Andy W
Sep 11, 2007, 07:36 PM
!Introduction
| spec2
| @swarm.jpg
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 4.5 in (114 mm)
|> <b>Transmitter:</b> |< 2-channel digital proportional IR radio
|> <b>Battery:</b> |< built-in 3.7V LiPo battery plus six "AA" alkaline cells for transmitter
|> <b>Weight:</b> |< 0.61 oz / 17.3 g
|> <b>Recommended for:</b> |< Ages 8 and above
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href=http://www.hobbicotoys.com/>Hobbico</a>
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://towerhobbies.com/>Tower Hobbies</a> or your local Hobbico dealer
|> <b>Retail Price:</b> |< $39.99
@thebox.jpg:The Swarm arrives in a colorful package.
@inside.jpg:The bug is ready to escape!
When the Swarm was offered for review, my nine year old daughter immediately jumped at the chance to test this unique product! She was excited at the opportunity to fly her own mini-heli, especially one that looks like an alien bug!
!Swarm Contents
*Swarm Contains:
*2-channel digital proportional IR radio
*Built-in 3.7V LiPo battery
*Foam bodied “Alien”
*Swarm Requires:
*6 AA alkaline batteries
The Alien Swarm arrives in a very brightly colored package. The body is constructed of lightweight foam which is colorfully decorated. There are twin counter-rotating blades and plastic "feet" for landing gear. The on/off switch and charge socket are located underneath the model. There is a red LED that lights up when the Swarm is turned on. The controller has two proportional channels as well as a built-in charger. Six "AA" alkaline batteries must be installed in the transmitter, which is accomplished by removing a cover on the rear of the unit - a small philips-head screwdriver is required for this task.
@controller.jpg:The two-channel IR controller includes a built-in charger
@contents.jpg:Alongside the controller, for size comparison
The heli is charged by means of a charge cord extending from the bottom of the controller. After carefully plugging into the charge socket, the switch on the controller is moved to the CHARGE position. The charge LED will flash until charging is complete, at which point the LED shines steadily - it takes approximately 20 minutes to fully-charge the Swarm.
!Flying
The Swarm is best flown indoors, away from circulating air from heat, air conditioning and ceiling fans. It is also recommended to avoid locations with obstacles, such as lamps and other furniture, although after a little practice in an open area, my daughter was easily able to fly in furnished rooms. It is, however, possible to fly outdoors if the air is completely still - even the lightest breeze will carry the Swarm away! It is also impossible to control the heli in direct sunlight, as the sunlight completely overwhelms the IR control system used and the heli becomes non-responsive to control input.
@flight1.jpg:The Swarm in-flight!
@flight2.jpg:Close encounter!
The Swarm is launched by gently increasing throttle until it lifts off. It is best to rise out the turbulence generated near the ground, flying at least a foot or two high. In practice, the model will usually jump up to head-height or higher. Altitude is controlled with throttle, and it is important to note that only small changes in the stick position are required. A young pilot may find this difficult at first since with a full charge, the Swarm will climb quickly at full-throttle and drop like a stone if power is reduced too quickly. After just a minute or two of practice, however, it is quite easy to maintain the desired altitude.
@flight6.jpg:Victoria learns careful control of altitude.
@flight4.jpg:Another close-up in-flight
If the Swarm spirals to the left or right, the trim knob beneath the right stick can be turned until the rotation stops. The direction stick turns the Swarm to the left and right. As it tends to drift slowly in the direction it is facing, the model is very easy to control even in tight spaces. Collisions with objects or the ceiling will usually cause the model to tip and fall to the ground. After many such occurrences, however, our Swarm has no visible indication of damage, and continues to fly perfectly.
The Swarm flies for about 5 minutes after an average 20-25 minutes of charging. It is recommended to wait 10-15 minutes after flying before recharging the Swarm’s LiPo battery to allow time for the battery to cool down.
!Victoria’s comments
It was amazingly easy to learn to fly - I thought it was going to be a lot harder. I had to learn to fly with very gentle movements, but once you get used to it, it is very easy to fly, and I can’t stop flying it. It comes back to life even after you crash it, I never knew a model could be so tough.
@flight3.jpg:It is very easy to fly.
@model2.jpg:I never knew a model could be so tough!
The design is very creative, and looks like a real bug, only bigger and more colorful! It also flies like a real bug, it zigs and zags and buzzes around – and my dogs love to try and get it! You know us impatient kids, I just wish it didn’t take so long to recharge.
@flight5.jpg:I learned to do simple tricks like spinning around.
@model1.jpg:We love to launch it from our hands!
I had some of my friends over, and one of them made me launch it off of her hand. They loved it, and wanted to know where they could buy one!
!!Flight Video
+swarm.wmv:The Alien Swarm!
!!Is This For A Beginner
Sure! Any beginner 8 years or older.
!Conclusion
The Swarm is everything it claims to be – a unique introduction to mini-helicopters which, with its “alien” features, draws attention! It’s stable in flight and easy to fly for even young pilots - definitely appropriate for beginners. A winner all-around. Definitely the newest “buzz” in mini helis!
*Pluses:
*Ready-to-fly out of the box
*Stable in flight
*Can be flown indoors
*Durable
*Charger built into transmitter
*Minuses:
*Best suited to indoor only
*20 minute recharge time between flights
| spec2
| @swarm.jpg
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 4.5 in (114 mm)
|> <b>Transmitter:</b> |< 2-channel digital proportional IR radio
|> <b>Battery:</b> |< built-in 3.7V LiPo battery plus six "AA" alkaline cells for transmitter
|> <b>Weight:</b> |< 0.61 oz / 17.3 g
|> <b>Recommended for:</b> |< Ages 8 and above
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href=http://www.hobbicotoys.com/>Hobbico</a>
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://towerhobbies.com/>Tower Hobbies</a> or your local Hobbico dealer
|> <b>Retail Price:</b> |< $39.99
@thebox.jpg:The Swarm arrives in a colorful package.
@inside.jpg:The bug is ready to escape!
When the Swarm was offered for review, my nine year old daughter immediately jumped at the chance to test this unique product! She was excited at the opportunity to fly her own mini-heli, especially one that looks like an alien bug!
!Swarm Contents
*Swarm Contains:
*2-channel digital proportional IR radio
*Built-in 3.7V LiPo battery
*Foam bodied “Alien”
*Swarm Requires:
*6 AA alkaline batteries
The Alien Swarm arrives in a very brightly colored package. The body is constructed of lightweight foam which is colorfully decorated. There are twin counter-rotating blades and plastic "feet" for landing gear. The on/off switch and charge socket are located underneath the model. There is a red LED that lights up when the Swarm is turned on. The controller has two proportional channels as well as a built-in charger. Six "AA" alkaline batteries must be installed in the transmitter, which is accomplished by removing a cover on the rear of the unit - a small philips-head screwdriver is required for this task.
@controller.jpg:The two-channel IR controller includes a built-in charger
@contents.jpg:Alongside the controller, for size comparison
The heli is charged by means of a charge cord extending from the bottom of the controller. After carefully plugging into the charge socket, the switch on the controller is moved to the CHARGE position. The charge LED will flash until charging is complete, at which point the LED shines steadily - it takes approximately 20 minutes to fully-charge the Swarm.
!Flying
The Swarm is best flown indoors, away from circulating air from heat, air conditioning and ceiling fans. It is also recommended to avoid locations with obstacles, such as lamps and other furniture, although after a little practice in an open area, my daughter was easily able to fly in furnished rooms. It is, however, possible to fly outdoors if the air is completely still - even the lightest breeze will carry the Swarm away! It is also impossible to control the heli in direct sunlight, as the sunlight completely overwhelms the IR control system used and the heli becomes non-responsive to control input.
@flight1.jpg:The Swarm in-flight!
@flight2.jpg:Close encounter!
The Swarm is launched by gently increasing throttle until it lifts off. It is best to rise out the turbulence generated near the ground, flying at least a foot or two high. In practice, the model will usually jump up to head-height or higher. Altitude is controlled with throttle, and it is important to note that only small changes in the stick position are required. A young pilot may find this difficult at first since with a full charge, the Swarm will climb quickly at full-throttle and drop like a stone if power is reduced too quickly. After just a minute or two of practice, however, it is quite easy to maintain the desired altitude.
@flight6.jpg:Victoria learns careful control of altitude.
@flight4.jpg:Another close-up in-flight
If the Swarm spirals to the left or right, the trim knob beneath the right stick can be turned until the rotation stops. The direction stick turns the Swarm to the left and right. As it tends to drift slowly in the direction it is facing, the model is very easy to control even in tight spaces. Collisions with objects or the ceiling will usually cause the model to tip and fall to the ground. After many such occurrences, however, our Swarm has no visible indication of damage, and continues to fly perfectly.
The Swarm flies for about 5 minutes after an average 20-25 minutes of charging. It is recommended to wait 10-15 minutes after flying before recharging the Swarm’s LiPo battery to allow time for the battery to cool down.
!Victoria’s comments
It was amazingly easy to learn to fly - I thought it was going to be a lot harder. I had to learn to fly with very gentle movements, but once you get used to it, it is very easy to fly, and I can’t stop flying it. It comes back to life even after you crash it, I never knew a model could be so tough.
@flight3.jpg:It is very easy to fly.
@model2.jpg:I never knew a model could be so tough!
The design is very creative, and looks like a real bug, only bigger and more colorful! It also flies like a real bug, it zigs and zags and buzzes around – and my dogs love to try and get it! You know us impatient kids, I just wish it didn’t take so long to recharge.
@flight5.jpg:I learned to do simple tricks like spinning around.
@model1.jpg:We love to launch it from our hands!
I had some of my friends over, and one of them made me launch it off of her hand. They loved it, and wanted to know where they could buy one!
!!Flight Video
+swarm.wmv:The Alien Swarm!
!!Is This For A Beginner
Sure! Any beginner 8 years or older.
!Conclusion
The Swarm is everything it claims to be – a unique introduction to mini-helicopters which, with its “alien” features, draws attention! It’s stable in flight and easy to fly for even young pilots - definitely appropriate for beginners. A winner all-around. Definitely the newest “buzz” in mini helis!
*Pluses:
*Ready-to-fly out of the box
*Stable in flight
*Can be flown indoors
*Durable
*Charger built into transmitter
*Minuses:
*Best suited to indoor only
*20 minute recharge time between flights