Benefits of Electric RC Planes

Electric RC planes have many benefits over fuel planes. This list shows some of the many reasons that you should choose electric power over fuel:

• Cheaper than fuel RC planes - In many cases, electric power is cheaper than a comparable fuel system.
• Just as powerful as fuel RC planes - Brushless motors are just as powerful as their fuel counterparts.
• Safer than fuel RC planes - Electric RC planes are safer than fuel. A hot nitro or gas engine can do serious damage to anyone who accidentally touches or gets to close to it. Electric RC planes use motors and propellers which do not inflict as much damage in the event of an accident.
• Electric motors are reliable - A good brushless electric motor is far more reliable than any fuel engine. Why waste time adjusting the mixture, idle speeds, and other settings when you can just plug in a electric motor and fly?
• Great way to get into RC - Electric RC planes are a great way for a beginner to learn how to fly because of their low cost and durability. Several beginner electric RC planes are available.
• Practical for 3D / Foam - Electric power is the only form of power that makes sense for 3D and foam electric RC planes. Fuel engines cannot be build small enough to power these models effectively.
• Indoor flight is possible - Many electric RC planes can be flown indoors. This is not possible with any fuel model due to the noise, mess, and danger.

Examples of Electric RC Planes

There are many different kinds of electric RC planes, so here is a list summarizing the basic types you will find.

Simple 2 Channel Electric RC Plane

Some electric RC planes use only a two channel radio system. These planes are a great way for kids to learn about RC planes, due to the simple design and low cost. The Vortex is a great example of this type of electric RC airplane. Everything needed to start flying is included in the box, and spare parts are available on our website.

More Advanced 3 Channel Electric RC Plane

More advanced Electric RC planes use a three channel radio, letting the pilot control the altitude, yaw, and pitch of the aircraft. The Vortex Extreme is a good example of this design, with a proportional radio system and a powerful electric motor. We recommend this electric RC plane to anyone interested in learning how to fly. Check out these articles covering everything from the basics of RC flight, to choosing your first electric RC plane.

4 Channel Electric RC Plane

Electric RC planes aren’t just for teaching beginners how to fly, there are many full control models available for serious pilots. These types of electric RC planes use a proportional 4 channel radio system, allowing the pilot to control the bank, pitch, yaw, and throttle. An excellent example of a 4 channel electric RC plane is the Multiplex Minimag. This airplane is perfect for anyone who wants a dependable plane to fly anywhere.

3D Foam Electric RC Plane

One of the most common uses of electric power is in 3D foam electric RC planes. 3D model airplanes are able to hover, due to their large power to weight ratio, and are an excellent choice for indoor and backyard flying. The Southern X-3 is a great example of this type of electric RC airplane, and is maneuverable enough to be flown inside a house! Indestructible takes on a whole new meaning with this airplane, due to it’s flexible foam construction it is able to survive almost any crash without damage.

How Electric RC Planes Work

Electric RC airplanes use several different approaches to radio and motor system design. Here is a list of some of the most basic components that all electric RC planes use:

1. Motor - The motor is one of the most important components of any electric RC plane. It is used to spin the propeller and generate airflow over the wings, which causes lift and allows the airplane to fly.
2. Battery - The Battery is what provides power to the motor and radio system of the electric RC plane. There are two main types of batteries used. The NiMh (nickel metal hydride) batteries are readily available, and are used in several electric RC planes including the Vortex and Vortex Extreme. Lithium polymer batteries use a different chemistry, and provide many times more power than NiMh batteries. Special chargers are required to charge lithium polymer batteries, due to the flammable chemicals that they use. Make sure to supervise these batteries while charging, and get a fire retardant sack to charge them in.
3. Radio System - The Radio system is used to control the electric RC plane. Radio signals are sent from the transmitter to the receiver in the airplane, which tells the control surfaces how to move and the engine how fast to spin.
4. ESC (electric speed controller) - The electric speed controller is used in electric RC Planes to control the speed of the engine. This is similar to the throttle on a fuel airplane, which opens or closes the carburetor air intake to vary the speed at which fuel is burned. The ESC varies the amount of power sent to the motor of the electric RC plane by altering the voltage of the current that passes through it.
5. BEC (battery eliminator circuit) - Some electric RC planes have a battery eliminator circuit. This is a device which powers the radio system of the electric RC plane using current from the main flight battery. Without a BEC, an electric RC plane needs a separate battery to power the radio system.

Electric RC planes can use other components, but these are the most common found in nearly every model.

Why Choose an Electric RC Plane?

You are beginning a great hobby, one which will require patience and dedication to be successful. Electric RC planes are a great way to begin, and experienced pilots will appreciate the fantastic 3D capabilities of electric foam planes. Have fun with your electric RC planes!

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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Crashing your RC model airplane is normal, and it happens to everyone when learning how to fly. Because of this, the Vortex Extreme RC model airplane has been specifically designed to survive crashes with minimal damage. Follow this procedure to assess the damage caused by the crash, and repair your RC model airplane easily.

Right after the RC model airplane crash:

1. Do a search - Get all of the parts from your RC model airplane, including all broken pieces of foam and plastic. Most of the time, the broken RC model airplane parts can be repaired by re assembling these fragments.
2. Find all the parts - Do a thorough search of the crash site to make sure that you find all of the parts.
3. Take them home - Put the RC model airplane parts in a box or other container, and take them home. Don’t attempt to repair the RC model airplane at the flying field.

Assess the damage to your RC model airplane and make repairs:

1. Find a place to work - Now that you have all of the parts from your RC model airplane, go and find a place to work on repairs. You will want a large flat table, so that you can lay out all of the parts.
2. Check the wing and tail - Look at the wing and tail sections of the RC model airplane, are they damaged? Small chips and cracks can usually be repaired with epoxy and packing tape. If you find a chip, place the missing part back into the wing or tail, and lay a strip of packing tape over the top and bottom. Larger cracks and bends generally require the replacement of the wing. A rudder cracked at the root can be repaired using epoxy and packing tape.
3. Check the control surfaces - Are the rudder and elevator control surfaces still attached to the tail of the RC model airplane? If they have been knocked loose, just use some packing tape to re attach them. Bends in the pushrods can be corrected using a pair of pliers.
4. Check the tail boom - Is the tail boom of the RC model airplane broken? If it is, you will need to replace it. Get a replacement tail boom, and remove the old one from the airplane. Put the pushrods from the old tail boom into the new one, making sure that they are straight. Bends in the pushrods can be corrected using a pair of pliers. Hot glue the new tail boom into the fuselage, and screw it in place.
5. Check the RC model airplane landing gear - Bent landing gear can be repaired by bending it back into shape with your hands.
6. Check the RC model airplane propeller - If it is broken, replace it using the spare that came with your airplane. More spare propellers can be ordered through our website.
7. Test the RC model airplane radio - Do the throttle, rudder, and elevator respond to the transmitter? Check to make sure that they move in the right direction. If the radio does not respond, it has probably been damaged on impact. A replacement fuselage is available which includes a new radio system. Get this and install the non broken components of the airplane.
8. Perform a pre flight check to make sure that everything works correctly. Refer to Part III of this article for the procedure.

You have now completely repaired your RC model airplane, so that it is ready to fly again. If you want, you can print off this article, and keep it as a reference to use when repairing RC model airplanes in the future.

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Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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By this time, you are probably excited to go out and fly your new RC model airplane. Before you read further, please make sure that you understand the information presented in part I and part II of this article. It is important to understand the basics of RC model airplane flight before going any further.

This article will show you what you can expect when you first fly your model, and will provide some checklists you can use to ensure that your RC model airplane is ready to fly. From now on, it is assumed that you have chosen Vortex Extreme as your first RC model airplane, but this information should still be useful when using other similar RC model airplanes. A good example would be the Multiplex Easystar RC model airplane.

Pre Flight Check List for Your RC Model Airplane:

After you assemble your RC aircraft using the included instructions, follow this checklist carefully. It will make any problems with the RC aircraft apparent before you fly.

Perform A Visual Inspection of your RC model airplane:

1. Inspect the airplane for any signs of damage. Check the RC model airplane’s wing and all foam parts for cracks, and make sure that the fuselage and tail boom are attached securely. Make sure that the wing and tail section are straight relative to the fuselage.
2. Check the rudder and elevator. Are they attached to their respective pushrods (the silver wires coming from the rear end of the tail boom)? Do they move freely?
3. Center the trim tabs on the transmitter (highlighted in blue), and push the elevator (vertical) trim tab several clicks down.
4. Make sure that the RC model airplane’s main landing gear (wheels) and tail wheel (the smaller wheel on the back) are attached securely. Does the airplane sit flat on the ground? If it doesn’t, bend the main wheels gently to correct this.

Test The Radio of Your RC model airplane:

1. Place a fully charged flight battery in the RC model airplane.
2. Place eight new AA batteries or 8 fully charged NiCd Batteries in the transmitter
3. Turn on the transmitter by moving the switch to the right. The two LEDs on the transmitter should light up. If they don’t, replace the batteries in the transmitter.
4. Move the stick on the transmitter in several full circles. Do the rudder and elevator move in the right direction? Test this by moving the stick to the upper right. The elevator should move down and the rudder should move to the right (when viewed from behind). If they don’t move in the right direction, use the reverse switches found near the bottom centre of your transmitter.
5. Collapse the antenna, and walk away from the aircraft while moving the control surfaces. If you can still control the elevator and rudder effectively at a distance of about 30 ft with the antenna collapsed, the radio is functioning correctly.

Test the Motor of Your RC Model Airplane:

1. If the propeller is installed on the RC model airplane, remove it.
2. Press the red arming switch on the side of the fuselage.
3. Increase the speed of the motor using the throttle control.
4. As long as the motor shaft spins relatively fast, you have a properly working motor.

Understanding Your RC Model Airplane Radio:

In order to fly your RC model airplane, you will need to be familiar with the different controls and features of your radio system. This color coded diagram shows all the different control functions, and where they are located on the transmitter.

• Red - Elevator and rudder control. Left and right motion controls the rudder, while up and down motion controls the elevator
• Green - Power switch. Moving the power switch to the right turns the transmitter on.
• Blue - Trim tabs. Move these to the centre before your first flight. They are used to make small adjustments to the elevator and rudder, so that the RC model airplane flies straight and level without additional control inputs.
• Yellow - Antenna. Make sure that it is fully extended before flying your RC model airplane, and collapse it for storage. You can do this by grasping the top part, and pushing or pulling it from the transmitter case.
• Pink - Servo Reversing switches. These will reverse the motion of the aircrafts control surfaces. They can be moved either up or down. Use these only if the default motion of the control surfaces on your RC Model Airplane is incorrect (I.E the elevator moves up when the stick is moved up.)
• White - Indicator lights. The red light is the power indicator, and turns on whenever the power switch is on. The green one is the battery indicator. It remains on as long as the batteries are full. As soon as it turns off the batteries will need to be replaced. Check that both are lit before flying your RC model airplane.
• The throttle is a small lever found on the back of the transmitter, on the opposite side of the main control stick.

Before you fly your RC Model Airplane

The RC model airplane flight battery will need to be properly cycled before flying. All of the NiMh batteries that we sell are new, so they will need to be “broken in” before they can be used to their full capacity. This can be accomplished via this procedure:

1. Charge the NiMh battery fully.
2. Plug the NiMh battery into your aircraft, and turn on the aircraft and the transmitter.
3. Remove the propeller, if it is already attached to the motor shaft.
4. Apply full throttle, until the aircraft runs out of power.
5. Repeat this procedure until the motor runs continuously 8 to 15 minutes.

This procedure will normally need to be repeated 3 to 5 times, and will need to be done once for each new battery that you use.

Your First RC Model Airplane Flight - How to Make It A Success

The first step to flying is to choose a suitable flying field. Football and soccer fields are ideal, especially ones with few surrounding trees. The Vortex Extreme RC model airplane is quiet enough to be flown inside cities, so you can find a park near you and go fly there. Get all of the batteries, spare parts and repair materials you will need, and go to the centre of the field. This will make it easier to keep the airplane away from trees and other obstacles. Follow this procedure to make your first flight a success.

1. Takeoff - This is actually the easiest part of flying RC model airplanes. Turn on the aircraft and transmitter, and then press the red arming switch on the side of the fuselage. Increase the throttle to full and throw the RC model airplane into the wind. It should fly itself upwards, and in a relatively straight direction. Correct any small deviations in the flight path of the RC model airplane using the elevator and rudder, but leave the throttle at full for now.
2. Straight and Level Flight - Level off from your ascent by very slightly pushing the control stick upwards. Keep the wings level using the rudder, and decrease the throttle to about 75%. Decreasing the throttle will slow the airplane and make it easier to control.
3. Turning Back - Turn the aircraft around by very slightly pushing the control stick to one side. If the aircraft is flying away from you, it will turn in the same direction as the control stick is moved. If it is coming towards you, then you will need to move the stick in the opposite direction of the desired turn. Don’t think to hard about this while flying, just move the stick and turn the airplane.
4. Flying - Try experimenting with some more turns, and use the elevator to climb and descend as needed.
5. Landing - This is the most difficult part. Line the aircraft up with the field and reduce the throttle to idle. Use the elevator to slow your descent, and correct any side to side movements caused by the wind with the rudder. As you approach the ground, slow the descent even more, and then gradually let the plane land. Any large control movements at this point are likely to cause a crash, so be careful not to issue commands too abruptly.

Congratulations, you have just succeeded in flying your first RC model airplane! Go recharge the batteries, and fly some more. Part IV of this article will cover crashes, and how to repair damage from them.

——
Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Now that you have a basic understanding of how RC model airplanes work (discussed in part I of this article), you are ready to choose your first model and begin learning how to fly it. Before you make your decision, you should consider these two different methods of learning how to fly.

1. Learn to fly a Model Airplane with an Instructor

   One of the oldest and most popular methods is learning with an instructor.
   This usually involves using a large fuel or electric trainer, and two radio transmitters linked together via a training cable. The training cable lets the student control the airplane, while the instructor holds down a switch on his / her transmitter. If the airplane is in danger of crashing, the instructor lets go of the switch and takes control of the aircraft. Most radio systems used on four channel trainers have this feature included, but make sure before you buy.

2. Learn to fly a RC Model Airplane by Yourself

   Learning to fly your RC model airplane without the help of an instructor is also possible. If you choose to learn to fly solo, we recommend that you don’t use a typical four channel trainer. It is almost certain that you will crash at least once while learning how to fly. You will need to get an RC model airplane that can be easily repaired and has replacement parts available. Instead of a balsa and covering model, find a RC model airplane constructed out of one piece foam and plastic parts. Balsa shatters on impact, while foam breaks evenly into two pieces.

Choosing your first RC Model Airplane

Most beginners don’t have a huge budget to spend on their new hobby. If you plan on getting a four channel RC model airplane, and learning with an instructor you can expect to spend at least $400 on the airplane itself, and another $100 - $200 on additional tools and equipment. Fortunately, you can learn to fly model RC airplanes for less than half this amount!

Instead of getting a large and complicated four channel RC model airplane, why not start with a simple one and go from there? Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a four channel model, and an instructor willing to teach them, so we have designed an ideal first model for beginners to learn how to fly.

Introducing the Vortex Extreme RC Model Airplane

The Vortex Extreme is an ideal first RC model airplane, for several reasons:

• Easy to fly - The Vortex Extreme is designed to be a stable and reliable RC model plane
• Repairable - Since the Vortex Extreme is constructed out of foam and plastic parts, repairs are easy. In the event of a serious crash, replacement parts are available.
• Small enough to fly anywhere - Why drive out of town to fly your RC model airplane? The Vortex Extreme is small enough to be flown in soccer fields and parks.
• Electric power - A clean, quiet and powerful electric motor provides the reliability and ruggedness needed in a trainer aircraft, at a fraction of the cost of a comparable fuel engine.
• Fly solo - Because the wing of the airplane provides stability, first flights can be done without the help of a more experienced pilot. As long as you keep the wings level, the plane will fly in a straight line. An included DVD will tell you everything you need to know for your first flight.
• Stress free flying - Why worry about crashing an expensive airplane on your first flight? Crashing is normal, and it happens to everyone while learning how to fly. You can replace every part the aircraft is made of, due to it’s modular design. Even after a major crash, you can make repairs and be flying again in a couple of days!
• Low cost - As previously mentioned, a first RC airplane should be cheap and durable. There is no need to use a fancy radio system, and built up fuselage when you will likely crash anyway. The Vortex Extreme will teach you how to fly, where you go from there is up to you.

If you choose the Vortex Extreme RC model airplane, be sure to get some of the replacement parts you will eventually need. We sell all of the most frequently broken parts in an accessory kit, available on our website. This kit includes all the foam parts, a spare battery, and a plastic tail boom. It has all the parts required to repair damage from even the most severe crash.

We hope that you choose a Vortex Extreme, because we believe it is the perfect beginner RC model airplane. In part III of this article, we will cover your first flight, and the initial preparations necessary to make it a success.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Like any other hobby or sport, getting into RC model airplanes can be a daunting task. There are many ways that you can learn to fly. Endless different types of model planes are available. This can make learning to fly confusing for a beginner, due to the sheer amount of information available about RC model airplanes. This article will provide the reader with a basic understanding of the hobby, and a direction to follow when first learning how to fly RC model airplanes.

How an RC Model Airplane Works

Before you learn how to fly an RC model plane, it is useful to understand how they work. This will make it easier to repair and fly your RC model airplane. Every RC model airplane is subject to four basic forces, which control its flight:

1. Lift – This is the upward force that causes the airplane to fly. Lift is created by the aerofoil, a special shape built into the wing. The aerofoil will create a difference in pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the wing, which will result in lift.
2. Thrust – This is the force that causes the RC model airplane to move forward. The propeller on the front of the plane spins, and causes air to move over the wings. Thrust is changed by increasing or decreasing the speed of the engine. The throttle is the control function used to accomplish this.
3. Drag – This force is the opposite of thrust, caused by friction between the RC model airplane and the air it is moving through. Drag is the force responsible for slowing the airplane down in flight.
4. Weight – This is the force of gravity, which is constantly pulling the airplane towards the Earth. This force does not change, except for when the airplane burns fuel.

The four forces of flight (lift, thrust, drag, and weight) need to be balanced in order for the airplane to fly. All of these forces (except for weight) can be changed through the controls found on the RC model plane. Learn more about aircraft theory and control.

RC Model Airplane Control Surfaces

The direction of the plane is controlled by using control surfaces. Control surfaces are sections of the wing and tail that move, resulting in a change in airflow. Every control surface operates on the same principle – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Because of this if the airflow from any part of the airplane is tilted downwards, the resulting opposite force will push that part upwards. By adjusting the amount of each force the RC model airplane is subjected to, flight can be controlled. A typical RC model plane has all of the following control surfaces:

• Ailerons – These two control surfaces are movable sections of the wing. By moving one of them upwards and the other one downwards, the amount of lift produced by each side of the wing can be changed. Applying aileron will result in roll, which is a spin around the horizontal axis of the plane.

• Elevator – The elevator is a movable section of the horizontal stabilizer (the horizontal part of the tail). When the elevator is moved upwards, the airflow from the tail pushes the tail down, and the nose up. The opposite happens when the elevator is moved down. By using the elevator, the pitch of the airplane can be controlled.

• Rudder – The rudder is a movable section of the vertical stabilizer (the vertical part of the tail). By moving the rudder left or right, the horizontal direction of the nose can be changed. Think of the rudder like a vertical elevator. It works in exactly the same way, but is mounted at 90 degrees to the horizontal plane of the aircraft.
• Throttle – The throttle controls the speed of the engine. In a fuel powered aircraft, the carburetor is opened so that more fuel is burned. An electric aircraft will increase the electric power sent to the motor. When the engine runs faster, the propeller will spin faster, and will move more air over the wings.

Conclusion

If you understand the four forces of flight (lift, drag, thrust, and weight) and how they are controlled, you are ready to pick out your first RC model airplane. Part II of this article will discuss how to choose a good first model.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Confusing Packaging - An Explanation

The box containing the flight simulator controller can be slightly misleading. The picture on the back of the package shows several chargers, cables, and a battery pack. The only thing the box contains is the actual controller. It would seem that the company who builds the simulator controller uses the same box to package several different products. Please note that this is not a problem, because the USB cable lets the simulator controller draw power from the computer. No battery packs or chargers are needed. The picture also shows a blue transmitter. Each simulator controller is black, so that it looks like actual RC transmitters. Don’t be alarmed when you only find the transmitter in the package. You don’t need anything else to fly using the simulator.

FMS Set Up Instructions

The GWS Flight Simulator Controller requires some configuration in order to work properly with the Flying Model Simulator. Here is a step by step procedure showing how to configure and calibrate your controller.

1. Install FMS. An installation CD-ROM is included with your controller. Just insert it into your disk drive and follow the on screen instructions. If you don’t have a CD-ROM, you can download FMS here. If you are using Windows Vista, some additional installation steps are required.
2. Before you run the program, plug your controller into your computers USB port.
3. You should see a message pop up. Windows is informing you that it has found a new USB controller.
4. Start FMS by double clicking the icon on your desktop.
5. Click “Controls” at the upper part of the simulator window.
6. This will open a drop down menu. Click the “Analog Control” entry to proceed to configuration.
7. A small window titled “Control” will open. Click the “Joystick Interface” entry.
8. Press the calibrate button, on the right side of the window.
9. Centre all of the trim tabs on the controller (except the throttle, which should be at idle), and move the sticks in full circles several times.
10. Click the next button, and centre all of the sticks. (This includes the throttle.)
11. Click Finish.
12. Click the checkboxes found on the left side of the screen, and change the numbers in the channel fields as needed to create the configuration shown in this picture. This will reverse some channels on the controller, which operate in the wrong direction by default.
    
13. When done, click the OK button at the bottom of the configuration window, then close the smaller “Control” window.
14. You should be able to adjust the simulated models trim by using the tabs on the controller. Please be aware that the engine of your simulated model will turn off, if the throttle trim is set to idle. You will need to move this trim tab upwards slightly, to achieve a good idle speed.

Congratulations, you have successfully configured the flying model simulator to work with your new simulator controller.

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Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
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The Mach IIIz is an indoor electric RC blimp, which uses helium gas in a mylar inflatable envelope for buoyancy.

Mach IIIz RC Airship Features

The Mach IIIz blimp features three channel radio control, which allows it to fly in any direction (up/down, left/right, and forwards/backwards, and spin in 360 degrees). Each channel controls one of three fans, which are mounted on the gondola. The gondola is the white plastic cabin, which is mounted on the bottom of the inflatable balloon envelope via clear tape. Two of these fans are attached side by side, and control the direction of the blimp. An additional fan is mounted on the bottom of the gondola, which controls altitude. Learn more about how RC blimps work.

The Mach IIIz blimp uses a small 3v lithium battery for power. Lithium batteries are very lightweight, making them perfect for usage in RC blimps. The battery is mounted in the gondola of the Mach IIIz, and provides power for both the electric motors and the radio receiver.

MachIIIz blimps also come in different frequencies, colors, and styles, so two blimps can be flown at the same time. High lift envelopes are available for customers above 4000 ft. If you’re into sc-fi, a UFO / flying saucer version is also available.

Mach IIIz blimps are perfect for flying indoors, but they will become lost if you attempt outdoor flight. Remember that the Mach IIIz is essentially a powered helium balloon, so even slight winds will carry it away. Because the MachIIIz is durable and easy to fly they make an ideal RC toy for kids. The MachIIIz is great for advertising when equipped with a plain silver balloon, or a white high lift envelope. You can print your own stickers, or use a soft felt tip marker to decorate the balloon. Flying this RC airship over any event is sure to get attention, and printing your own labels on the blimp envelope is easy.

Where to Buy an RC Blimp

Get RC Blimps, parts, and accessories at www.rctoys.com.

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Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
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All RC helicopters need a way to control their altitude and direction.

How Fixed Pitch RC Helis Work

In order to understand how fixed pitch RC helicopters work, it is useful to consider a fixed wing aircraft. Airplanes can fly because air moves over the wings, resulting in a difference in air pressure between the top and bottom, which causes lift. To increase the lift we can do one of two things. The speed of the air moving over the wings can be increased, or the curve of the wing can be made steeper. If we think of the rotors on a RC helicopter like the wings on a plane, the easiest way to increase lift is to cause them to spin faster. This will send the helicopter upwards. When the helicopter needs to descend the rotor speed is decreased.

Quad Rotor RC Helicopter Design

Some RC helicopters are built using four main rotors, each mounted at a right angle to the aircraft. This design allows four channel control, without the complexity of variable pitch. A flight computer can read the input from a radio receiver and then change the speed of each motor accordingly. Using a flight computer also allows automatic stabilization of the helicopter. The flight computer is a sophisticated circuit board, which is capable of changing the motion of the helicopter under different conditions. This makes quad rotor helicopters perfect for aerial video and surveillance. The Draganflyer helicopters use this design, and are available in several different models.

Conventional RC Helicopter Design

There are two ways in which a fixed pitch RC helicopters direction of travel can be changed . If we include a rear rotor, which is mounted at a right angle to the fuselage (body of the helicopter), we can use it to push the helicopters nose in the desired direction. Our Mini Bell Helicopters are a good example of this design, and are able to be built to very small dimensions because of the reduced complexity.

Coaxial RC Helicopter Design

We can also use two main rotors, each linked to a separate motor to turn the helicopter. By spinning each rotor at a different rate, the yaw (direction) of the helicopter can be controlled. Our Bladerunner Series and Lama V4 R/C helicopters use this fixed pitch coaxial design. Each rotor can be placed on the same axial. This reduces the size of the helicopter, so that they can be flown indoors. Learn more about coaxial helicopters.

Another benefit of the fixed pitch coaxial design is that it frees an extra channel of control. If we don’t need to control the direction (pitch or yaw, depending on application) of the RC helicopter with the tail rotor, we can mount it in the same direction as the main rotor blades, allowing pitch control. This design is found in our Micro Mosquito RC helicopter, where two main rotors are complemented by a tail rotor.

Benefits of Fixed Pitch RC Helicopters

• A minimal amount of parts are required because of the simple fixed pitch design
• Repairs are simple, because there are few moving parts
• Some fixed pitch RC helicopters can be flown indoors.
• The Draganflyer RC Helicopters are an excellent choice for aerial video because the coaxial design gives stability

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Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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How Coaxial Helicopters Work

Instead of using the tail rotor to control the yaw, two main rotors can be mounted on the helicopter, and spun at different rates. The thrust difference will cause the nose of the helicopter to turn. This duel rotor design is employed in several full scale helicopters, including the CH-47 Chinook, frequently used as a military
transport helicopter because of its immense lifting capacity. The same principle applies to remote control helicopters, but most of the time we choose to mount each rotor on the same axial, hence the term “coaxial”.

Paired rotors spinning in opposite directions

The rotors of a coaxial helicopter need to spin in opposite directions to cancel out the gyroscopic force. On some helicopters, both rotors are on top of each other The main axial of a coaxial helicopter actually consists of two separate axils, one mounted inside the other. Each sub axial is connected to a gear at the base of the shaft, and each gear is attached to an electric motor. These two motors operate independently of each other, so varying the speeds of each rotor is possible.

Since the rotors need to spin in opposite directions, the top and bottom rotor blades are curved in opposite directions. This is because each rotor needs to be pointed into the air flow in order to work. The bottom rotor usually rotates in a clockwise direction, while the top rotor rotates in a counterclockwise direction. It is important to note this if you need to replace your helicopters rotor blades. Your helicopter will not fly if they are installed incorrectly.

Two Channel Coaxial RC Helicopter Design

It is possible to build a coaxial helicopter so that it only needs two main rotors, and eliminate the tail rotor entirely. Tilting the main rotors forward slightly, results in a constant forward movement. An excellent example of this simple design is our Firefly RC Helicopter, which is recommended for beginners due to it’s simple controls.

Three Channel Coaxial RC Helicopter Design

There are other cases where a tail rotor is still added to a coaxial rc helicopter. The tail rotor is placed in the same direction as the main rotors. This allows pitch control, so the forward and reverse rate of the helicopter can be changed. This means that you can fly backwards, forwards and even hover. The Micro Mosquito rc helicopter uses this design.

Four Channel RC Helicopter Design

Even though the coaxial design is most frequently used in small, fixed pitch rc helicopters, it can also be used for models with cyclic collective pitch. The only difference between these models and the conventional designs is their lack of a tail rotor. As with the models above, yaw is controlled by changing the rate at which each rotor spins, but the rotors can change their pitch. This allows the helicopter all four degrees of freedom: pitch, bank, throttle, and yaw. The Esky Lama V4 uses this design, making it a good all around RC helicopter.

Benefits Of The Coaxial Design

• The simple design leads to a low cost.
• Because yaw is controlled with the main rotors, pitch can be controlled with the tail rotor.
• This design produces a great amount of stability.
• Because they are stable, these helicopters are a great way to learn how to fly.

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Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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A remote controlled blimp is a lighter than air aircraft that relies on the principle of buoyancy. Buoyancy is the effect that causes less dense objects to rise when immersed in a denser substance. As long as a similar volume of one material is less dense than another, it will rise. RC blimps, airships and flying saucers make use of this buoyancy effect by using a lighter than air gas to fly: Helium. Because Helium is less dense than the air the blimp will float. The idea behind a blimp is to have the lifting force of the helium exactly cancel out the downwards pull of gravity. This is called neutral buoyancy. In order to rise or descend, the blimp fills or empties different compartments (ballonets) with air. Because air is heavier than helium, this will cause the blimp to decend. Emptying these ballonet compartments will make the blimp lighter and cause it to rise.

The First Blimps

The first rigid airships (also called Dirigibles or Zeppelins) were constructed in the early 20th century. Back then blimp aircraft consisted of a metal frame, covered with fabric and filled with a lighter than air gas like Helium or even Hydrogen. Below this balloon assembly was the gondola. The blimp’s gondola housed the pilot, crew, passengers, and engines. These airships were used for both war and civilian travel during the 20th century. A famous example of such a zepplin was the German Hindenburg airship, which was destroyed on May 6th, 1937. The Germans, who were unable to obtain helium gas for the airship, used hydrogen as the lifting gas. Hydrogen is explosive where Helium is inert. The Hindenburg disaster played a huge role in ending the use of huge blimps for passenger travel.

Modern Blimps

Modern blimp airships are non rigid, meaning that there is no internal structure to support the envelope. Modern blimps are filled with Helium, a safe inert gas, to make them float. Like the old rigid airships, modern blimps still rely on the principle of buoyancy to fly. Modern blimps are used primarily for advertising rather than passenger travel. If you’ve ever attended an NFL football game, NASCAR race, or PGA golf tournament you’ve probably seen the popular Goodyear blimp.

Remote Control Blimps

Radio controlled blimps are an excellent choice for someone new to RC and appeal to all ages. An RC blimp is just a smaller version of a modern blimp airship, except for a few differences. Instead of relying on ballonets (air-filled bladders) to change the weight of the blimp to rise or descend, neutral buoyancy is achieved by adding small weights or ballast putty to the blimp until it hovers. The RC blimp’s gondola is equipped with small electric motors with propellers used to propel the blimp up and down. Most electric rc blimps use a tri fan design, to provide directional control in every direction: up/down, left/right, and forwards/backwards. A good example of this are the Mach III Indoor RC blimps at RCToys.com. These R/C blimp aircraft are for indoor use only. Flying them outside will lead to them getting lost, or blown away. Remember, these aircraft are really helium balloons with motors and a radio, so make sure that you fly them where they cannot get away.

RC Blimp Balloons

RC blimps come with a super lightweight mylar balloon. These mylar rc blimp balloons are both durable, refillable and replaceable. For customers at altitudes greater than 4000 ft above sea level, a larger capacity high lift balloon is available. This white high-lift rc blimp balloon is also great for applying advertising stickers. This can be necessary because, as altitude increases, the density of air decreases, lowering the lift generated by the balloon.

Where to buy Helium for RC Blimp Balloons

Helium for the rc blimp’s balloon envelope is easy to obtain at wedding & party supply stores, flower shops, most grocery stores, and welding supply shops. Filling the rc blimp is also easy, the person selling you the Helium should be able to do it for you, if they have a mylar nozzle. After filling the envelope with Helium place a small piece of tape over the hole to keep the Helium in the balloon.

How to achieve neutral buoyancy so your RC blimp hovers

Chances are, after you have filled your blimp with Helium, it will try to climb. You can use either the weights included with the blimp, or some modeling clay (ballast putty) to correct this. Hang the weights on the rods supporting the engines, making sure to keep the weight equal on both sides. If you decide to use modeling clay, place it in the gondola, near the batteries. Using clay instead of the included weights will allow fine tuning the airship, so that it will maintain the altitude that you want it to. Add just enough weight so the rc blimp neither climbs or sinks.

Where to buy RC Blimps

Draganfly Innovations Inc. sells a huge selection of RC blimps and flying saucers. The most popular blimps are the RC Goodyear Blimp, the RC Airship America and the RC Blimp Bomber. Replacement r/c blimp parts, balloon envelopes and 3V lithium blimp batteries are all available at www.rctoys.com.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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In this article, we will look at several different ways to learn how to fly your RC aircraft.

After you get your new RC airplane, you will most likely want to fly it right away. Most of the time, rushing to a first flight without being prepared leads to a crash. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can learn to fly RC safely.

Fly your RC plane with an instructor and join a flying club

The oldest and most common way of learning to fly is by flying with a more experienced pilot. The easiest way to learn with an instructor is to join a local RC flying club. There are usually at least a few members who teach students to fly. This is an absolute must if you fly nitro or gas models, even a minor crash with one of these can be very damaging to the model.

When flying with an instructor, the risk of a crash is greatly reduced. An experienced pilot will know what do do in almost any situation, without thinking. It is also beneficial to learn how to operate the aircraft safely, and learning to fly with an instructor will make this easier.

Share the transmitter with an instructor

There are two ways by which an instructor and a student can share the transmitter, the first, and simplest way is to hand the transmitter over in case of an emergency. This is a fine method, but a faster and more reliable one is to use what’s called a “buddy box”. When using a buddy box, two transmitters are linked by a cable. The instructor has the master, and the student has the slave. When the student is flying, the instructor holds down a switch on his/her master transmitter to give the student’s transmitter control. As soon as the instructor needs control, he/she just has to release the switch, and control will be transferred to the master transmitter. This way the instructor can anticipate a crash and save the airplane before it’s too late.

Get an RC flight simulator for your PC

If you can’t find an instructor in your area, then you can still learn to fly without risking your model. RC flight simulators are becoming more popular, and are a fantastic way to practice without the risk of crashing your real plane. Read these articles on www.rchelicopter.com about RC aircraft simulators, and instructions on how you can use your actual aircraft transmitter with your computer. This GWS Flight Simulator Kit is an inexpensive flight sim for your PC.

Buy an inexpensive, simple, 2 or 3 channel RC plane and go from there

It is possible to teach yourself how to fly airplanes. If you have a simple, ready to fly aircraft like the a two channel Vortex or a Venom Micro Park Fighter, then your first solo flights are likely to be a success. Find an instructor and practice on the RC flight simulator before trying a solo flight with a harder to fly aircraft like a 3, 4 or 5 channel model.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
RSS: www.rctoys.com/pr/feed