Where can I learn about nitro helicopters?

[Aussie newbie]

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this post. I have been flying electric helicopters for about a year now but I'm sick of the short flight times with lipos. I feel that i have a sound understanding of the mechanics of electric helicopters and I feel I am ready to progress to nitro machines. Can anyone please show me where I can learn all about nitro engines and how to build and set them up. I'd like to learn as much as I can about nitro helicopters before I make any decisions about my first nitro bird.

Thank you all in advance.

[lperagallo]

HI, welcome to the world of Nitro....or Gas. I fly both. The nitro in say a Raptor 50 is awesome and the power is great. You will need of course a glo igniter, starter and battery. You can learn a lot if you go to www.raptortechnique.com
Gassers run on two cycle engines and are a gas and oil mix. They are cleaner, cheaper and don't require the starting stuff mentioned earlier. With a gasser you go to the field with your radio, helicopter and gas can. Pull the rope starter and away you go with 20 minute flights. When you are done for the day, you only spent about $3.00 in gas and oil. What a way to go :mrgreen:

[Aussie newbie]

Thanks for the info lperagallo. Sounds like a gasser is my kind of machine. Do gassers come in different sizes? eg 30, 50 or 90. What would be a good example of a good gasser for me?

[vera]

Here's an example:
http://www.heli-world.com/detail.aspx?ID=573

Most everything has a down side, and with the gas machines it's the spark plug. The high voltage tends to radiate rf noise which can interfere with the radio. Keep wires away from the engine as much as possible and a PCM system is probably a good idea.

Yes, gassers have different size engines. They are usually specified in cubic centemeters. To get some idea what that is in cubic inches, divide by 16. I don't yet hava a gasser in my "fleet".... but I got 4 lottery tickets. :glasses2:

Plan to spend a bit more for a gasser than a glow.

[lperagallo]

There are a few good gassers out there. I fly a Bergen. Best customer service out there is Bergen. :mrgreen: Go to www.bergenrc.com to see them. I disagree with vera about the spark plug. While you need to be careful, I have not had a problem using PCM and a base loaded antenna. I now run a DX7 and have no problems. The biggest disadvantage is that these machines do things a bit slower, so if radical 3D is your thing you may want to pass on a gasser. I have seen people do 3D and Rbort and his Spectra is a great example of one that does great. There really aren't different sizes. I believe that all gassers are "90" size birds. :dontknow Most are using either the G231 or G26 engine. Send me a PM if you want more information.

[shaggybirdman]

expect to spend in the realm of $3000 for a gasser too. i'd say just a bit more than a 30 size heli. you can get a century hawk pro, and OS .37 ringed motor for $285 delivered at i think it's heli world.