piccolo V-2

[Mickey]

First off HI!
I'm a newbie just starting off here and in the model R/C choppers area.

would like to know if the piccolo V-2 would be a good start? I am looking for some thing i can grow with and also learn on . I want to eventually get a different fuse. for it as i like and prefer the air wolf design. so i was thinking i could learn with it as a stock version then as i grew i could change it to a fuse. that i like more.

But i have seen this offered in several places on the net and also seemed to have good reviews but would like to find out what you folks think on it also.

is there anything i need to look for in a first helio?
also what radio is a good one that can grow with me also?

I have noticed allot of them don't come with the radios So i would need to find out a decent version that could Handel this also.

Any help or options on this would be great appreciated
Thanks in advance

[Mickey]

dose this mean nobody know what this bird is? or yes it is a good one to start with?

Just trying to get a idea here.

[turco]

i started some years ago with a picco fun heli. i still have 3 of them i have one under my cobra card heli with a BL motor and 3 cell lipoly. you can get scale plans for the cobra here.
http://www.modeltek.com/cobra.html
i learned to fly with this heli on my kitchen floor in the winter it is a good indoor flier. if your just learning be sure to check out Radds Flight School
http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html
when i followed his flight school they where just posts on a forum
the V2 is a better flier than the original it is a fixed pitch heli so it is durable it should be as good as any other on the market it was one of the first micro's when i started the only other one was the MS Hornet. there are a Bunch of mods for the picco at many online stores like helihobby.com
it can be upgraded to CP but probably when you get to that point you may want something bigger

if your looking for a TX you should probably get a computer one i have a Futaba 9C it is great but any name brand is good . you need at least 6 channels here is a good place to get a TX. they have great prices and you can get just the TX if you like. free shipping over $100
http://www.servocity.com/html/transm..._packages.html

[Mickey]

Thanks for all the great info. looks like i have some more reading to do LOL

Glad to hear this is a pretty good choice then,

One more crazy question

what is the diffrence between the fixed and non fixed pitch? Is this what would make it capabel of inverted flight later on?

I notice they had it as a upgrade for the V-2

also what are the better upgrades to look at first as far as things that will mek it better all around?
I would like to get a set of blades when i order it at lest one set to have on hand.
Figureing i will need it.
Shame they dont have a crash kit with the parts that mostly take the hit when you land to hard or crash.

[turco]

FP ( fixed pitch) has a curve in the blade to create lift
CP ( collective pitch) the blades are flat and the blade grips turn as you add throttle to create lift. CP also has more parts to break and usually runs at a higher headspeed. Yes you would need CP you fly inverted.

you really dont need much for upgrades to start but the CNC anti rotation arm would be a good start it will give you better control. they list them here at helihobby but it looks like they are out of stock right now. but you can get a look anyway. it is the one with 2 sides. it's about 2/3 way down on the page.
http://www.helihobby.com/html/piccolo_upgrades.html
an Alu hub would also be good it has the bearings screwed into it. see when you crash the picco the blades and head pop off easily creating less damage. well with the plastic hub sometimes you loose the bearings. the hub is also on the page above about 1/3 way down.
other than that unless you go brushless you should be good to go

[hawkman]

Get a good simulator....its a great tool for learning and will help your skills develop....a simulator might seem expensive but it will pay for itself in a short time...

Some indoor helis come with a simualtor on a CD ROM....hunt around and find out.....welcome to the hobby by the way!!!!!

Its a fantastic hobby....with something for everyone.

Rob

[Mickey]

OK thanks ! the C/P and the F/P make allot more sens now LOL

the inverted thing is more of a later then now deal but would like to know that if i want to i could.

i seen the head and thought it would be a good idea. was not sure on the plastic being real sturdy also. so i was looking in to them Thanks for making that More clear on how they work and the benefits of each.