One of my latest interests has been learning to fly a remote control helicopter. I was sufficiently warned by many friends that flying a helicopter was very difficult and would take months to learn. I was encouraged to start with a RC plane and then move to helicopters. But I was attracted to the helicopter because I could fly it right around the house. I would not have to make special trips to a field in order to practice. Despite the warnings I decided to go with a helicopter. So here is a record of my journey into this hobby.
The one I decided to purchase is a Micro-Electric called the Hummingbird made by Century Helicopter Products. I purchased it from a local hobby store called RC Country after seeing it flown by the staff. I did not buy it on the net because I wanted to be able bring it in to a knowledgeable person to be checked out and get advice. The helicopter comes almost ready to fly. In just a few hours I had it put together. Learning to fly it has taken months and I still consider myself a beginner!
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Day One construction.
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The orange balls in the above picture are training gear to assist beginners with landing the helicopter, a must have in my opinion.
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Upgraded LiPo battery
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Stock Tail Motor. Soon to be Upgraded
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Upgraded Radio.
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The Practice Zone
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AirWolf: Dress Clothes
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Traveling Case
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Early work bench mount
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Flight simulation software is very useful. While not a perfect representation of actual flying I learned the basics of hovering with this software. It has saved me more then it's cost in spare parts. I highly recommend it.
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Prep'd & on the 'Operating Table' after she meet the neighbor's roof! |
The stock 370 motors do not last long. An upgrade to a brushless motor was soon done. Details coming soon. |
More to come...
To be organized movies...
Swashplate Center Ball Modification