Detailed Advise Getting Started, Pse

Hi, Thinking of purchasing a new Raptor / Kit or ARF.
That?s a decision I?ve made after much searching and reading
on the internet, so at least that?s done.
I?m retired, have ample time avail to build but want to get flying fairly soon.
I have a bunch of questions and sure hope some of you
Rotary Pro?s can assist me. No RC experience here.

Also, I?ll be learning to hover/fly alone cuz no Heli flyers
around locally and really don?t mind at all. Have ample room here
in a rural area.

So now my question(s)

(1) Would someone Please suggest a couple of reputable dealers (USA )that sell the Raptor. Nothing avail locally.

(2) I?ve read on the internet that the larger engine size Raptor would still be a very good Trainer Heli, please your thoughts on this as I?m sure I?d keep the larger one longer.

(3) Field Boxes: Are any plans avail on internet for building your own?

(4) I know it?s difficult to suggest a particular heli radio that I won?t need to upgrade again in the next couple or three yrs, but wish someone would suggest anyway.

That?s it, I have lots more questions, but hopefully this will get me started.
Many Thanks for your help
Ray

hi ray nice to see you join us

1-i would say rick's rc helicopter is the best place to start.

2-the size is not important for a biginer,i started with a xcell 6o
rapter did not exist back then,but i still would have went with a bigger ship.
they have more presence and are i my opinion easyer to fly----
more stable,the thing is that they cost more to run, to purchase and to fix.so if money is not a probleme i would say go as big as your budget permits,this is my thinking but you don't need to go big to learn.
3-i like futaba but jr is equivalent,if you don't wish to upgrade in few years then go with a computer 8 to 10 chanel
the futaba super 8 as been replaced with 9 channel but rick might still have transmiters available, graet radio and most books or sites on the net refer to this radio ]

any more questions feel free to ask steff

sorry ray i mised the field box ques?
the field box is only something you carry your tools in
it can be a nice fancy box they sell you or simply like me a plastic tool box you get at a hardware store ,just modified a little
cheaper and more convinient for my purpuse

steff

[Daz(DJLFlapper)]

Hi Ray,

Firstly let me say, I am also self taught, Although in my case I started with the 30 size heli's,
The most important thing that I can pass on to you is,

First buy your radio preferably Futaba Feild force nine or equivlent.
Also make sure you buy buddy lead to go with it.
When you have got that you realy need to know that your not going to trash your heli within the first few minutes. BUY YOURSELF A SIMULATOR.
Practice, Practice and Practice some more/ so that you get used to the way these fly, I would recomend that you look at my profile and read my home page, This will explain a little more.

There are many simulators to choose from. This will save you a fortune in replacement parts especially if you buy a 60 heli to self learn on. I Went back to the hobbie shop embarassed many times to buy parts and even a replacement heli .

Only when you have done this should you even think of attempting to fly a 60 as a self taught/Learning newby pilot.
I tried the hard way (without useing a sim) and it just cost more. I use the sim I bought still and I swear buy it as being invaluble and cost effective.

The Raptor is a great heli to learn with, though I dont fly this myself, I have always been impressed at the ability of even the 30 size machine which is stable for learning and capable of 3D manouvers. However it cost an awfull lot less in replacment parts than the 60 size.
If you are a man with enough money to throw away (Although if you take the advice about the simulator this will be greatly reduced) Then go ahaead and enjoy your larger bird.

Good luck with what you do,
Happy hovering,
Daz

Hi Steff, OK on your advise. I finally contacted a Raptor dealer this morn and the gent I spoke with was most informative, didn't seem to be in a big rush. He did suggest buying the Raptor 50 and I didn't get the impression it was because it was higher priced.
I'm still "on the fence" as to which size, it will be either the 30 or 50.
I have no concerns about building a kit, will take my time and
strive for perfection. I'm a tad concerned abt learning to fly alone
but bet I'll get over that also.

I?ll be keeping my eye out for suitable field box container.

Radio's, At the dealers "sort of suggestion" I was thinking about getting the Futaba 9C, but after some searching around I find it's
a fairly expensive unit and more than I'll probably spend. So still
got to find a make & model less expensive but one I won't grow out of
in the next couple of yrs.

I do vry much appreciate you input, If you think of anything else I should be looking at let me know
Thanks agn
Ray

[Daz(DJLFlapper)]

Hi again Ray,
The ff9 is quite expensive, However the radio is one of the best radio's for the mid range market.

The radio I myself am getting is the Hi Tech Eclipse Heli 7 channel.
This is about the cheapest of the mid rangers. The first Eclipse having already been and the eclipse 7 v2 being here now.
This has expandable mem and has heli, aero and glider settings,

It will not be outgrown for some years and is extremly competative feature wise.

I have used Hitech since I stated out with heli's and never had any hastle.

For me the price is right and the functions are more than a learner can use.
Regards
Daz,

Hi Daz,
Now I'm really going to show my stupidity.
These Heli Sims, seems a lot of folks use them from what I'lve read on the internet.
Pse tell me what's a real good sime & do you need to use
a radio with them? How to connect to ur computer serial cables
maybe??
I may try this, hate to be making expensive holes in the ground.
Tnx
Ray

[Daz(DJLFlapper)]

Ray,

Simulator that I use is the ikarus Easyfly/picofly game commander.
It is one of the cheapest Sim's you can get although it does require you are running 3D graphics.
It comes with a controler inteface that plugs straight in to your computer, There are others that are far more advanced than mine however I have progressed to the point of flying inverted with mine.

You realy have to look around for the one that will sute your needs. Too Many to choose from. But no matter what you go for it is bound to save you more in the long run.
Make sure that the one you choose comes with the controller.

It costs nothing to crash one of these and while your learning it is just as much fun without the buzz of real risk.
The radio you have needs to be compatible if your going to interface with the computer most radios that have buddy leads can link to computer interfaces.

Regards
Daz,

P.S I can not recomened any realy as I only needed the one I have as it helped me. I spoke to a model shop here in the uk and he let me try it before I bought it. I dont regret this move:
Much better than loosing money beleive me I know!!!!!