Im New...Please Help

[Associated-08]

Hey guys, My friend and I are looking into helicopters, we would like to know what a good training system would be? Looking for a good computer game, and We would also like to start looking for a Helicopter, most likely gas, and we want to be able to mount a camera, and maybe another channel for dropping ****... lol... we'll see about that one. But we really need help getting started. Please post links with what you think is a good idea....

Ive been in the Cars/Trucks for about 5 years now, so im new with gas engines...

Thanks Mike, Matt

[Associated-08]

Does anyone know?

[rocknbil]

To properly train with a flight sim you need one that interfaces with a 6 channel heli TX. There are some out there that come with a TX, most like to hook up whatever TX they have. FMS is a sim of choice. Personally I don't like sims much, there's too much difference from real life.

You should really research this a bit before you jump into a nitro (not gas, or you're one rich kid if you can afford one that runs on gas. :D ) Helis are pretty expensive and require a signigficant time commitment to learn. This is why many of us are flying electric helis, even at that they pose a serious drain on your bank account.

Start with the Electric Helicopter Beginner's Guide (http://www.swashplate.co.uk/html/ehbg.html). Read it cover to cover. It will detail some of the better sims out there and let you in on what you're getting into.

By the way depending on what you want out of a cam, you can strap one on a Blade CX (http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=216849) or a Blade CP/Honeybee. Once you learn to stop crashing that is. :D

[Associated-08]

ok thanks, yeah I do have a gas engine on my rc10gt :)

[rocknbil]

Nitro, not gas. The reason it's important to make the distinction is gasoline powered helis are huge, like the kind they use in Hollywood.

[Associated-08]

Ok thanks, im not dumb, im just asking for help.. and i think you knew what i meant....

Mike

[Vince]

Hi Mike,
rocknbil was not calling you dumb, he was just helping clarify a common inaccurate reference. There are gas helis, and new pilots often ask about gas helis. We know that they probably mean nitro, so we point out the proper reference.

As he pointed out, FMS is available. Free, but you need to buy or make an interface between your transmitter and the computer. Low end graphics, but usable to get started. Do not think that using the keyboard interface, or gaming joystick interface will do you any good. They will not prepare you in any way for flying a model heli. You need to use a transmitter for the control input for the sim to do you any good.

Realflight G3.5 and Reflex XTR are both fantastic sims. Both come with an interface.

Before you worry about aerial photography and bomb drops, you need to learn to fly. That is a challenge. Then you can move forward with more aspects of the hobby.

If you have not decided on models, I would recommend a 50 sized heli like the Hirobo Sceadu Evolution 50 or the Raptor 50.
Another option, although with a slightly higher startup cost, is the T-Rex 600.

I would highly recommend that you seek the help of experience heli pilots. There are RC clubs all over.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx

Good luck. Ask lots of questions. Let us know how you do.
Vince

[Associated-08]

ok thanks...

Mike