realised that the heli needs constant correction of control otherwise it gets away from you.
Now I can hovering about 1/2 to meter off the ground. Can only do this with the tail facing me. Need to now master this with the front facing me.
Recently cracked the tail boom - made a repair (keeping the replacement boom) for later as the heli is still flying ok!
Took it the park yesterday and the wind was atleast 8klm's (too much) so I gave up.
Had it up to 3 meters but found controlling it difficult in the wind.
Practise in the backyard
I had an RC airplane and have an RC Frog (Car). This heli is the most difficult and demanding RC I have ever come across. It will take some time to master!
