subject: How Does An Rc Helicopter Work? [print this page] Although RC helicopters are simple toys which can offer fun and relaxation, yet learning to fly them is not an easy task. Kids and grownups both like to use RC helicopters which definitely offer an amazing source of entertainment and excitement. For many of the users, flying radio controlled helicopters is a huge hobby and they are definitely passionate about it. It is important to understand how the RC helicopter works in order to learn how to fly the gadget. Having a good understanding of the mechanism of the device will certainly help you in learning to fly it.
Controls
Most of the flying objects that operate on remote control are easy to fly as they are able to move about only in a limited number of directions. However, in the case of the RC helicopters, they can move in six different directions so learning to maneuver and control their movement right, left, up, down, backward and forward is definitely a challenging task. This is the main reason that users find it quite difficult to control the movements of RC helicopters. In order to learn to maneuver the copter, the operator must understand how to control the pitch, throttle, the roll and the tail rotor as well.
Types of Engines
Having a good knowledge about the engine of the RC helicopter will help you to exactly anticipate its movements. The helicopters usually have two main types of engines. The nitro power engine is the most common form of engine used in RC copters. The fuel source which enables combustion in the engine is obtained through the combination of methanol and nitromethane. The size of the rotor is directly proportional to the size of the engine. Over the period of time, the popularity of electrical engines have increased manifold. Battery operated RC helicopters are easy and simple to operate. The battery run RC copters usually display longer flight duration. A couple of years ago, electrical engines were available only in the indoor models as the outdoor helicopters do require more powerful motors. However, RC helicopters with electrical engines have become extremely popular as they do not produce much sound or pollution.
Radio Controls
While dealing with RC helicopters, you must also understand the radio controls of this device. The smaller kind of helicopters contains a fixed pitch which means that the forward angle in the device is fixed. Such helicopters are usually made up of 4 channels which are enough to control the movement of the copter. The helicopters with 5 or 6 channels are able to tilt the copter in the up and down motion. Two different ways have been set up which enables the sending out of the radio signals, however, there is not a lot of difference in the way the two methods operate.
It is always advised that if you are looking for a RC helicopter that is to be used indoors, you must go in for smaller sized models. The larger ones are restricted for use in outdoors so that you can fully enjoy the magnificence of the toy in the open fields and grounds.
