Fighting to hover!!

[Lowcountrydave]

Hi newbie here..... Just got into electric heli's. I have an Axe CP. How much effect does the gyro have on the heli and hovering? Is it possible to adjust the gyro more to help with control at hover? Seems very touchy to any responce. If its completely calm outside shouldn't I be able to idle it up and remain somewhat in the same area?

Sorry for all the questions.

Dave

[Jermo]

Dave, what radio do you have? Are there experienced heli pilots near you? Might want to have someone look things over. Setup on the Heli is important to stability as is TX setup. The Gyro helps keep the tail in place (instead of spinning around). If you have a heading hold Gyro that's better than a rate gyro.

Depending on your setup and conditions there are some things that will help.
Also have a look at RADD's flight school. http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html
Jermo

[Lowcountrydave]

Hi Jermo, its a Heli-Max 5 channel radio. It came with the Axe CP (RTF) kit. The strange thing is my brother has the same Axe CP (RTF) kit. They both are hard to keep hovering fairly stationary. I've even tried hovering inside where is completely calm no difference.

Thanks for the reply Dave

[Jermo]

where in SC are you? I'm just a beginner like you but I can hover. I'm up Near Charlotte NC but I'm in SC.

I'm no expert but heli's in general don't sit still without some effort by the pilot. Smaller heli's are especially harder to hover IMHO.

I used RADD and a sim to learn hover. I'm still learning but can hover all orientations. check out RADD and see if it helps, http://www.dream-models.com/eco/index.html

Jermo

[Lowcountrydave]

Hi Jermo,

I live in Columbia (middle of the state) My hovering is improving. I land quite alot more than I drop the throttle and ditch it. I've been busy with work and class, but I hope to check out that website. I have been able to hover in a 6 foot raduis. I call that somewhat "controlled hovering" LoL

This little heli is addictive. I guess mastering something I have never attempted before is a nice challenge.

Dave

[Jermo]

<cut> I land quite alot more than I drop the throttle and ditch it. <cut>
Dave

Dave, I suggest you not drop the throttle and ditch it. Later on that will end up slamming your heli into the ground when you start flying in idle up mode where anything below mid stick is negative pitch. Does your TX have a throttle hold switch (you flip it and the motor stops..generally top right)?

Get in the habit of flying the heli no matter what and using throttle hold to "ditch it". Just my inexperienced opinion.
Jermo

[Lowcountrydave]

Hey Jermo,

The only thing I see on the Heli-Max controller is a "idle up" switch. When its switched its suppose to increase the throttle 40%. I think it says that it is used more for inverted flying, but I dunno. I did try it a few times on take off and it seemed a little more stable. But I was too chicken to try and gain any real elevation.

Good advice, Iv'e been trying to not drop the throttle. My confidence is getting better with every take off.

Dave

[Jermo]

Awesum! do you have a sim? I average 3 hours on the sim for 1 hour of actual flight practice. The prices are from almost free up to $$$. I suggest getting a sim because in the long run you'll crash less thus save cash. Orientation and getting uses to the sticks seems to be the biggest thing for me. A sim is good for that (although nothing can replace actual flying).
There are many good sims out there. Check out the Sim Forums and don't be afraid to ask for opinions..etc.
Jermo

[skunkworx]

True, true Jermo! I would've put my Trex into the graveyard by now if it weren't for my sim! I've had some major saves from experience gained on it.

I have the G3.5 (pretty pricey @ $200 but worth every cent!!!). While I don't think you have to buy the high end sims to learn on, you get what you pay for! Mine has a hover trainer AND a stunt trainer. (It had my Dad hovering inside of 30 minutes and he's never even held a transmitter!)

If you take things SLOW, you'll definately save a ton of dough. (Guts cost lots of $$$ and are the only reason I've crashed, but the adrenaline rush from trying new things is pretty cool!)

If you think it's addicting now, just wait till you can start FF and chase the birds or buzz the cat!!! You only stay timid for a little while. The sim will help you make leaps and bounds forward in your confidence levels!!! Good luck!