RC Helicopter FAQ
Radio-controlled helicopters have rapidly become a popular toy for children and a passion for hobbyists. They have even seen use as heavy-duty surveillance vehicles. RC Helicopters utilize lightweight frames and powerful engines to create lift and forward momentum, while their users stay safely on the ground. There are a few common topics to be addressed when you first begin to work with these models.
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Power Sources
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One of the defining components of RC helicopters is their power sources. There are two major types of power. Battery-powered craft are used in small toy helicopters and larger enthusiast craft. These use lithium polymer, or Li-Po, batteries to provide energy to the motors. The second type are nitromethane-powered vehicles. A combination of nitromethane and oil is burned in a combustion engine to power the vehicles.
Micro Helis
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Micro helis are the smallest of the RC helicopter lines and are typically reserved for toys and children's games. Air Hogs is the largest manufacturer of micro helicopters and has released lines based on size, agility and stability. Micro helis typically use two to four channel transmitters. Each micro heli has its own transmitter and many models can fly up to three in the same room without interference. Micro Helis almost universally use Li-Po batteries, though older models may use alkaline.
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Enthusiast Models
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Enthusiast models are scale helicopters that are much larger and heavier than their micro helicopters. They employ the same technology as full-size helicopters including gyroscopes, ailerons, elevators and swashplates. This results in a need for powerful Li-Po batteries or nitromethane fuel. Models used by hobbyists typically have at least six channel transmitters to control the more advanced components of the craft.
Military and Law Enforcement
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Military spec RC helicopters are used for surveillance and tracking purposes. Their ability to mount cameras and carry sensitive lightweight material across battlefields and crime scenes is an important asset. Law enforcement versions have begun to see service, allowing police access to these tools that may one day save lives and help solve crimes. These are the largest class of RC helicopter and typically utilize nitromethane fuels due to their bulk and payloads.
Community
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Much like the RC car and airplane hobbyists before them, model helicopter pilots have built a solid community that shares many of the values of their predecessors. New enthusiasts and children receiving micro helis can find a community of like-minded individuals who share their joy for piloting through the skies with rotors. Magazines and websites cater to those seeking more information on piloting, customization and maintenance or just to tell stories about their flight.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brett Samuel/Flickr.com
