Posts Tagged ‘Reviews’

heap RC Helicopter
Friday, September 17th, 2010
The Interceptor is not a micro or hobby grade RC Helicopter. I’ll categorize this model as a cheap RC helicopter. The price was right at $64.99 Canadian for the size. The LightHawk RC helicopter at $49.99 is comparable to the Interceptor but if you’re looking for something a little more powerful and very very easy to control the Interceptor RC will be a nice upgrade. If you’re used to flying with rudder control on the throttle stick you’ll need to make an adjustment because rudder is controlled on the right stick.



Features- BladeRunner serious Interceptor Outdoor Helicopter
- Includes gyroscope for stable controlled flights
- Includes replacement tail rotor and main rotor linkage
- USB charger
- Digital proportional flight control
- Internal 3.7 LiPo Battery included

Controls- Includes transmitter (9v battery for transmitter not included)
- Rudder trim control
- Normal and Advanced flying mode selection
- Left stick: throttle (up/down). Right stick: Forward/Backward, left/Right rudder.

Specifications
- Coaxial
- 21.6 x 3.7 x 8 inches
- 12 inch main rotor span
- 2 pounds

Charging is done by using the included USB charger. It requires to USB power sources and connects directly to the helicopter. USB charging is nice for electronic components but It’s not convenient for a 2 pound helicopter. Even with the few computers I have throughout my place I would still prefer a simpler power charger. You can buy car adapters that convert to USB. You can also buy USB converters that plug into the wall. They’re easy to find and are usually included with mobile phone packages and Apple products. If you’re geeky enough you can dig through your box of random tech junk and pull one out. That’s what I did!

Charging took 60 minutes (30-60 minutes from the manual) for first flight and I was in the air for 8 minutes stable throttle. Barely any trimming required and my first impression was smiles. It’s definitely got more punch compared to a typical toy RC helicopter. I haven’t crashed in the few flights I’ve had so I can’t tell you how durable it is. The main rotor blades are thick and heavy and will likely do more damage to whatever they hit. It doesn’t come with replacement main blades (only tail rotor) so be extra careful. The body is very durable, almost to durable. I think they could have saved a lot of weight if they cut back on the thick plastics but we’ll see how it tests to time.

You can select normal and pro flying mode from your transmitter. Pro mode will allow the helicopter to go slightly faster with more control, but it will be harder to fly. Overall, flying the helicopter is loads of fun and this model is a better representation of an advanced RC helicopter but of course lacks the components. A hobby grade RC helicopter model will have servos, control units, and a more advanced transmitter, but you will pay a lot more for those features.

Tags: cheap rc helicopter, interceptor rc, interceptor rc helicopter, micro rc helicopter, Reviews
Posted in Micro RC Helicopters, Reviews | No Comments »

Li’l Flyer Micro RC Helicopter Review
Saturday, September 11th, 2010
Micro RC helicopters can’t get much smaller than the Li’l Flyer. For a very good price you can own one and start flying RC helicopters. There’s been some negative feedback on this model but I’ve found it to be almost perfect.



I was first impressed with the repair kit it came with. A little box labeled “repair kit” full of many parts that will likely break. It comes with 8 replacement blades! It’s 2 sets of 4 but you usually just break a couple blades at a time, if any if you’re careful. It also comes with, flybar, screwdriver and hardware.

Charging took about 30 minutes with new batteries. Charging time will be longer as the batteries are used. There’s no forward movement. Some micro RC helicopters will have a tail rotor which can control forward and backwards flight. The Li’l flyer has no just the 2 coaxial blades and the design automatically moves the helicopter forward. If you’re just beginning to fly this is perfect because you’ll learn how to use the rudder. If you have experience flying I would suggest a piece of balled up tape on the front nose to make it faster. It works really well.

The rudder is very sensitive because of the size but the remote is fully capable of controlling fine movements. It also has left/right trim. Take-off is completely wacky but to me it’s a funny feature. The helicopter forces itself to spin when you take off. It’s possible to control but not worth the effort. Once you’re in the air the helicopter will start to move forward. The throttle control stick spring is a little strong but not something to worry about. Flying time is approximately 10 minutes.

Overall, the Li’l Flyer is FUN! I was surprised to see how stable it is in the air, no vibrations at all. Take-off is sketchy but always possible. Flying and landing is very controlled and the LED lights are great for the dark. When I added some weight to the nose it was like putting a new motor on. Definitely try that. I’ve crashed it lightly a few times but there’s not a single scratch! If you’re a beginner flyer, expect to brake some blades and if you’re a hobbyist this one’s fun to mess around with indoors and affordable to promptly add to the collection!

Out of the box:
- Li’l Flyer Ultra Compact RC Helicopter (with LED lights)
- Lipo Battery (charged by transmitter cable directly in helicopter)
- Infra-red Transmitter, single channel (sold A/B/C for up to 3 models in the air at the same time), 80 foot range.
- Repair Kit

No batteries included. Requires 6 AA’s.

Tags: lil flyer, micro rc helicopters, rc helicopter, Reviews
Posted in Micro RC Helicopters, Reviews | No Comments »

E-Flite Blade 120 SR Review
Monday, August 16th, 2010



The Blade 120 SR is a new model by E-Flite and it follows the smaller Blade mSR. I’ve been flying the Blade mSR and I’m very happy with it. Now, the Blade 120 SR is in the collection and it’s another solid model to fly. The Blade 120 SR is a slightly larger model and it’s a great upgrade. This is good model if you want to get out of coaxial helicopters and into single rotor collective pitch. This isn’t a helicopter you can pick up and not expect to brake in the first flight. If you crash lightly it will most likely be fine, but a good smack into a tree will probably be a trip to the hobby store. If you don’t have it already, get the Phoenix RC Flight simulator to practice.


The Details
What’s different? I kind of see it as a Nintendo Gameboy, offering slight modifications to their lineup every so often. The biggest difference with the Blade 120 SR is the size. It uses the same 5-1 control board as seen on the Blade mCX. With that said, the technology is the same. It’s the Blade mSR’s other brother.

Out of the box:
- RTF and BNF available
- Blade 120 SR RC Helicopter
- 4 channel 2.4 GHz DSM2 radio
- Charger for LiPo Battery
- Single cell 500 mAh LiPo Battery
- Tools, basic spare parts
- Instruction Manual

Specifications:
- Length: 318mm (12.5 inches)
- Main Rotor Diameter: 318mm (12.5 inches)
- Weight with Battery: 106g (3.75 oz)
- Main Rotor Motor: Brushed
- Tail Motor: Brushed
- Battery: 500mAh – 12C – 1cell – 3.7V LiPo
- Charger: Celectra 1 cell variable charge rate with 6V 1.5A AC adapter
- Transmitter (RTF): 4 Channel, DSM2 2.4 GHz model #MLP4DSM
- Electronics: 5-in-1 unit







Power Test
The Blade 120 SR from 0-100% throttle.



Advanced Swashplate Setup
The Blade 120 SR is capable of flying in 2 swashplate modes. One for easier flying and one for more responsive advanced flying. There are 2 extra arms on the swashplate that are slightly longer. Remove the links from the swashplate with your fingers, pliers, or a ball-joint tool. The swashplate will spin freely. Reconnect the links to the longer swashplate arms. Here’s a video on how to use the advanced swashplate setup on the E-Flite Blade 120 SR.



Buy The Blade 120 SR

Tags: advanced swashplate setup, blade 120 sr, eflight, eflite, mods, rc helicopter, Reviews
Posted in Blade 120 SR, Blade SR, Reviews | No Comments »

Galaxy Hobby Review
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Living in Toronto, there are a few hobby stores I have to pick from. I’ve had some bad experiences with hobby stores in the past but not anymore. Derry from Galaxy Hobby was all to pleased to get me setup and in the air.

First, I checked out their website www.galaxyhobby.ca and was lucky to find they had the whole line of E-Flight Blade RC Helicopters. I drove over to Central Parkway/Mavis in Mississauga and met Derry and his quaint hobby store. Galaxy Hobby focuses on RC cars so I was skeptic about their helicopter knowledge. I shouldn’t have been. Derry knew everything about the products and was very knowledgeable in RC helicotpers. We took a look at the Blade SR. He cut the packaging tape and brought the helicopter out I would later by. He gave me a full tour on single blade helicopters and explained with a big smile the “challenge” it would be to fly it. Derry gave me some tips on flying and mods I could do to the helicopter. The best part about being there was the non egotistical attitude I’ve seen almost everywhere else.

If you’re a beginner like myself and want to get started in electric RC helicopters, or even if you’re ready for a 3D electric RC helicopter, go to Galaxy Hobby and talk to Derry. I also noticed a many of the micro RC helicopter scale models in the store. If you’re thinking of getting an airhogs RC helicopter, you should instead go to Galaxy Hobby, or your local store, and check out their collection first. They’re much better then the toy store brands and they’re even cheaper to buy. People just don’t know this stuff! (it fooled me)

Tags: Blade SR, eflight, Galaxy Hobby, micro rc helicopters, Reviews
Posted in Blade SR, Galaxy Hobby, News, Reviews | No Comments »

E-Flite Blade CX2
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010


I walked into my local hobby store and walked out with a Blade CX2. The salesmen sold me a beginner model that works out of the box, for the most part. It came complete with transmitter, Li Po battery and charger, small parts for maintenance with tool, 4 AA’s for the transmitter, and manual with DVD. You can also charge using a 12v car battery with the aligator clips included. I bought replacement blades and skid plate for the inevitable, a training kit, and an extra battery.

I was ready to go. Since I’m a beginner I figured the trainer gear was necessary, good call. Here’s a video on how to install the training gear. manual had a great section on how to get them on. I charged the battery as instructed and put it in the helicopter. The front body was finicky to remove but it needed to make sure the servos were working. Everything was fine so I put it on the ground and gave it throttle. I made my first mistake by not turning the throttle trim down before turning the transmitter on. Good thing the controller knows the transmitter isn’t producing any throttle and shuts down the motors if they are. I hit myself and went back to the manual. I’m a video gamer, sure, I skipped sections and I’m not proud of it, okay?

Update:
I wouldn’t call myself a beginner flyer anymore and the Blade CX2 has proved worthy. If I need more power and the micro isn’t cutting it, I’ll bring out the CX2.

The Details
The E-Flite Blade CX2 is a coaxial LiPo battery electric powered RC Helicopter. It’s not a micro RC helicopter so you’ll get a little more size and power, quite a bit compared to a micro. This CX2 was designed to introduce new flyers into the hobby. It’s easy to fly but you won’t get away with crashing it if you own a Blade mSR. It will break and expect repairs when the inevitable happens.

Out of the box:
- 5-channel transmitter with built-in Spektrum™ 2.4GHz DSM technology
- 2-cell 7.4V 800mAh LiPo battery pack
- 2–3 Cell DC LiPo Balancing Charger and AC Adapter
- Blade Cx2 Helicopter model
- Manual with a Instructional Video
- 4 AA Batteries for transmitter
- Bind Plug, Micro screwdriver, Velcro material and Double sided tape

Specifications:
- Main Rotor Diameter: 13.6 in (345mm)
- Gross Weight: 8.0 oz (227 g with battery)
- Length: 16.42 (417mm)
- Motor Size: 180 (2 installed)
- Control System: 2.4GHz DSM 5-channel, 4-in-1 receiver/mixer/ESC/gyro, S60 Super Sub-Micro

This was my first RC helicopter and I’ve had several flights on it since. It only took less then one week to get comfortable flying it. It’s a great coaxial helicopter but it will struggle in slight wind. It’s meant for indoors but you can get away with it outside as long as it’s completely calm. This model also makes a perfect gift because everything is packed in the box, ready to fly.