If you are going to fly outside, use the long balls. If you are flying indoors, use the long balls and put the TX on low rates.....

The short balls are basicaly for the person who buys this as a "first" heli and has no prior experience at all....

We all know it's different for everyone...For me, when I first got my 120 I read about switching to the outer balls, aka Advanced Setup, and viewed that as something that might possibly take away from my primary goal of learning to fly my first hobby-grade heli. So I left things as they were. Once I was hovering and zipping around my small TV room (not so much forward flight at that time) and with some authority, only then did I change to the Advanced Setup and I barely even noticed a difference being on the Advanced Setup.

My suggestion for one would be to leave things as-is at least until you're NOT saying something like "still having problems controlling my 120".

As for the rates, I'd definitely suggest switching to low-rates at first and once you think you're getting the hang of it, change the TX to the high rates and don't look back.

Low rates and short balls save parts. Parts save money. Saving money allows you to buy a second heli. However, if you are going outside even in a slight breeze, it's best to use the long balls and the lower dual rate. That way, you have ability to cope with flying into breezes.

Good tips guys. I forgot about low rate on these stock dsm2s.

Maybe that will save me some parts. I am getting use to flying it. Starting to be able to do forward turns and fig 8s. Having tons of fun!

I really should hone my skills a bit first before I continue to fly in house.

I honestly don't really worry about breaking parts. It supports my LHS which at the end of the day results in super convenience for me. Only have one hobby shop in the area, if he shut'er down i would have to order everything online and that takes way more time then stopping by and just picking up a part.

Obviously I don't want to ruin every part on the thing, but not going to let a couple 4 dollar parts hold me back from learning to fly 4ch.

Originally Posted by Saxguy1000

Low rates and short balls save parts. Parts save money. Saving money allows you to buy a second heli. However, if you are going outside even in a slight breeze, it's best to use the long balls and the lower dual rate. That way, you have ability to cope with flying into breezes.

Good advice Sax ..too windy to fly this morning 15mph gusting at 20mph so flew the MSR in the living room a couple of packs ..will fly more later.. Are you flying your MSR..Happy flying

Put two packs through my 120SR indoors last night. I really like flying this size of helicopter! I'm so used to all my micros that a big guy like this is a really novel change. Can't wait to take it outdoors this spring.

Originally Posted by RoboHeli

Put two packs through my 120SR indoors last night. I really like flying this size of helicopter! I'm so used to all my micros that a big guy like this is a really novel change. Can't wait to take it outdoors this spring.

... "BIG guy ... "???

I have essentially taught myself to fly with a 120 SR in 1/2 stall of a 2 car garage. that includes having to fly over the bench on one side, around some studio lights and under a couple hanging fixtures. Needless to say when I can get outside I feel like sky king and can wing that 120 all over the sky.
I did go to a spektrum 6 channel which once I got it set up (with help from this forum ont he settings) that helped a bunch. I am looking forward to getting outside more as it warms up. I have made a couple of full speed passes over shorter distances but have a wide yard and want to get this thing cranked up.

I mostly fly my helis in an area measuring about 100' x 250' including trees--the street in front of my house. One time I took it to the soccer field and I found out that this thing can compete very well with my micro airplanes. It is a nice long distance bird and I could get up the fff that it's capable of. Believe me, it's not an mSR.

Originally Posted by erdnuckel2

... "BIG guy ... "???

LOL. Yup. It's all relative. In my fleet the only thing bigger is my Twister Skylift chinook.

I found its a real treat to take out to the soccer fields.. at one of the local high schools. It is way cool to get it up high and jam across the field.. Those high speed turns are killin me though.. I can make most of them.. but if things aren't coordinated just right.. it takes a serious dump... oh well.. still in one piece.. with a slightly cracked canopy.. I'll tape it if it too loose.. and when/if I get alot better and quit dumping it.. I'll get the red canopy and tail-fin.. that'll match my mSRx..

It is a tough little bird though.. with a few total dumps.. nothing major broke at all.. other then a cracked canopy... and I lost the small bearing-shield on the tail motor, when the rotor popped off. I got a new one right here($3.99..ouch).. which I'm not putting back on, again, until I get a bit more profiecient...

You guys that haven't tried the mSRx.. might want to give that a go too.. I'm not going to comment too much on it.. as there's another thread on it.. but check it out.. between the 2 helis ... it seems that's about all one needs to get a good grasp on rotary flight.. at least thats what I'm feeling like.. whether its true is.. well... up in the air..

Put two more flights on the 120 indoors after work today. This thing is great!

I'd planned to fly my 120 today, but my tranny went to "low battery" warning when I was flying my MSRX.. I put the tranny on to charge, and it didn't get done until well after sunset.. so tomorrows another day... and I'll start with a fresh charge on the the radio... might try to get a flight on the 120 before work, when the air is like glass... Thats actually the best time of day.

Around here i think the local flying club rents time from a drill hall (= to 3 basket ball courts).

I should look into the possibility of flying my 120 there...


As you can see, would be pretty fun!