New and want to buy a RTF

[Numbnuts]

Hi there folks. I Have been using the Reflex simulator for about two months now and I feel I can fly all the models on there pretty well. I want to buy a RTF to start but I don't want to buy one that I will be boared with in a few weeks. Do you guys have any ideas on which one I should buy? I am starting to get good at upside down flight too. :D Thank you for your time. ;)

[tdswan]

Don't get an RTF package. If you want to spend $200 on a Blade CP to learn on (or something like that), it's up to you. It's best to hand-pick your components. Most RTF packages out there will be alright for a beginner, maybe below average power, lousy radio and such. You will get bored. I've flown quite a few different birds, the two best electrics from my experience out there are the T-Rex & Shogun. I personally recommend the T-Rex 450XL CDE (CCPM Version, just because it's so precise) because the Shogun is a little on the tiny side for fitting components into. You got a little more room to put stuff on the T-Rex. Both are pretty stable in a hover AS LONG AS THEY'RE SET UP RIGHT! My T-Rex (aside from feeling more responsive because it's smaller) hovers almost as well as my Raptor 50. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to setup, though. A beginner should have local help with the setup. It is the ALL-IMPORTANT step to a good-flying bird. There's just no substitute for a local teacher. Possibly look for a local club to join and find someone there. Good luck, and welcome to the hobby.

[Numbnuts]

I found the RTF T-Rex 450XL for $650 at http://www.rc-expert.com/product-package.php?pid=172 Is there anywhere you know about that I can find it cheaper? I thank you for your reply and your time it's been very helpfull. ;)

[Numbnuts]

I forgot to say... I'm a huge aircraft geek and I have a 7 channel Futaba mixing radio. I am getting to be a pro with my U-Can-Do 3D 91 along with many other of my planes. I'm going to buy a 12 or more channel radio soon but I feel I need a heli set up for me so I can learn how it all works. I don't know a dang thing on how to set them up and I don't have a local hobbie store that doesn't have complete idiots working there. I know if I buy a RTF I'll catch on very fast on adjustment and what not. Any ideas on help in the future for me? Once again, thank you very much for your time. :D

[tdswan]

On the package you linked to, everything seems pretty much up to par except for the gyro. I'm sure there's people out there who have had luck with the RCE-500, I just didn't like it. Every time I turned it on, I had to re-adjust the trim on it. This led to a crash because on my computer radio, different flight modes have different trims, so when I switched, it spun on me before I could react. Once your tail's set up right, you should not have to trim a HH gyro. You'll be much happier with a Futaba 401. Don't have any experience with those servos, so I'm no help there.

Even with an RTF heli, you still need to do the work to set your radio up with the bird once you get it if you're going to use your radio. Getting a whole seperate radio that's set up just for your heli would be kind of a waste of money. I don't know where you're located, but there's gotta be someone somewhat close by to help you.

On the airplane thing, I started on planes as well. It'll help some, but it can create some problems or "bad habits", I guess. The main one is left-handed flying. With a heli, you're on the left stick a lot more, if you're good with 3-D on planes, you should make the transition alright. But it's a whole different animal altogether.

I'm not trying to scare you away, I like to see more heli's in the air as much as the next guy, but it takes a lot more time to learn a heli than a plane, so be prepared to pay your dues in spare parts or milliamps. Milliamps are cheaper. :)

[Numbnuts]

Ok, I bought the heli but it wont be here for a week. The gyro I should get is the Futaba 401?

I understand what you are saying with the left hand stick. I catch myself on the simulator, in a panic situation, trying to pull out like its an airplane. I'm getting much better but I know I have a lot to learn.

Thanks for your input it's been very helpfull for me. I'm sure you'll be seeing a ton of my questions in here in the future. ;)

[tdswan]

No problem, I'm always happy to help a beginner. Heli's are a tough hobby to get into if ya don't have a lot of help.

I may be a little opinionated, but happy to help.

Yes, the 401 is pretty much the preferred gyro. I only recently bought one and I love it. I use a JR G500T on my Raptor, it's a little big for a micro. The 401 nestles nicely onto the T-Rex and is suitable for any size heli, so it'll grow with you if you move on to something bigger.

Good luck and welcome!

[Gage]

Iam going to get that helicopter soon.

[Rick Davidson]

The MX-400 is good, when I break something I use T-Rex parts.

[axis]

Not all TRex parts fit..

[Numbnuts]

Ok folks I have crashed this sucker once since i bought it and it was because the receiver died in flight. I have had so many problems with this thing its crazy. I have replaced all the electronics on it except the tail servo, batteries and the gyro. I had the wires catch on fire too. If any of you guys are thinking of buying anything from the people I left the link to, please dont. They have the worst customer service I've ever came accross in my life.

Now it is flying wonderful and yet I'm having another problem. The batteries, both of them, die in a matter of 1-4 minutes. I dont think this is how im flying it but it might be the charger or even the batteries. I still have the same cheap charger and batteries that came with it.

My question is... Do you think I need to get a real charger and batteries and if I do what batteries and charger do you think I should get? I have upgraded to a 35 amp speed controller as well and im getting very good at 3d flight.

Any input you have for me would be great. This is by far the best website out there for help I've found. You guys are wonderful. (=

Thanks again (=