Wanted: DIY Helicopter Guide

[AKH]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum! Just came from interest after seeing a Youtube video of a helicopter flying. I know it's not easy to build one, but I'm willing to go through all of it. Pardon my ignorance (from not searching through the board), but does anyone have a DIY Helicopter Guide? that uses a PIC or anything of that level.

Thanks,

Andrew

[jeffs555]

Andrew,
I don't like to discourage newcomers, but scratch building a helicopter is not something for a beginner. For a beginner, learning to fly a heli is very difficult even with an RTF (ready to fly) heli that has been trimmed by an expert. Trying to learn on a scratch built heli with no expert to test, trim, and set it up would be nearly impossible.

If you really want to scratch build a heli, you need to get some heli experience first. Start with a simulator, then get an RTF heli. After you learn how to fly and maintain a store bought heli, you will know if you really want to try building you own.

If your reason for wanting to DIY is to save money, be aware that rarely if ever will you save any money by DIY. With the price of the RTF helis from China, I don't think you could build one any cheaper. However, if your reason for DIY is for the enjoyment and experience, then DIY can be a lot of fun.

It would help to know what you want to do with a heli. Many of the heli videos on YouTube are of the indoor PicooZ/Air Hoggs Havoc helis. These don't have full control like a real heli but can be a lot of fun and are very cheap. I fly the full control model helis, but also have a PicooZ. It won't teach you much about flying a real heli, but is a lot of fun indoors on a rainy day.

Good Luck,
Jeff

PS You should start by reading the EHBG (Electric Helicopter Beginners Guide) here http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=584460
Also read and post in http://www.rcgroups.com/micro-helis-42/

[dleroi]

Well said, Jeff!