Post by killbucket on Dec 10, 2010 10:00:53 GMT -5
1. I see too many helicopters!
If you've gone shopping to satisfy that kicking and screaming for a toy helicopter (be it your own or a loved one's), the selection and price range that is available today does little to help narrow the choices. Whether you are seeking a casual toy whirlybird or a more durable lasting flier, it may help to know how to spot the appropriate gift and the best places to find them.
2. What is a 2- or 3-channel toy helicopter?
Most, if not all remote-controlled coaxial (two sets of blades on top, stacked) helicopters with less than 3 radio channels for remote control are considered "toys" by default. This is in contrast to "Hobby Grade" helicopters which usually have 4 to 7 channels, and more advanced features. Hobby Grade helicopters are seldom appropriate or even useful for beginning pilots, because crashes are bound to happen during learning, and these machines are optimized for low mass over durability, resulting in high breakage costs. A toy helicopter is a perfect way for the beginner to try out this fun and exciting hobby, and the simple 3-control layout affords fast and easy learning. These simple models are easy to spot.
* A 2-channel's lower blade pair will not have links going down into the helicopter's workings, and the tail will not have a motor or driven blade. These are surprisingly durable, but must always fly forward. You cannot hover, fly backwards, or fly sideways with them. They can only fly up and down, and pivot left or right.
* A 3-channel will have an identical layout to the 2-channel with the addition of a tail motor and blade. This blade is oriented so that spinning lifts or drops the tail of the copter. These run the gamut from fragile to kick-ably tough. They are able to match the 2-channel movements, and also can hover and fly backward. They cannot fly sideways. 4-channel helicopters add this ability, and then other features as channels increase, and are beyond the scope of this article.
3. Smaller Helicopters are ideal for beginners and indoor fliers for many reasons:
* The space needed for safe flight can be likewise dimunitive: a bedroom or dorm is more than enough.
* A smaller airframe weighs less and thus will survive impacts much better.
* The blade energy can be very low, making the craft essentially harmless.
* Competitive pricing makes them attractive casual gifts.
* The smaller size framework is less work for the drive motors, making them longer-lived.
The more popular models can be repaired if damaged, with essentially the entire craft available as spares kits. This is important to fliers who may not be able to replace the whole helicopter, choosing instead to effect their own field servicing. There is little variation in design between models, and it is quite easy to become proficient at maintaining them.
4. Do I buy: A= online, or B=local? What about that C="that Mall Guy"?
The "Micro Helicopter" is one of the most popular toys you can find on the online auctions, retails, and in more and more brick and mortar toy stores. Even independent "pushcart marketers" have them to sell now. This is also the order in which you will find them priced.
A. Buying Online
The lowest priced way to get one is a bid on one of the thousands offered at auction over the internet. However, online forums are rife with stories of broken, wrong, or never-delivered product. Good experiences are to be found, but it can be hit or miss unless you find a reputable seller. There are some things to know first.
* Online marketers can be notoriously slow in shipping orders. Not all are.
* If you don't get your order, you have to file a claim and wait for it to be hopefully decided in your favor.
* If you get the wrong item, or a broken one, the online auction seller in most cases will expect you, not them to pay for return post or shipping.
* Repair parts packages will cost typically less than the S&H, making purchase of spares prohibitive in some cases.
* Larger retailers with online presence typically cover most of this handling cost and offer more repair parts, but the price paid for the parts themselves will generally reflect this.
B. The Toy Store
In the past, toy helicopters were not readily available, with few exceptions. Major chain pharmacies carried them for the "Pre-Christmas Sales", and small Mom and Pop toy stores would sometimes have a few to sell as an experiment, but hardly ever as a year-round stocked item. Local hobby shops avoided them like they were poison. This has changed a lot, and you might be lucky enough to actually find a selection to ponder over, in more than one size or color. Pricing will be much higher than found for the same or similar offerings online, with good reason.
* The seller may have to replace the item for you if it is defective, or if you just decide it is not "suitable for its intended purpose", and will have to then go to the supplier for credit. This is above and beyond what is outlined above for internet purchase, and it does come at a small cost to the buyer.
* If you do return the item, the seller is in a better position to offer you a replacement on a timely basis. There is a good chance of ready stock to give you, and no question of transport costs.
* When and if you need spares or repair, the parts themselves will be very cheap in a brick and mortar store, in comparison to online shopping, also because there is minimal effects from transport cost.
C. That Mall Guy
Avoid the Mall Guy, unless he is a personal friend, and then make him give you a 50% discount. This is not hard to do, as Mall Guy's prices are usually twice or more than what's found online, and always more than the prices you would find in nearby stores. Mall Guy's whole business is screaming kid with Mom/dumb executive, and he makes a killing on every "final" sale.
* Only screaming kid gets replace/repair, nobody gets refund.
* Seldom found in same sales location twice. Service after the sale does not exist.
* Models sold are typically knock-offs, and normal repair parts will not fit them properly.
5. And what is "IR controlled", anyway?
In order to control a remote-controlled toy, it must somehow receive a signal from the controller the operator is manipulating. Just like a TV set, the majority of 2- and 3-channel helicopters employ an infrared LED to transmit this signal. Being light based, it has pluses and drawbacks.
* The upside is a low-cost design with few components needed, and a signal range suitable for indoor use without causing interference with other products.
* The negatives of the layout include hampered operation in bright environments, and very limited range in comparison with radio-based systems.
6. Conclusion
If an absolute low-cost option is desired, the best option is online purchase at auction. If quality and service are desired, then a more personal approach at a reputable local merchant is preferred. 2- and 3-channel helicopters represent an attractive way to get into the exciting sport of remote-controlled helicopter flying, as well as a fun toy for children of all ages.
Source:
ezinearticles.com/?Helicopter-for-Your-Child-Or-Self?-Buying-a-Toy-2--Or-3-Channel&id=5052731
Wanna see a lot of 3-channel copters?
cdn.attracta.com/sitemap/162464.html
If you've gone shopping to satisfy that kicking and screaming for a toy helicopter (be it your own or a loved one's), the selection and price range that is available today does little to help narrow the choices. Whether you are seeking a casual toy whirlybird or a more durable lasting flier, it may help to know how to spot the appropriate gift and the best places to find them.
2. What is a 2- or 3-channel toy helicopter?
Most, if not all remote-controlled coaxial (two sets of blades on top, stacked) helicopters with less than 3 radio channels for remote control are considered "toys" by default. This is in contrast to "Hobby Grade" helicopters which usually have 4 to 7 channels, and more advanced features. Hobby Grade helicopters are seldom appropriate or even useful for beginning pilots, because crashes are bound to happen during learning, and these machines are optimized for low mass over durability, resulting in high breakage costs. A toy helicopter is a perfect way for the beginner to try out this fun and exciting hobby, and the simple 3-control layout affords fast and easy learning. These simple models are easy to spot.
* A 2-channel's lower blade pair will not have links going down into the helicopter's workings, and the tail will not have a motor or driven blade. These are surprisingly durable, but must always fly forward. You cannot hover, fly backwards, or fly sideways with them. They can only fly up and down, and pivot left or right.
* A 3-channel will have an identical layout to the 2-channel with the addition of a tail motor and blade. This blade is oriented so that spinning lifts or drops the tail of the copter. These run the gamut from fragile to kick-ably tough. They are able to match the 2-channel movements, and also can hover and fly backward. They cannot fly sideways. 4-channel helicopters add this ability, and then other features as channels increase, and are beyond the scope of this article.
3. Smaller Helicopters are ideal for beginners and indoor fliers for many reasons:
* The space needed for safe flight can be likewise dimunitive: a bedroom or dorm is more than enough.
* A smaller airframe weighs less and thus will survive impacts much better.
* The blade energy can be very low, making the craft essentially harmless.
* Competitive pricing makes them attractive casual gifts.
* The smaller size framework is less work for the drive motors, making them longer-lived.
The more popular models can be repaired if damaged, with essentially the entire craft available as spares kits. This is important to fliers who may not be able to replace the whole helicopter, choosing instead to effect their own field servicing. There is little variation in design between models, and it is quite easy to become proficient at maintaining them.
4. Do I buy: A= online, or B=local? What about that C="that Mall Guy"?
The "Micro Helicopter" is one of the most popular toys you can find on the online auctions, retails, and in more and more brick and mortar toy stores. Even independent "pushcart marketers" have them to sell now. This is also the order in which you will find them priced.
A. Buying Online
The lowest priced way to get one is a bid on one of the thousands offered at auction over the internet. However, online forums are rife with stories of broken, wrong, or never-delivered product. Good experiences are to be found, but it can be hit or miss unless you find a reputable seller. There are some things to know first.
* Online marketers can be notoriously slow in shipping orders. Not all are.
* If you don't get your order, you have to file a claim and wait for it to be hopefully decided in your favor.
* If you get the wrong item, or a broken one, the online auction seller in most cases will expect you, not them to pay for return post or shipping.
* Repair parts packages will cost typically less than the S&H, making purchase of spares prohibitive in some cases.
* Larger retailers with online presence typically cover most of this handling cost and offer more repair parts, but the price paid for the parts themselves will generally reflect this.
B. The Toy Store
In the past, toy helicopters were not readily available, with few exceptions. Major chain pharmacies carried them for the "Pre-Christmas Sales", and small Mom and Pop toy stores would sometimes have a few to sell as an experiment, but hardly ever as a year-round stocked item. Local hobby shops avoided them like they were poison. This has changed a lot, and you might be lucky enough to actually find a selection to ponder over, in more than one size or color. Pricing will be much higher than found for the same or similar offerings online, with good reason.
* The seller may have to replace the item for you if it is defective, or if you just decide it is not "suitable for its intended purpose", and will have to then go to the supplier for credit. This is above and beyond what is outlined above for internet purchase, and it does come at a small cost to the buyer.
* If you do return the item, the seller is in a better position to offer you a replacement on a timely basis. There is a good chance of ready stock to give you, and no question of transport costs.
* When and if you need spares or repair, the parts themselves will be very cheap in a brick and mortar store, in comparison to online shopping, also because there is minimal effects from transport cost.
C. That Mall Guy
Avoid the Mall Guy, unless he is a personal friend, and then make him give you a 50% discount. This is not hard to do, as Mall Guy's prices are usually twice or more than what's found online, and always more than the prices you would find in nearby stores. Mall Guy's whole business is screaming kid with Mom/dumb executive, and he makes a killing on every "final" sale.
* Only screaming kid gets replace/repair, nobody gets refund.
* Seldom found in same sales location twice. Service after the sale does not exist.
* Models sold are typically knock-offs, and normal repair parts will not fit them properly.
5. And what is "IR controlled", anyway?
In order to control a remote-controlled toy, it must somehow receive a signal from the controller the operator is manipulating. Just like a TV set, the majority of 2- and 3-channel helicopters employ an infrared LED to transmit this signal. Being light based, it has pluses and drawbacks.
* The upside is a low-cost design with few components needed, and a signal range suitable for indoor use without causing interference with other products.
* The negatives of the layout include hampered operation in bright environments, and very limited range in comparison with radio-based systems.
6. Conclusion
If an absolute low-cost option is desired, the best option is online purchase at auction. If quality and service are desired, then a more personal approach at a reputable local merchant is preferred. 2- and 3-channel helicopters represent an attractive way to get into the exciting sport of remote-controlled helicopter flying, as well as a fun toy for children of all ages.
Source:
ezinearticles.com/?Helicopter-for-Your-Child-Or-Self?-Buying-a-Toy-2--Or-3-Channel&id=5052731
Wanna see a lot of 3-channel copters?
cdn.attracta.com/sitemap/162464.html
