Smartech Aerohawk advice

[Ted Rogers]

I'm probably going to get slagged off for buying it, but now I've got it I'm
determined to enjoy it! I wonder are there any online resources giving tips
for an absolute beginner (how to get it off the ground without wrecking it
would be a good start).

Also, the Radio (a Smartech FM_PPM 40MHZ) has a small socket on the back
marked 'Trainer' - is there a lead available to enable me to use a PC sim
program? I called at a local model shop and they only had the Fatuba
connector which is far too big.

Thanks for your help,

Ted

[William Ahern]

Ted Rogers <ted@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I'm probably going to get slagged off for buying it, but now I've got it I'm
> determined to enjoy it! I wonder are there any online resources giving tips
> for an absolute beginner (how to get it off the ground without wrecking it
> would be a good start).

I'm still trying to learn to fly with mine (my first flying remote control
anything). Here's some hints I've picked up. First, buy the training kit
(with the large orange balls). They help keep you from tipping over.

Second, you need to "jump" into the air. It is a catch-22, because in trying
to learn how to control it you have to first put it into a position you're
not comfortable with. But if you just try to slowly ascend it will skid
around from ground effect and the turbulence from the rotors and is just
more-or-less impossible to control.

Third, you need a large well sheltered space. Mine sucks in any wind, though
does marginally better without the shell. But, a large sheltered space is
key. I tried at the warehouse at work, but it's not large enough. Really,
something quite large where you can jump into the air and have some space to
learn to control the helicopter before you have to "abort" ;)

And of course, I always hear that you need to learn to not "over control",
but it seems that is something not easily learned. Control inputs do seem to
lag, though. Lately I like to spin up the rotors and watch as I move the
cyclic and get a feel for the delay and what it will look and feel like in
the air.

I understand 100% the criticism that the micros are unstable and difficult
to fly, let alone learn on. But $180 vs $500-600 for my first helicopter is
a no-brainer. Indeed, it wasn't an option at all. So, don't feel bad. We can
compensate with determination, even if it takes a lifetime ;)

Oh, and it might seem stupid but I also bought a Zipzap from
Radioshack--with no intentions related to flying--but it has really helped
me to develop an intuition for reverse controls. Probably the simulator
would be better, though.

I used to fly helicopters in X-Plane. That was damn hard, too, but at least
I could do short hops in it.

- Bill

[Steve R.]

For what it's worth guys, I've been flying RC heli's for over 20 years. I
bought one of these things on a whim a while back. I've been able to hover
it indoors and have access to a large truck bay (Fire Station) where I've
gotten it into moderate forward flight and it's "not" happy in that mode. I
wouldn't "even" consider flying it outside unless it was TOTALLY calm.

Part of the problem, at least with mine, is that the controls, specifically
the swashplate, are very sloppy and it simply won't trim. I can handle it
but holding anything close to a precise hover is very difficult at best.
This is NOT a good machine to learn to fly on.

Having said that, if you're stubborn enough to persevere with it ;-), when
you do move up to something bigger and better, you'll be able to fly it's
socks off!

"William Ahern" <william@wilbur.25thandClement.com> wrote in message
news:jgiv62-u1h.ln1@wilbur.25thandClement.com...
> Ted Rogers <ted@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> I'm probably going to get slagged off for buying it, but now I've got it
>> I'm
>> determined to enjoy it! I wonder are there any online resources giving
>> tips
>> for an absolute beginner (how to get it off the ground without wrecking
>> it
>> would be a good start).
>
> I'm still trying to learn to fly with mine (my first flying remote control
> anything). Here's some hints I've picked up. First, buy the training kit
> (with the large orange balls). They help keep you from tipping over.
>

Always a good idea for new beginners, regardless of what you're learning on.

> Second, you need to "jump" into the air. It is a catch-22, because in
> trying
> to learn how to control it you have to first put it into a position you're
> not comfortable with. But if you just try to slowly ascend it will skid
> around from ground effect and the turbulence from the rotors and is just
> more-or-less impossible to control.
>

I've found this to be true as well. I spin mine up until it's "just" shy of
getting light on the skids. Then smoothly but deliberately advance the
throttle so that it pops off the ground. Be prepared to add a "touch" of
right cyclic as it's going to translate to the left with tail thrust most of
the time. Practice makes perfect an please be sure you've got "ducking"
room if flying indoors!

> Third, you need a large well sheltered space. Mine sucks in any wind,
> though
> does marginally better without the shell. But, a large sheltered space is
> key. I tried at the warehouse at work, but it's not large enough. Really,
> something quite large where you can jump into the air and have some space
> to
> learn to control the helicopter before you have to "abort" ;)
>

Agreed! See comments at top of post!

> And of course, I always hear that you need to learn to not "over control",
> but it seems that is something not easily learned. Control inputs do seem
> to
> lag, though. Lately I like to spin up the rotors and watch as I move the
> cyclic and get a feel for the delay and what it will look and feel like in
> the air.
>

Most of the is the slop I mentioned above. I even had my swashplate
seperate (inner from outer halves) when I first got the bird. Not all of
the cyclic movements get to the flybar and the system does not center well
when you release the controls. That's why it won't trim and that's what
makes it such a total PITA to fly, especially for beginners.

> I understand 100% the criticism that the micros are unstable and difficult
> to fly, let alone learn on. But $180 vs $500-600 for my first helicopter
> is
> a no-brainer. Indeed, it wasn't an option at all. So, don't feel bad. We
> can
> compensate with determination, even if it takes a lifetime ;)
>

It just might! ;-)

The good thing about the little Aerohawk is that it seems to be reasonably
durable. I've plowd mine into the wall, couch, (add any solid object you
care to name here!), etc. and the worst I've done is break one cyclic
control link between the swashplate and flybar.

> Oh, and it might seem stupid but I also bought a Zipzap from
> Radioshack--with no intentions related to flying--but it has really helped
> me to develop an intuition for reverse controls. Probably the simulator
> would be better, though.
>

A sim would definitely be better. Some can be had for about what you paid
for the Aerohawk and will give you a much better idea of what a glo powered
RC helicopter will handle like.

> I used to fly helicopters in X-Plane. That was damn hard, too, but at
> least
> I could do short hops in it.
>
> - Bill

Best of luck & Fly Safe,
Steve R.

[Ted Rogers]

"Steve R." <srhodes13@houston.rr.nospam.com> wrote in message
news:g9bnd.9238$g21.9017@fe1.texas.rr.com...
> For what it's worth guys, I've been flying RC heli's for over 20 years. I
> bought one of these things on a whim a while back. I've been able to
> hover it indoors and have access to a large truck bay (Fire Station) where
> I've gotten it into moderate forward flight and it's "not" happy in that
> mode. I wouldn't "even" consider flying it outside unless it was TOTALLY
> calm.
>
> Part of the problem, at least with mine, is that the controls,
> specifically the swashplate, are very sloppy and it simply won't trim. I
> can handle it but holding anything close to a precise hover is very
> difficult at best. This is NOT a good machine to learn to fly on.
>
> Having said that, if you're stubborn enough to persevere with it ;-),
> when you do move up to something bigger and better, you'll be able to fly
> it's socks off!
>
Thanks for the great advice chaps. I knew it was going to be hard but not
this hard. I've seen a small promotional video for this machine and the
bloke was flying it around his house from room to room, landing on the
kitchen table etc. I take it that's a no-no :-)

I didn't realise you needed so much space and the ground effect that Bill
mentions is quite interesting too - I thought I'd mis-assembled it when it
started flailing around (I took it apart and rebuilt it) but now I know the
answer. I bought it as I have a back injury and was hoping to lie on the
sofa and fly it around the living room! Ha ha, how wrong can you be.....I
also live in the UK (South Wales valleys) where you never get a calm day!

Maybe its not for me and should consider eBaying it. Many thanks for your
help though,

Ted

[NBA - LA]

"Ted Rogers" <ted@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<1100762755.7066.0@sabbath.news.uk.clara.net>...
> I'm probably going to get slagged off for buying it, but now I've got it I'm
> determined to enjoy it! I wonder are there any online resources giving tips
> for an absolute beginner (how to get it off the ground without wrecking it
> would be a good start).
>
> Also, the Radio (a Smartech FM_PPM 40MHZ) has a small socket on the back
> marked 'Trainer' - is there a lead available to enable me to use a PC sim
> program? I called at a local model shop and they only had the Fatuba
> connector which is far too big.
>
> Thanks for your help,
>
> Ted

Try the forums like this one http://www.rcboard.net

[Steve R.]

"Ted Rogers" <ted@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1100846769.51671.0@dyke.uk.clara.net...
>
> Thanks for the great advice chaps. I knew it was going to be hard but not
> this hard. I've seen a small promotional video for this machine and the
> bloke was flying it around his house from room to room, landing on the
> kitchen table etc. I take it that's a no-no :-)
>

Your welcome! :-)

As for the video, it's obviously possible to fly the Aerohawk like that but
you have to remember that the guy in the vid has probably been doing this
for quite a while. Also, don't take your experience with the Aerohawk as an
indicator of what it's like to fly all model helicopters. Small, light,
electrics like the Aerohawk can be, and generally are, very touchy on the
controls. This makes them a bit of a handful to fly and it's why most folks
on this newgroups and other RC forums don't generally recommend models like
the Aerohawk to beginners.

> I didn't realise you needed so much space and the ground effect that Bill
> mentions is quite interesting too - I thought I'd mis-assembled it when it
> started flailing around (I took it apart and rebuilt it) but now I know
> the answer. I bought it as I have a back injury and was hoping to lie on
> the sofa and fly it around the living room! Ha ha, how wrong can you
> be.....I also live in the UK (South Wales valleys) where you never get a
> calm day!
>
> Maybe its not for me and should consider eBaying it. Many thanks for your
> help though,
>
> Ted
>

I understand what you were aiming for with the Aerohawk. I've had back
issues myself. Not real bad in the grand scheme of things but as many of us
know, it doesn't take much where the back is concerned to be a total PITA.
Anyway, please be careful trying to fly this thing in a restrictive space.
It may be small and it may not be very powerful when compared to it's glo
powered brothers but I'd bet it can still slice you up under the right
circumstances. I'd hate to think about what could happen if it got in your
face! :-o

Fly Safe,
Steve R.

[Peter Christy]

Ted,

I'm slightly alarmed to read that you've been sold an aircraft operating on
40MHz in the UK! Here in the UK, 40MHz is for surface craft only (boats,
buggies, etc) and 35MHz is solely for aircraft use.

I appreciate that a small indoor electric helicopter is unlikely to present a
major safety issue, but I am worried that people are importing equipment that
is illegal to use in the UK!

We've had quite a few problems with computer warehouses importing rc cars on
35MHz, which really does present a major safety hazard, and the Trading
Standards people have been taking quite an interest in this issue!

Would you be prepared to let me know where you got this machine, so I can point
it out to the BMFA?

Cheers,

--
Pete
christy@NOattglobalSPAM.net
(make the obvious amendments to reply!)

[Ted Rogers]

"Peter Christy" <christy@NOattglobalSPAM.net> wrote in message
news:Iu%nd.56$Z91.33@newsfe3-win.ntli.net...
> Ted,
>
> I'm slightly alarmed to read that you've been sold an aircraft operating
> on
> 40MHz in the UK! Here in the UK, 40MHz is for surface craft only (boats,
> buggies, etc) and 35MHz is solely for aircraft use.
>
> I appreciate that a small indoor electric helicopter is unlikely to
> present a
> major safety issue, but I am worried that people are importing equipment
> that
> is illegal to use in the UK!
>
> We've had quite a few problems with computer warehouses importing rc cars
> on
> 35MHz, which really does present a major safety hazard, and the Trading
> Standards people have been taking quite an interest in this issue!
>
> Would you be prepared to let me know where you got this machine, so I can
> point
> it out to the BMFA?
>
> Cheers,
>
> --
> Pete
> christy@NOattglobalSPAM.net
> (make the obvious amendments to reply!)

Hi Pete

I am particularly shocked to read this. I bought it from this website
http://www.radio-controlled-toys.com which prominently displays the machine
on the front page. If you look on the detail page
http://www.radio-controlled-toys.com/aerohawkSpecialOfferWeb.html it says
'Frequency UK standard'....

Also, the description (and accompanying video to which I refer in an earlier
thread) is here giving the impression that the model is simplicity itself to
fly!

I would appreciate any advice you may have especially as it is languishing
in a box on top of the wardrobe where it is likely to stay (I bought it in
late October)

Ted

[Peter Christy]

Ted,

Hmm! Yes, well I suppose 40 MHz is a standard UK frequency, unfortunately its
not for aircraft!

From your personal point of view, I don't think you've got too much to worry
about. Although technically in breach of the regulations (and I doubt if the
radio has type approval either!), the chances of a significant mishap
occurring are minimal.

A small electric heli like the Aerohawk is designed to minimise damage should
it hit anything or anyone. If it were on the correct 35MHz frequency, you
would be more secure operating it in an urban environment - the chances of
anyone flying another model on your frequency in a built up area would be
minimal. On the other hand, because 40 MHz is allocated to surface models, you
might well be at risk from someone operating a buggy or a boat nearby. And
large areas of flat concrete (such as found outside fire-stations!) often make
tempting sites for youngsters to play with buggies....!

My biggest concern is that if they've got the aircraft side of things wrong,
they could have got the car/boat models wrong as well! If they're selling
surface models on 35MHz, then I am really worried. It only takes one kid to
innocently turn up at an aircraft or heli club, and switch on his transmitter
to create a potentially life threatening situation!

Obviously, I haven't checked your transmitter out, but from the description
you've given it does sound like its operating on 40 MHz. I don't know if
you've got anyway of confirming this - a friendly radio ham or model shop
might be able to help. If it is on 40 MHz, you certainly have a good case
against the supplier, for misrepresenting what he was selling. I would suggest
trading standards as a good place to contact if you feel aggrieved.

I'm passing the information about the supplier on to the BMFA and JRCUC (Joint
Radio Control Users Committee) who are the people who deal with these things
from the modellers perspective.

In any case, thanks for the information! You might just have prevented a nasty
accident from happening somewhere!

Best Wishes,

--
Pete
christy@NOattglobalSPAM.net
(make the obvious amendments to reply!)