Esky Honeybee 4CH RC Helicopter Review

Esky Honeybee 4CH RC Helicopter Review

Well, where to start with this one... This has got to be one of the coolest yet frustrating things anyone has ever bought me. Let me explain... My girlfriend bought me this for Christmas from Buzzflyer.co.uk for around £110, as soon as I opened it I was like a kid at 10 years old again. On the box it said for indoor/outdoor flight so naturally the box was flung open and the battery was straight on charge ready for a bout of flying round the living room.

What's in the box?

1 x Assembled Esky Honeybee Helicopter

1 x 4CH Radio Handset and aerial

1 x AC adapter

1 x 12V Battery lead (to charge the helicopter battery from a 12V car battery etc)

1 x Transformer

1 x Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery

1 x Plastic bag of bits and bobs

1 x Instructions

The Esky Honeybee is billed as an RTF helicopter (Ready To Fly, for those not in the know) which means that in theory all it should require is a quick charge and off you go.
Naturally being a bloke there was no need to read the instructions so I just plugged the battery into the beast and off I went. It very quickly became apparent that this is definitely NOT an indoor toy, in fact it is not even a toy at all come to mention it.

Obviously what's the first thing you do when you get a toy helicopter? You got it, stick on maximum revs and see what happens! That's where this thing went from 0 to lethal in less than a second. It looked so innocent sat on the floor till I whacked the throttle up then I seriously began to fear for my safety. The downdraft from this thing was amazing considering the size, what looked quite small in the beginning now seemed relatively large once the blades were spun up, and what a noise! To put it into context; have you ever seen hypnodisc on robot wars? Now imagine that but flying uncontrollably around your living room at head height, brown pants moment I think you'll agree! I ducked for cover as the beast ploughed straight into the wall, slid down, and proceeded to have what looked like an epileptic fit on the floor. My first venture and already a broken part (albeit minor and not detrimental to operation). "Ah" I thought, "probably better off outside".

So out I went, only a slight breeze so I thought to myself "perfect" - mistake number 2.
Full throttle once again (this time from a safe distance). The helicopter took straight off and was instantly carried by the slight breeze at a rate of knots till it was out of sight. I ran over to it only to find it looking like a wet dog on a cold day, all bunched up and twitching.
This time I had broken several major parts so I packed up my helicopter and walked home in shame to figure out what I was doing wrong and order some spare bits (which weren't cheap). "Suppose I best read the manual" I thought.

Ah... Apparently you have to set the helicopter up first as regards to the balancing of the main rotor, paddles, and the weight distribution so that the centre of gravity is directly beneath the rotor shaft. This is EXTREMELY important if you want any kind of stable flight. Instructions for this can be downloaded here.

The next thing you have to do is set up the gain and trim of the tail rotor; this is so that while throttling up the main rotor the helicopter will remain stable and pointing in the same direction.
With these tasks complete I then took the helicopter to an empty squash court with a friend who had also bought a honeybee helicopter (although he opted for the 6 channel collective pitch model, boy did he regret that later).

This time I was dead careful, I slowly increased the throttle until it was very light on the ground then applied a short burst just to get it in the air and out of the ground effect (this is another thing I learned, after experimenting trying to get the honeybee to hover in my kitchen it would constantly drift to the left no matter what controls were applied. After a bit of research I discovered that it's something to do with the way the air flows when the rotor is so close to the ground that makes it act in this way. Hence the term 'ground effect'. The only way you can get the helicopter into a stable hover is to quickly apply the throttle in a short burst so that it rises out of the ground effect to about knee level where it will become more stable.)

It then became apparent that I was out of my depth, I thought being only a 4 channel helicopter it couldn't be that hard and I would have become a master of flight before the day was out. That day turned into about a month of practice, several expensive crashes, and 2 body injuries from the main rotor and I'm still not great although I've become quite good at a stable hover. Flying a RC helicopter is a lot more difficult than it looks!

On the same day of the first proper maiden flight in the squash court, my friend opted for the same initial response as I had when first getting the heli out of the box (it was the first time he had ever turned it on) only this time he didn't get away with a minor breakage as with mine. He pushed the throttle to maximum and with the 6 channel Honeybee having more power it took off like a trident missile straight into the squash court wall and folded up like a spring loaded deckchair. It was a write-off. Less than 1 second total flight time and it cost him a fortune (not to mention hours of build time and bleeding thumbs) just to get it back to a reasonable flying condition only to have a similar incident the second time round! He was nearly in tears and I tried to be sympathetic but I couldn't help crying with laughter, bad I know but the comedy of the situation was hard to ignore!

My advice would be don't buy this particular RC helicopter if you have never flown one before. The damage caused by learning to fly it will drive you insane not to mention the cost and time to rebuild it. If your serious about it get some advice before you buy one and try to get some proper training from someone who already knows how to fly RC helicopters. Trust me it will save you a lot of headaches not to mention a hefty repair bill. One plus side of the honeybee FP (fixed pitch blades) is that the battery lasts ages. On a full charge the Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery gives a good 30 minutes of continuous 'attempted' flight.

The principle behind an electric helicopter is a good one and I admire what Esky have tried to do by creating a cheap offering but to me the build quality was a bit lacking, only very slight knocks would cause something to break which means the novelty wears off extremely quickly.
If I had to buy one again I would go for the Micron V2 which is a tiny indoor helicopter the advantages of this is that the build quality looks substantially better than the honeybee, and the size is such that you can actually fly it in your living room which means that any major crashes and knocks are likely to be absorbed by soft things such as sofas and carpets.

Conclusion

Great idea in principle, but the build quality is a bit lacking.

John's Reviews rating

4/10

For more reviews and how to's go John's Reviews

John's Reviews - http://www.johnsreviews.com

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Helicopter Radio Controlled T-Rex 700 Review

Helicopter Radio Controlled T-Rex 700 Review

While most of us like to believe we are open minded men of the world, many still shirk at a helicopter radio controlled gadget, as if it was immature and senseless to fly on in the park. Well it's time to nip that knee-jerk reaction in the bud. Working class folk and professionals alike have lauded Aligns' helicopter radio controlled T-Rex 700, since it's humble beginnings of July 1984, as the cutting edge of radio controlled helicopters, or "RC" helicopters for short. From innovative active RC remote control helicopters and hobby RC helicopters, via remote control flying gadgets that many a boy begged their mothers as a release and escape of their Airwolf TV fantasy.

The brand Align has been synonymous with being a leading RC electric helicopter brand. But no one as iconic as the T-Rex 250 and it's sister the T-Rex 250S.E, the micro helicopter RC models that kicked off the whole RC electric helicopter phenomenon in 1984, and the good news is that it's back with the T-Rex 700.

Aligns' helicopter radio controlled T-Rex 700 incorporates new single blade technology, and this model has undergone many adaptations and redesigns since, Align is issuing the helicopter radio controlled T-Rex 700 as a limited Nitro Edition, staying loyal to all it's original designs features, including the characteristic nose cone and windscreen.

Now the T-Rex 700 limited Nitro series will sell out quicker than tickets for the Rolling stones at the O2, but fear not, their may be a contingency plan in the works. For a lesser price you can get your hands on the red hot Trex 650 Nitro Pro Limited Edition, designed & developed by Jason Krause and Alan Szabo Jr. This new limited edition version has all the metal parts anodized in silver finish. Aside from the silver aluminum parts the unique thing about the T-Rex 600 LE is the included electronics and blades combo.

Aligns' helicopter radio controlled T-Rex 700 comes with an uprated heavy duty tail with thrust bearings, Carbon fiber blades, with a 7 channel receiver, more handle if needed coupled with a super engine cooling system very efficient airflow to provide unequaled cooling and horsepower.

Make no mistake, this plane is not for the budding amateur or beginner! This is a single bladed remote controlled helicopter. Single bladed helicopters are difficult to fly. It would be advisable to start with a double balded remote controlled helicopter, such as the Esky Big Lama is a large double bladed model for indoor and outdoor flight. This would be a great model for beginners.

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Electric RC Helicopter - Dyna Hawk GX - First Flight Review

Electric RC Helicopter - Dyna Hawk GX - First Flight Review

I recently had the pleasure of obtaining my very own Dyna Hawk GX: Blackguard. It came in a kit, ready to fly. Included in the kit was the helicopter, remote, AC adapter, rechargeable battery pack (Li-Po), 4 extra blades (2 for each rotor), a small screwdriver (used for tightening blades and other repairs), instruction manual, and a parts list. The first thing i did when i opened the kit was pull out the Dyna Hawk GX. After i had taken that out, looked it over, and straightened the blades correctly, I continued by pulling the rest of the contents out to make sure everything was there. Once i was finished checking, I grabbed the manual and read through it. Being that it was manufactured in China, the manual has both English and Chinese translations. Some of the instructions were a little confusing, but all-in-all, it guided me through the process of getting ready to fly.

After reading the manual, the next step is to charge the Li-Po battery and obtain 8 AA batteries (not included) for the remote. The remote itself has 2 thumb-sticks. One of the thumb-sticks controls the throttle or "lift", and the turns the helicopter or controls the "direction". There is also 2 buttons under the throttle stick that you use to "tune" your helicopter in flight. These buttons are used to decrease the "spinning" and help your helicopter hover straight. (For further instruction, see the manual.)

After the battery is fully charged, follow the instructions to install it on the bottom of the Dyna Hawk GX. The trick is to get the wires that you plug the battery into "tucked" into the "cockpit" and out of the way. This is the only way to get the battery "clicked" into place and flush, no wires hanging. Once the battery is connected, the helicopter cockpit has a steady blinking light that shows the Dyna Hawk is ready. You are now "almost" ready for flight.

Install 8 AA batteries into you remote, screw on the antenna and extend it, then turn on you remote. Always keep the antenna extended all the way when in use. Not doing so could result in "loss of reception" which would cause you to lose control and crash. With both the battery installed and your remote on, gently ease the throttle stick forward (up), making both blades spin creating "lift". If your helicopter's blades spin, you are ready to fly after a few simple adjustments. (refer back to the manual for these adjustments.)

After the adjustments are made, it is time to have some fun! The Dyna Hawk GX is an "indoor" electric RC helicopter. It is not made for outdoor flight. My recommendation, (as well as the manufacturers) is to find a "wide-open" indoor area in which to fly it in. A great flight zone would be an indoor basketball court, free of any obstacles. Being impatient, and also due to bad weather, i decided to try mine out in my living room. ( i don't recommend this and i will explain why later.)

At first, it took me a while to get used to the throttle. The manual suggests doing some training to get used to the flight controls and has several different exercises to master. I recommend doing these if you are a first time flyer. Once i got used to the throttle, i was quickly able to get the Dyna Hawk GX to hover around my living room. The turning reacts very quickly, sometimes over-turning, so feathering the "right" thumb-stick is crucial. Also, make sure that there are no drafts, open windows, or vents on in your flight zone. The slightest breeze can cause your Dyna Hawk GX to not fly correctly and lose control. With some practice, mastering the flight control with the Dyna Hawk GX comes quickly, and you will soon be flying around for the full charge of the battery.

Now, the reason i recommend not flying around obstacles: While the Dyna Hawk GX is a rather well built RC helicopter, especially for the price, it is not indestructible. Normally, if you lose throttle, it will drop straight down and bounce off the floor without much of a problem. But, if you happen to crash land into an object (lets say a couch for example), it can cause damage. When i crashed into a couch, the blades hit it and i broke the plastic inner shaft piece. This part is what makes the bottom blades spin the same speed as the top and helps prevent spin of the whole helicopter (acts as a tail rotor). If i hadn't crashed into the couch, no damage would have been done. My mistake. Fortunately, a lot of "hobby shops" carry spare for parts and this part can be replaced for a minor investment. I personally chose an aluminum inner shaft piece so that this problem is less likely to occur again. I also will now only fly in "obstacle free" areas with plenty of space.

Bottom line, the Dyna Hawk GX is a great helicopter for beginner to intermediate flyer's, ages 12 and up. The battery, fully charged, will last 10 - 15 minutes of solid flight and also charges relatively fast. This makes waiting between flights shorter and gives you more continuous fun. It is one of the better looking apache models and i have had several compliments on it already. With proper care and increased flight skills, I am sure that this particular electric RC helicopter will bring you plenty of enjoyment over time. To make it last longer, always recharge the battery right after flight exhaustion, and then give it 5 minutes before you take flight again to let the motor cool down. This will help prevent motor "burnout". Also, never leave the battery uncharged for a lengthy period of time. Storing a Li-Po battery uncharged could cause it to be unable to hold a charge and results in having to replace the battery sooner than later. Batteries are not cheap. Occasionally air blast the Dyna Hawk GX down to get rid of any dust that might have attached to it. And always, always fly in an area completely free of obstacles to reduce the chance of damage when you crash. Do these things and the Dyna Hawk GX: Blackguard will remain another great addition to your arsenal of electric RC vehicles!

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Flite Test - Turnigy 9X - REVIEW

Flite Test - Turnigy 9X - REVIEW On YouTube.

Flite Test - REVIEW Turnigy 9X The new and improved Turnigy 9x controler from Hobby King is hard to get a hold of, but well worth it for the price. Josh Bixler gets his hands on this controler for the first time. It's packed with features that we're excited to try out. Link to the Turnigy 9X: www.hobbyking.com 9X MANUAL: www.hobbyking.com

Tags: Flite, Test, Turnigy, 9x, REVIEW, rx, tx, rc, plane, helicopter, transmitter, reciever, hobby, king, controler, josh, bixler, scott

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Hirobo Lepton EX-3D Review

Hirobo Lepton EX-3D Review

Electric RC helicopters are becoming so popular that RC helicopter manufacturing giants who used to stick with gas models are starting to produce electric ones. Recently, Hirobo follows that trend and released a new high-end electric RC helicopter, the "Lepton EX-3D". This model is one in which Hirobo claims is capable of flying the most advanced 3D maneuvers right out of the box - a claim in which RC Flying Thailand sets out the test.

In fact, before actually getting their hands on this model, RC Flying has had two chances to see it in flight. In both occasions the flight was flown under constant heavy winter wind. Nevertheless, the Lepton didn't show any problems and landed safely. Therefore, even without flying it, it is safe to say that the claim that this model is extremely wind-resistant is well founded.

The Lepton EX-3D is a world class helicopter made by a world class RC helicopter manufacturer who aims to please advance pilots. The whole model stands just slightly smaller than a typical .32 gas model, making it durable, wind resistant while at the same time easily transportable.

Hirobo Japan positions the Lepton EX-3D as one of their top models. In this honor, they gave the model two separate but integrated bodies. The outer made of Carbon Hybrid and the inner made of Magnesium. These two bodies serve to eliminate vibrations and the combination boasts a 200% increase in heat dispersion rate as opposed to aluminum. Experts claim that the integration of two bodies is the secret of making the Lepton EX-3D wind resistant. The Head is made of aluminum and the rotor blades are made of fiberglass.

As for the battery, if you decide to purchase the "combo" version, the Lepton comes with a 4-cells Li-Po battery along with a "Balance Cell" charger. The battery takes one hour to charge - which will allow for an 8 minute worth of normal flight or 5 minutes worth of 3D flight.

The only thing might make prospective buyers stop to think a bit is the price. Being the top model, the Lepton carries a heavy price tag. In fact, its price rivals that of a gas RC helicopter. This in a way defeats the purpose of it being an electric model. However, some will say that having the "Hirobo" brand on its fuselage will make it worth its price. Also, CPA Product, the only distributor in Thailand counters any complaints regarding the Lepton's high price saying "you would buy the Lepton EX for the same reason that you would buy a Mercedes."

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Coaxial RC Helicopters - How Do they Work?

Coaxial RC Helicopters - How Do they Work?

You can add the term, coaxial RC helicopter that he had heard and wondered what they were. The truth is, you've probably seen one or maybe even your own. They are the double-bladed helicopters you see out there, with two blades and no tail rotor. The first time I saw that I was just wondering, not just what the hell it was, but how does it work? Here I will tell you everything!

One of them, coaxial helicopters are hordes almost single-handedly brought backenthusiasts into the hobby with their ease of use. It's hard not to see one of them anymore, and the advent of the micro electric RC helicopters in coaxial mode has opened up the great indoors as a flying ground. Being a very stable in flight aircraft and usually ready to fly out of the box, the coaxial RC helicopter is the only choice indoors.

So how do they fly? The traditional helicopter setup of one rotor blade and one tail rotor is replaced instead by two main rotors, each spinning in the opposite direction. This eliminates the need for a tail rotor, as its only function anyway was to counteract the yaw produced by the one blade spinning in one direction. This makes the coaxial RC helicopter very stable, if a bit slow and unresponsive. It's a great model to learn to fly with, indoors or out, and can help one graduate to single bladed models later on.

The only drawback I find in some coaxial RC helicopters is that the two rotors have to be spinning at the exact same rate. In other words, the two motors have to in sync with each other, or the helicopter will not even lift off.

As always, practice safety when operating these birds, as they have two blades (which will hurt twice as much as one!) and should be handled will all the respect you would with any other RC aircraft.

Coaxial RC helicopters have brought many more people into the enjoyable hobby of RC helicopter flying. If you haven't yet managed to get your own bird into the air, don't wait any longer! Get out there today!

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Air Hogs Apache Helicopter and a review of the technology that drives Radio Control - Toys today

Air Hogs Apache Helicopter and a review of the technology that drives Radio Control - Toys today

Air Hogs Apache Helicopter defines a new wireless technology. The new Air Hogs Apache Helicopter is the state of the art in technology. Authenticity is the fact that is accepted under license from Boeing. Do not worry though.The mounting device is fully assembled and consists of a four-way. The helicopter is OK for 8 years, but you can not fly outdoors.

You control unit has a dual purpose. It controls the helicopterFlight, but the expenses in case of need. Their average flight time is 15 to 20 minutes, and would cost a lot if the batteries are not rechargeable.There is a spare unit with the propeller is damaged.

At the beginning of the 21 st Century, a wavelength of transmission has been used for radio control toys. This had the advantage that smaller antennas and lower power consumption. What you need to be careful when. is that the line of sight between the transmitterand the helicopter will always be maintained. Otherwise, the device must be restarted, and this could be in the middle of a flight ... not so good idea.

An overview of wireless technology is that there are 2 elements. They have the helicopters, the receiver and the controller, which is the station to give directions to it.

Speed ​​controller developed in our changing world. Now the older units have an electrical resistance, the replacement is not an efficientUnits. Now we have a steering wheel to enjoy our controls and switches for the fast or slow on the gas. All types of toys now enjoy this new technology and children can play with the car or helicopter and use the new devices are very safe. Hobby People can buy units that will be expanded modularly to allow them more control and functionality of their devices.

And 'now accepted practice to share modules between different devices. This allows you to take equipment from a car and add it to a boat model, to make example.ButPay attention to your local laws often do not allow the same frequency for air and ground units. The simplification is arrived based on crystals, in which you can control unit.These allow you to control multiple channels simultaneously in a band.

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Cloud-Force RC Helicopter Review - The best gifts for boys and men

Cloud-Force RC Helicopter Review - The best gifts for boys and men

The Cloud RC helicopter is truly a force to the man who has never really grown up - or your child is evident. With its built-in gyroscope can fly remote controlled helicopter up, or a bank balance! And for only $ 49 on Amazon, is a bargain.

With their authentic, detailed design and multi-channel control, you can work up to 3 helicopters at a time with zero problems.

You can climb and maintain a share of up to 80 meters from the remote control, and don t haveWorrying about whether a rough landing or two, as with a frame, 2 fins, 4 spare blades, a stabilizer, a tail rotor and four connecting rods have come for repairs.

With whisper-rotors, the rechargeable remote control uses six AA batteries (not included). There is no need to solve the problem all together like this is easy to fly by helicopter from Brookstone fun box is a perfect gift for 12 years.

WARNING: This product contains small parts which may bea choking hazard to young children.

Price: $ 49.95

Features and Benefits:

Multi-Channel Control System: The ability to operate three helicopters simultaneously.

Distance: 80 meters range total is a reasonable length.

Skills: E 'common the ability to float high, and the bank to be significantly reduced.

Negative:

Not sure how to determine 80 feet, until it falls from the sky. Perhaps there is some detection mechanism on the remote control. Could drive the dog crazy!

We do not recommend it?

Every baby boywould be thrilled to receive this, if you are his toys. He may get his father out of the house too! A $ 50 is a reasonable price.

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USB Flight Sim Module Cable: F

Product Brand : Grand Wing Servo U.S.A.
	USB Flight Sim Module Cable: F FMS flight simulator rc transmitter to Windows PC USB interface cable. Futaba-style square micro plug version on one end and the other end is USB. Manufactured by Grand Wing Servo-Tech, this r/c flight sim interface cable will connect your Futaba rc transmitter (tx) to your Windows PC so you can fly virtual models for all your favorite remote controlled airplanes and helicopters. Not compatible with Mac. Compatible with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP only. Not compatible with Windows Vista. The FMS flight simulator software is a free download from the FMS Web site. Futaba Transmitter to Windows PC USB Interface Cable * One End: Square micro Futaba transmitter trainer interface style plug * Other End: Windows USB Plug * Compatible with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP * Not Compatible With: Mac, Windows Vista * Manufacturer Model Number: GWFSM002C * Manufacturer Serial Number: FSMU05986 One End: Square micro Futaba transmitter trainer interface style plug Other End: Windows USB Plug. Length: 6ft Compatible with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP Not Compatible With: Mac, Windows Vista Download the free FMS software at http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html

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Mini Titan E325 Review

Electric RC helicopters are always in fashion. Keeping pace with the development, many RC giants have started producing electric helicopter models of them. Finally, you are entering one of the largest producers, Thunder Tiger, the arena. Having been so successful that their previous line, the "Raptors", a standard is set nitro helicopters, it will be interesting to overcome its new model, the "Mini Titan E325" can do the same to see electric helicopters.

Revolutionary frameDesign:

Rc Helicopter

Mini Titan frame design can be truly revolutionary, with the change more evident as the location of main landing gear and battery. While most other RC helicopters Convention to put the problem on the main landing gear and the battery is below it, titanium mini gear at the lowest point in the main frame is positioned. According to experts, this type of configuration results in a much better roll and yaw response.

The battery is the positionEqually unique. While most models place the battery in the bottom center, the Mini Titan designers bravely chose to charge the battery space in front of the model - mounted on an "L" shaped battery tray and suspended at an oblique angle. While some people may think that this type of positioning of the battery upsetting the overall balance of the helicopter, many avid pilots claim that the weight of the batteries on balances with the weight of the receiver, gyro, and tail boomCreate unique in the center of gravity, the helicopter can perform this maneuver must be exceptional.

Main rotor control system:

The Titan E-120 Mini degree CCPM control system. The swash plate is plastic, but even if this is the case, is harder and heavier than most other electric model helicopters. The handle main thrust is the same type that is used on a large scale 3D nitro helicopters which provides precise intonation.The swash plate and a red stripe cushion in the central hub. This fact alone is not really worth talking, but the band is really high quality and speaks volumes about the impression factor.

Tail Drive Unit:

The queue system of the Mini Titan is one that really throws normal convention out the window. The designers have managed to have a tail boom, which can be removed, then reassembled to create. This is possible because the tail drive system is isolated. As a result ofassemble or disassemble the tail boom lasts less than a minute and requires only one screw - which allows this already small helicopter even more portable.

Motor, servo controller and the speed of position:

The engine, power and control are all positioned differently from other models. The motor with a position slightly forward grip, but it is kept as close to the center as possible to counter a rotational force. The speed controller is placed in the front and the mostlowest point on the frame. This position is said to protect the force as strong as the circuits of the speed controller in case of accident. The speed and the engine are also in a way that allows air in, both by air and from the rotor to ensure effective heat dissipation. Designer of the Mini Titan also claim that the new positioning of the servo mount in a faster and more accurate results in total.

In flight, the Mini Titan performs exceptionally.With its unique location components, this helicopter with a focus only one who can answer also is blessed to be stable. Its maneuverability is as precise and agile as a well-established as the raptor nitro helicopter. With all the above, see and test the Mini Titan in flight is breathtaking. Unlike other electric RC helicopters, which are well rated, this model is one that is truly spectacular. Thunder Tiger has not once again fail to provide.

Mini Titan E325 Review

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