Worlds smallest helicopter?

[KvHagedorn]

Yeah.. sounds like learning how to juggle using crystal goblets. Might as well just take a blowtorch to a wad of $100 bills.

[Nowhere]

And to think there's so much cheaper option

[gt40]

Well, I plan on blue-printing most of the parts prior to assembly, so If I need to remanufacture anything - I can.
Most of the cost will go into the radio system/gyros/servos, which should survive most crashes.
They do have 'crash kits' available, but for the most part I will just be overly cautious (famous last words )
I guess there are better things to spend my money on, but all the financing will come from an item I am auctioning on ebay, and I should be able to buy a complete heli, with some reserves.

Just something I've always wanted to do

[gt40]

And to think there's so much cheaper option

I've already got a few of those

[Nowhere]

Aren't the rotors usually destroyed during crash? Are you able to remanufacture those?

[KvHagedorn]

They oughta have rotors with an automatic slip so that when they encounter an object (the ground) they disconnect from the motor and just stop spinning. I think this is called a "brake" in cordless drills. Of course, they blades would have to be very rigid and strong..

[gt40]

Aren't the rotors usually destroyed during crash? Are you able to remanufacture those?

Honestly, the price of new rotors does not justify manufacturing them myself, but I could if need be.
I was thinking more in terms of replacing the more fragile plastic parts with aluminum stuff.

[Nowhere]

Yes, I've meant the blades (the word escaped me - translation of local term doesn't give "blade", rather, believe it or not, "shovel" )

[schmosef]

I haven't been watching this thread very closely so I apologise for coming in so late.

I actually tried to get into hobby helicopters last year but just got too busy with work. Ideally, I'd like to get into flying robots. That's what really interests me.

I have one of these: http://www.realflight.com/

It's awesome. It lets you practice manoeuvres without risking a real plane or helicopter.

There's a relatively cheap indoor helicopter that you can get to practice with at first. It's easy to grow out of but I'll get you started. It's called a Blade Runner. I think that they have a few versions of it now.

I have a really good book at home with info on getting into hobby heli's. I'll get the name and post it for you.

[schmosef]

I've had my eye on one of these: http://www.hammacher.com/publish/72612.asp

[schmosef]

ok, so the book is called "The basics of radio control helicopters, second edition"

The ISBN is 0-911295-36-4

Here's a link to it at Chapters: link

I just noticed that Chapters has it listed as unavailable but you might be able to find it elsewhere.

[gt40]

That flight sim s/w looks fairly good, have you tried it with the helis?
It doesn't specifically say it supports them.
I've found a good forum with alot of how-to's and guides here.
It also has a nice video of what happens when you crash one of these

Thanks for the info on the book, I'll wander into a book store at some point and see if it's available.

[schmosef]

The software does have helicopter support.

Among other things you can use it to practice hovering, which is a really hard skill to master.

[Nowhere]

Whoa...this Blade Runner is astonishingly cheap. Too bad impossible to get here apparently...

BTW, few years ago I read about larger, outdoor "helicopter" that doesn't have tail rotor (yes, only one main) and relies on force generated by tail fin to not spin = it has to fly forward all the time. Looked fun, safe (apparently quite easy to fly and with safe rotor blades) and cheap (relatively easy construction compared to "real" RC helicopters). Anyone knows what it is?

[Jammrock]

I've had my eye on one of these: http://www.hammacher.com/publish/72612.asp

I've heard that these are fun toys to play with.