How to choose a radio-controlled toy helicopter: instructions, reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

RC helicopter is not just a children's toy, but a real miracle of modern technology. Launching this mechanism up is a pleasure for both kids and adults. Such a gift as a toy helicopter is suitable for children over 8 years old. Manufacturers offer customers a wide range of goods: a variety of models are presented on store shelves. How to choose such a toy? Recommendations - in our material.

What are they like?

Flying toy helicopters are produced in a variety of ways. They can be classified according to the following main technical parameters:

• by size;
• engine type;
• by management method;
• by the number of control channels;
• by type of screws, etc.

When to buy the first helicopter?

A remote-mounted helicopter is a technically rather complex design, which also has a high cost. Therefore, if such a gift is made ahead of time, the child simply will not be able to cope with the management, which can lead not only to the breakdown of such a gift, but also to chagrin.baby.

Manufacturers usually recommend this toy for children over 10 years old. At this age, it is preferable to choose models with a minimum number of control channels so that the child can quickly learn how to use the remote control.

Types of radio-controlled helicopters by engine type

In order to choose a toy helicopter, first of all, you should clearly define its purpose. So, if the mechanism is purchased for a child for the purpose of spending leisure time, then you should opt for battery models. Helicopters with this type of engine can operate continuously for up to 30 minutes, after which charging will be required. But a significant advantage of this model compared to other types is an affordable price.

If such a toy is purchased for the purpose of participating in specialized competitions, then it is better to choose a toy helicopter with an engine that runs on fuel. This model is characterized by high speed and the possibility of continuous operation for a long time. But this type of helicopter can hardly be called a child's toy - it is a technically complex and, accordingly, expensive device. Additionally, these types of toys are divided into classes depending on the volume of the fuel engine, starting from the thirties, forties, etc.

Control mechanism

There are two types of control mechanism:

• RC toy helicopter;
• frequency (controlled by infrared rays).

The latter is susceptible to sunlight, so most often thiscontrol is suitable for indoor launch helicopters.

What are toy helicopter control channels?

When choosing a gift such as a toy helicopter, you should pay attention to the number of control channels of a particular model. What is it and what is it for? Control channels are those technical features that a specific helicopter model is equipped with and which can be controlled using the remote control. The smaller they are, the easier it is to manage the device. But at the same time, two- and three-channel models are not very maneuverable.

Let's take a closer look at the technical capabilities of helicopters with different numbers of control channels:

1. Double-channel toy can fly up and down, around its own axis and in a circle. Models with this characteristic are not able to develop high speed. Children 8-10 years old will cope with the control of such a device. Therefore, if you plan to purchase such a toy for a child for the first time, it is recommended to opt for a two-channel helicopter.
2. Three-channel models differ from the previous ones only by increasing the flight path: they can fly back and forth.
3. With four-channel control of the helicopter on the remote control, a beginner may not be able to cope. This model has the ability to turn left and right. This option is suitable if the child has already mastered the control of a three-channel helicopter.
4. For sports competitions, six-channel models are purchased - these are helicopters for professionals. They haveadditional features such as a gyroscope (the ability to “hover” in the air), flight speed adjustment.

Additional features

Some models of toy helicopters, in addition to the above, are equipped with additional options. For example, the Silverit model has a built-in video camera. Such a helicopter is more suitable for those who are fond of photography, and not piloting radio-controlled models. This device is capable of capturing photo and video material of a small volume, but cannot be in flight for a long time.

Many children's helicopters fire water or plastic "rockets".

Since toy controlled helicopters are relatively expensive, and accidents and breakdowns often occur during learning to fly them, manufacturers have offered consumers such a novelty as virtual simulators. Most often, devices with four or more control channels are equipped with such virtual games.

How to fly a toy helicopter: instructions

The complexity of controlling the described device depends on the technical characteristics of a particular model (weight, size, engine type and number of channels). Where to begin? Here is a sample instruction manual for an RC helicopter:

1. Open the compartment on the back of the remote control and insert the required number of batteries according to the poles or the battery (maximum charged). Then close the lid.
2. Screw the antenna onto the remote control.
3. Turn on the remote control andhelicopter with a dedicated button.
4. Place the toy on a flat horizontal surface.
5. Some models require activation of the joystick by moving the lever once from the highest position to the lowest position. After that, the indicator lights up, which notifies that the device is ready for action.

How to learn to manage? First of all, it is recommended to master the technique of takeoff and landing. Only after mastering such skills, one can proceed to a straight flight, and then carry out other possible maneuvers.

Recommendations for beginners

In order to prevent accidents and breakdowns, professionals advise to adhere to the following simple rules:

1. The helicopter must be used in accordance with its purpose, specified in the instructions. So, if the toy is designed for flying indoors, you do not need to play with it on the street - this will quickly disable such a mechanism. Repairing toy helicopters is expensive and sometimes hopeless.
2. Before playing, you need to fully charge the battery (it will take from twenty minutes to one and a half hours). Do not allow the battery to completely discharge - this will significantly shorten its life. Charging the battery longer than the time specified in the instructions is also not recommended.
3. Don't charge the battery immediately after playing. Allow 10-15 minutes for the battery to cool down.
4. It is necessary to avoid contact of the rotating screws of the mechanism with the fingers,hair, clothing and jewelry. It is especially important that adults supervise children playing with the helicopter. The ingress of foreign bodies into the blades of a toy helicopter is extremely traumatic both for the person who controls the device and for others. Therefore, do not launch the toy in crowded places of people or animals.
5. Manufacturers do not recommend using spare parts for the device that are not included in the original kit.
6. Before launching a RC helicopter, make sure no one is using the same frequency. When operating the same frequency channel, the mechanisms may fail and become uncontrollable.

Review of popular models

There are many manufacturers of radio-controlled toy helicopters. Let's review the most common models with different technical characteristics:

1. Different in simplicity, but at the same time multifunctional model for children Angry Birds. The helicopter is made in the form of birds. The mechanism has a three-channel control method, that is, the device can fly up-down, forward-backward, right-left. The diameter of the remote control is 15 meters. Such a toy helicopter has an affordable price - the price is about 600-800 rubles.
2. For beginners, easy-to-fly helicopters such as MJX T38, SYMA S32G, HappyCow are suitable. These devices have three to four control channels. Differ in stylish design, illumination. They have good technical characteristics, cost about 1500 rubles.
3. Models with optionalpossibilities, we can recommend the following: WL Toys V319 (shoots with water), the device of the same manufacturer V398 shoots “rockets”, MJX Heli Thunderbird T53C has a video camera. You can also offer Walkera brand helicopters - their difference is that they have an automatic balance stabilization system, so they fly well even in windy weather. The Air Hogs helicopter has additional protection against breakage during accidents - it is surrounded by a metal cage, which does not allow parts of the toy to be damaged in a collision.
4. Professional pilots of RC helicopters should opt for brands such as Art-Tech and E-sky.

Recommendations for selection

Thus, analyzing the above information about the technical characteristics of different models, you should choose a helicopter on the remote control according to the following criteria:

1. Toy weight. The smaller it is, the more difficult it will be to control such a helicopter on the street.
2. The material of the case affects the durability of the device.
3. Number of control channels. The functionality of the mechanism depends on this indicator.
4. Movement speed depends on engine power.
5. Battery capacity determines the duration of the flight. Most often, the toy helicopter does not take off due to insufficient battery charge.
6. Diameter of the remote control coverage area. The larger it is, the farther and higher the helicopter can fly.

Reviews

User opinions about RC helicoptersambiguous. Often negative opinions are formed when an inappropriate model is purchased. Such a toy is not cheap, and it can break after the first fall. In addition, the baby can be seriously upset due to the failure of the cherished gift. Therefore, it is important to choose such a helicopter on the remote control, which a child of a particular age can master. Here you should not buy a gift, as they say, for a year.

With the right choice and compliance with all the rules of operation, such a toy can last a long time and delight its owner with an entertaining pastime. Often, when purchasing such a gift for a child, adults are also happy to launch a helicopter. Then leisure becomes a real family tradition, which not only brings a lot of positive emotions, but also unites and unites people of all ages.