Brand New & Learning

[dirtymeat80]

Just a Hi thread. Signed up today and have been browsing through the forum learning some stuff.

STORY TIME!!!

Was at a car show, I don't know......like 10 years ago, if not even longer, and had seen an RC Helicopter at a car show of some sort. Details are a bit fuzzy, considering I don't recall what I did yesterday, let alone that long ago, but it was big, it was flying, and damnit........I wanted one. Havn't really been reading up on it since then, or diving deep into the mechanics or anything, but I believe I'm at a time in my life to maybe start RC flying as a hobby. I have a pretty nice area to play around with, as well as a huge shop here at work to have some fun on break or something.

Anyways, havn't looked too much into the "beginner" helos, just did a few price checking into some 2 channel to get the dream going.

I did spend a few bucks for the E-Sky 4CH Flight Simulator that comes with FMS (which is free anyway), so that'll be in soon to get a quick kickstart on the controls - I know it's not a full blown sim, or very realistic, but for the small price, I hope it'll be a good start. Quick question on that, if I do feel the motivation to make a jump to a better sim like Reflex XTR, will that basic usb controller work well, or should I make a jump to a better control as well?

Sure I'll have more questions & concerns later on as I learn stuff, but I'll spare the reading for now

thx to those that read - looking forward to sticking around for a bit

[nellster]

Hi there!!!

Glad you joined the forum. It's a great place and all your questions and queries are normally answered.
I've got the XTR Reflex and it's great! But I think you need a dedicated lead to go into the dongle. This lead is supplied when you buy the sim and you are asked what radio you use at the time of the purchase. So to your answer, you may need to upgrade to a higher spec radio or choose different sim. There are a few out there with their own dedicated mock radio that are supplied with the sim itself. This in my opinion is a good choice, because it gives you the option to pick a radio of your choosing at a later date when you have more interest and expereance and know what you may want out of your radio.
Hope this has been some help too you.

Neil..

Don't bother wasting money on simulator software! Buy a decent CP heli and learn slowly, a simulator is called such for a good reason!

[hawkman]

FMS is ok for a while....the version I used was lacking in some features but gave me enough practice to fly my first real model heli with huge success.

Caution: when first flying a real model...you might be a total Ace on the Sim....but reality is that bit different.

Rob

[nellster]

Good point,
But some people want to advance to larger and more powerful helis'. A Twister is ok, but it's hardly a chalenge. A sim lets you push your limits and learn without costing hundreds of pounds. Lets face it, two good crashes will a quality heli will cost you more than good sim, but if you're happy hovering in-front of the tv, well thats fine. I'll take my chances with the sim, it cost £100 and saved £1000.

Neil..

A simulator 'simulates' reality. I bought a Twister CP and bounced about on the floor for months, with trainer gear fitted. I then bought a CP V2 and find 3D challenging enough, thank you! Total cost? Less than simulator software....

[dirtymeat80]

thanks for the great replies all

I'm a pretty avid gamer, so I wouldn't pass up on a good sim. It'd also be nice to have on some days where I can't go outside......especially winter - hate the damn cold. I've messed with FMS with just basic keyboard controls, so I've already learned it's not the greatest program.....but the software is free, so I can't complain too much.

Not sure when I'll go for it and pick up an actual heli.........heck, it may be tomorrow - I get an idea in my head and go for it.

Any other suggestions for starter models? Saw the Twister CP mentioned, as well as taken a peek at a few Dragonfly beginner models - cute little things

[nellster]

Hi again,
Which heli? Why not start another thread! and ask the whole forum.
There are loads of addicts out ther that will give you some very good info.

All the best on the heli hunt!!!!!

Neil...