Trying Out a New Hobby
- September 17, 2006
- 8 comments
I spend a LOT of time in front of the computer. Too much time in fact. I have to be in front of a computer for work, but even when I’m not working I’m in front of one. That’s definitely not good for my health. So I’ve decided to get into a new hobby: radio-controlled helicopters.
I’ve never really been into any RC hobbies before. The only RC toy I can ever remember having was about 20 years ago. Dad got himself and me some off-road RC cars. They were fun, but Dad broke his the first day he had it. It wasn’t any fun racing by myself, so I eventually got bored with it.
So what made me decide to try out RC again? And RC helicopters at that? The other day, there was a popular story on Digg about a very popular micro helicopter called the PiccoZ. It looked pretty cool, and was pretty cheap to boot. The only problem is it’s not readily available here in the US. Only Radio Shack has it, and only on their Web site. Most of the local Radio Shacks I called hadn’t even heard of it!
I decided I’d do a little more research into the PiccoZ, and eventually figured out I’d get bored with it fast. Even though it’s tough, it has limited maneuverability. I started looking around for some other RC helicopter options, and found lots of good stuff about the E-flite Blade series. I went to a local HobbyTown store, and they had three models to choose from. I ended up getting the E-flite Blade CP Pro, along with a training kit and power outlet charger.
It comes fully assembled and pre-flown/adjusted at the factory so it can be flown after the battery is fully charged. The thing is bigger than I expected, but still amazingly light. It also has an amazing amount of power. It’s quite loud in my garage, which is where I’m practicing with it. I knew I wouldn’t be hotdogging with it any time soon, but I’m actually doing quite good already. I have almost mastered floor hovering with the beginner kit. The highest I’ve taken it was about a foot off the ground, but got nervous and dropped it back down.
The battery will last for around 12-15 minutes, and takes up to an hour to fully charge. That’s better than a lot of other electric RC helicopters. If I wanted longer flying time, I’d have to move up to very expensive, gas-powered models. If I’m still having fun flying my Blade in a year or so, I may consider it.
The CP Pro has enough power and the right accessories pre-installed that it can actually be flown inverted. I won’t be trying that for a loooong time. I hope to be able to master hovering after a week or so, and take it out to the park sometime after that. I won’t be taking it out for real flying until I’m confident I can fully control it though.
Kelli
September 20, 2006
Tim
October 13, 2006
Hey Chris, if you ever want to fly that helli of yours, there is a field/park by our house where people with airplanes and helicopters fly them. It is meant for that. Tons of room and NO TREES WHAT SO EVER. I was thinking about taking our boxer dogs out there to run around and get excercise. I am guessing its 20 acres of space.
Tim
October 13, 2006
Andy
April 19, 2007
Hey Chris,
How’s your hobby going? Getting anywhere close to this guy?
Wonder how many he broke in the process.
That’s a video of Alan Szabo Jr. He’s one of the best, if not THE best RC heli pilot out there. He’s flying a Trex 600 with the newer, more powerful motor.
I also had a Trex 600, but just sold it a couple days ago to a guy in California. I needed the money for taxes. They’re one of the biggest electric RC helis out right now. A single battery for it can cost you over $300. And you’ll need at least a couple of them. The kit itself will run you near $600. Not counting batteries, servos, a gyro, radio, receiver, charger, balancer, blades, etc.
They’re kind of expensive, but if you know what you’re doing, like Alan, they can be a lot of fun to fly.
So the next time they feature a tiny remote-triggered camera on hack-a-day, can we hope to see some aerial photos from your RC adventures??