Bergen Gasser EB

[mister2u]

I think that I may have posted in the wrong post earlier.

I am new to the heli scene and had a couple of questions for someone. First off, I have spent an enourmous amount of time on the G3 Sim so that I can get comfortable utilizing the various stick positions regarding heli orientation. I know that this is by no way comparable to the real thing, however. I have been doing a bit of research on gas helis as this is the type that I would like to learn on. I know that I may be going overboard with trying to learn on such a machine, but I'm ready for and more than willing to take on the project. I have read alot about various machines and have concluded that I will be more happier with the BG-EB. I will be ordering one within the next month. Would someone mind schooling me on a quality radio and as well as the servos and governor that would compliment this machine? Also, feel free to make any other suggestions that you feel would benefit me regarding my choice. Thanks.

BJ

[vera]

Here's a little blurb about that thing:


This big helicopter flies like a yacht in the sky. With it's long tail boom and it's weight of 15 pounds it's not a great performer for agressive 3D however it is capable of basic aerobatics. This helicopter is considered to be more of an Industrial Helicopter for lifting aerial experiments, cameras and other such things.

Link: http://www.thaltech.com/jonshelis/berg.html

I think I would go with the DX7 for a radio. I donno about servos but I'm guessing something around 90 ox-in would do. I have no experience with governors.


I know that I may be going overboard with trying to learn on such a machine...


Well I don't think it matters so long as it isn't a piece of junk that almost nobody can fly, and providing that you go about learning the "right" way. This would be a fine heli to learn on but of course you do want to minimize damage risks. At $1270.00 without the engine the parts are seemingly a bit expensive. That gets back to going about the learn curve the right way. I think you've made a proper first step, working out on the sim.

To get the most out of the sim I suggest working with it till you feel very comfortable hovering in any direction and setting it down with zero horizontal movement. Do that with an assortment of models just to get conditioned to various responses. Mess up the trims and do it some more just to get used to the idea of being in control regardless of trim.

I strongly suggest using training gear to start with when you fire up the heli. It's my opinion that the gear should reach out about as far as the blades. Try to be attentive to the rotor disk (the blur of the blade path) and use it for your visual attitude reference rather than the training gear; try to ignore the training gear. Except for a slight tilt to offset tail thrust, the rotor disk should stay pretty close to level. For the first lift off, I suggest doing it nose-out and stay within a foot or two of the ground. Just pick it up and set it down. When you can do that without drifting, do it some more with different orientations... left, right, nose in. Stay low and over a spot. If you feel the panic light come on just set it down.

When that feels good lift off and move slowly to another spot and establish a solid hover and set it down. Move between two spots with various orientations, low and slow, landing at each. I believe in landing often because it's sorta like ending a sentence, and it gives you a break. When moving around low and slow feels good and you can land with no horizontal movement, take off the training gear and work on that some more just to be sure you weren't queing up on the training gear.

When that feels comfortable pick it up to around six feet and transition to forward flight briefly, then bring it to a stop. Try to hold altitude steady when doing this. Be attentive to the rotor disk and don't let it get wild. Work out on the collective to hold altitude. Surely you've practiced this on the sim and now you'll be getting used to your particular heli. If the panic light comes on get the rotor disk level to start with. Climb if need be. Avoid radical maneuvers.

That's a nice heli. If you ease into it you prolly won't break anything. When you wanna try something new, work it to death on the sim first, then give yourself plenty of altititude to try it on the heli. Have your recovery strategy in mind in case the maneuver goes sour.

Happy heli trails. :D

[mister2u]

Vera, thanks for the encouragement. I'm ready to get going with this. I've purchased the 9CHPS (for possible future electronic additions) and have been using it with the sim. I can really see a difference compared to the transmitter that came with the software. I should be placing my order within a couple of days or so. Watch the thread/s and I will try and keep everyone posted regarding the build and eventually my maiden. Pics to be included. Thanks.


BJ

[Pinecone]

Radd Flight School. It works. Probably the first person to do it with a gasser. :)

[mister2u]

Fellas, here is the link that I have been posting to.

http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=30886&highlight=