RCU Review: ParkFlyers R/C AeroCopter

 RCU Review: ParkFlyers R/C AeroCopter More On This Product
Research Airplanes Research Boats Research Cars Research Helicopters Research Engines & Motors Research Radio Equipment Contributed by: Andrew Griffith | Published: August 2007 | Views: 31574 |
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Review by: Andrew Griffith
Specifications
Assembly
Flight Report Summary
Manufacturer/Distributor Info
ParkFlyers R/C, makers of the Picco-Z Havoc heli and the
Hovercraft coaxial helicopter introduce the Aerocopter coaxial
helicopter. The Aerocopter includes nearly everything you need
and the preassembled helicopter only requires a few simple
steps to get the fledgling pilot in the air quickly.
ParkFlyers R/C
Phone Orders:(800) 470-8932
Phone Support (732)
363-6181
Website: www.parkflyers.com ParkFlyers R/C AeroCopter
CLICK HERE to Watch
Kit Name: AeroCopter
Price: MSRP $144.99 Main Rotor Span: 345mm (13.6") Engine Used: Included (2) Electric Motors
Gyro used: Included in 4 in 1 receiver.
Radio equipment: 4 Channel transmitter included 8 AA Batteries
Pre-Built.
Includes 800mah Lipo AND
battery charger!
Looks sharp.
Includes spare blade set.
Gyro trim changes as battery
discharges.
Flight time less than
advertised.
Transmitter not marked with
channel number.
Packaging
Contents
Charger and Battery Not much to do here! The helicopter itself is completely assembled. A good common sense practice is to
read the instruction book on any new model cover to cover before plugging things in and hurting yourself
or innocent house pets. Please note that no such pets were injured during this review, though my cats
clearly do not like having these things around! The instruction book included with my AeroCopter was actually the instruction booklet for the Hovercraft,
which is nearly identical. ParkFlyer R/C included an insert for the AeroCopter that has the photo and
specifications on one side and the parts listing on the other. Comparison of the two parts listings
confirms that these helicopters are identical in all but a few parts. The instructions are well illustrated and cover several areas I find important for new pilots. The first is
the emphasis on proper safety and frequency control. The second thing that is properly emphasized is
the warning about making sure the transmitter is turned on and the throttle at idle before plugging in the
motor/receiver battery.
The AeroCopter arrived quite well packaged, with each part in its own section of the styrofoam insert and
several foam dividers to keep things from moving around. I read through the instruction booklet and
unpacked the included LiPo battery and charger and put the battery aside to charge. The transmitter
requires 8 AA batteries which are not included. Instruction manual.
4 Channel transmitter
Battery Compartment
Although there is no mention of it in the manual, the transmitter includes provisions for rechargeable
batteries. A new owner could purchase 8 AA NiMH batteries and a suitable charger so that he or she
didn't have to replace dry cell transmitter batteries frequently. My fresh batteries lasted several flights
with no sign of losing much voltage. One thing to be aware of though, if you choose the rechargeable
battery route, is that the charge jack is center pin ground. That means that it's compatible with JR type
chargers. Futaba chargers have the center pin hot and would likely cause problems as I am sure that a
transmitter in this price range does not have polarity protection on the charge jack.
One problem I had with the transmitter, and it's common among park flyer style models, is the lack of a
channel number label on the transmitter. The frequency is clearly marked on the back but I had to go to
the AMA Frequency Chart to make find out that 72.150 was channel 18. A quick trip to my trusty label
maker and I felt safe that I wouldn't knock anyone out of the air if I decided to bring this along for a trip
to the local flying field. I wish the makers of these models would take the simple step of labeling their
transmitters in this manner. Stick adjustment short.
Stick adjustment long.
With the top down.
This lesson was reinforced recently when a young man brought a small electric biplane to our flying field.
I saw his AMA card pinned to a blank spot on the frequency board and asked him what was up. He said
he couldn't find the spot for channel 72, which is what his transmitter said on the front. Turns out this
was a reference to 72 MHz
not channel 72! Examination of the back showed the frequency was actually
72.430 MHz. I walked him over to the frequency chart and showed him he was on channel 32. It was a busy day at
the field and it's possible only his fear from flying when anyone else was out there kept him from
shooting down some one's larger model. If you only plan to fly at home this is a non-issue.
I made him a label and said a silent prayer of thanks that nobody was on the helicopter flight line with
that channel at the time he was by himself on the separate fixed wing flight line. If you don't plan on
outdoor flying with your AeroCopter , this is a non-issue.
After the battery is fully charged, the green light will come on
and the battery is ready to go. As the instructions properly
emphasize, you should turn on the transmitter first with the
throttle in the full low position and the trim all the way back.
Connect the battery and the light on the 4 in 1 controller will
flash for a few seconds and then come on green. You're ready to
fly! The first flight my AeroCopter required quite a bit of trim. I
decided to get the trims neutralized by adjusting the two
pushrods to the swash plate. This is simple to do and is even
detailed in the well written instruction manual.
The AeroCopter was stable and easy to fly, though as with any
fixed pitch helicopter, there are a few things you need to be
aware of. Altitude is controlled solely by the RPM of the main
rotor system. A moderate descent rate is the order of the day
because if you wait too long on a descent to get back on the
power, a collision with the ground is normally the result.
The AeroCopter flew very well inside the house but outside, with
even a moderate breeze, flying was a stick banging affair, and
it was nearly impossible to do any precise flying. Inside, even
the downdraft from the ceiling fan caused the little AeroCopter
to get bounced around. The advertisements indicate the AeroCopter is more aerobatic
but I found that it flew much like any of the other coaxial
helicopters I have flown. I let several new and seasoned
helicopter pilots and even a couple of plank (fixed wing) pilots
have a go at it and everyone with some R/C experience flew it
without any problems.
The AeroCopter did have one annoying tendency that turned up
in flight testing. The gyro trim would constantly change as the
battery discharged. Once I got it trimmed it would hold for 15 or
20 seconds then start drifting again. The trim didn't change
drastically, but it was distracting.
See the ParkFlyer R/C AeroCopter in action!
CLICK HERE
Strike a pose
ParkFlyers R/C AeroCopter is a fun little package. Everything you need with the exception of
transmitter batteries is included, and the helicopter only needs two simple steps to get in the air.
Charge and install the receiver battery, and install the transmitter batteries. The flying characteristics are spirited but stable. It's a pretty good looking model with the 3D style
canopy and tail boom. If you own a larger helicopter but are intimidated by nose in hovering, this
may be just the ticket to get you over the hump or to get some stick time on a rainy day. You should
be realistic in your expectations though; don't expect to fly much outdoors and as with any fixed pitch
helicopter, don't expect anything in the way of aerobatics.
AeroCopter
ParkFlyers R/C
Support Phone: (732) 363-6181
Sales Phone: (800) 470-8932
Website: www.parkflyers.com
email: parkflyers@aol.com
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The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply
generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in
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