All RC  helicopters are controlled by servos – small, electrical devices that allow controlled flight.

Servos In General:

A servo is a device rotates a shaft to a position set by the user, and holds this position until further input is given. Servos usually consist of a small DC (direct current) electric motor, several gears, and a head where an arm or wheel can be attached. When the user tells the servo what angular position to move to, the servo rotates and holds position until further input is specified. Servos are designed to hold position because external forces are always interacting with the aircraft, and would set control surfaces to undesired positions unless stopped. Servos exert a torque on external forces, that prevents them from changing the position of any control surface.

How RC Helicopter Servos Work

A servo’s job is to convert the angular movement of a servo arm to the linear movement of a control surface. This is done by attaching linkages, called control rods to the servo arm and the associated control surface. When the servo head rotates, it pushes the control rod back and forth. The rod is linked to a control surface, and can move it up or down as the servo rotates.

Three wires control a RC helicopter servo: two to provide the DC electricity that the motor needs, and one that sends the signal, controlling the servo. The signal wire works by sending the servo a series of pulses, which are interpreted by it’s internal circuitry. By varying the timing of each pulse, the servo knows exactly which position to move to.

Choosing the Right RC Helicopter Servo

Servos have a number of qualities that make them suitable for different applications:

• Torque – This is a measure of the servos “strength”, or how much “push” it has. Torque is the product of force and the radius at which it acts, or the . This is shown graphically in the figure on the right. Bigger planes need high torque servos to move their large control surfaces. In general, servo size goes up with rated torque.
• Speed - Speed measures how fast the servo can move from one position to another. Different RC airplanes and helicopters will need servos with different speeds. For example: a trainer doesn’t need to change control surface positions rapidly, but a 3D helicopter or plane does. High speed servos are many times more expensive than standard ones.
• Dimensions – As stated previously, the dimensions of a servo increase with the torque that it provides.
• Weight – The weight of a servo depends on several variables. Most often recorded in grams, the weight of a servo is always reported on the package.
• Bearings – There are two ways to support the output shaft of a servo – bearings and brushes. Brushes are cheaper, but bearings last longer and operate more smoothly. Very small and very cheap servos tend to be brushed, while high end and very large servos generally have bearings. It’s possible to upgrade a brushed servo to bearings, with several upgrade kits being available on the internet.
• Gears – Most hobby grade servos use nylon gears, while higher end servos use metal gears. Metal gears add more weight, but their advantage is that they can’t “strip”, causing an RC helicopter or airplane to crash. Metal gears wear over time, which can cause “slop” in their rotation, but the gears can be replaced somewhat economically. In general, nylon servos are adequate for sport flying. If you’re particularly worried about losing a model in a crash, or are flying intense aerobatics, a metal geared servo could be the right choice.

Digital Vs. Standard RC Helicopter Servos

Servos can be of two types: digital, or standard. Both digital and standard servos can be used with a normal receiver, the real difference is performance.

All servos use a series of short pulses as signals that determine what angular position they should maintain. The series of signals is usually very fast, somewhere around 50 pulses per second at maximum. On a standard RC helicopter servo, the rate is so fast that very small movements of the control sticks may not have an affect. This means that there is a “deadband” on the control sticks, in which no servo movement takes place. Although it’s not a problem on trainers and most sport class models, the deadband becomes a significant issue with 3D aircraft. Even a small delay with a 3D aircraft could cause a severe crash.

Digital servos remove the deadband by speeding up the rate at which it receives pulses. Usually, this is increased from around 50 to 300 pulses per second. This increase in resolution allows the servo to operate much more precisely.

RC Servo Motors

The motors that drive RC servos come in several different types. Here’s a list of the most common varieties, and some information on each to help you decide which ones to use:

• Coreless – Conventional electric motors use copper wires wrapped around metal cores to form electromagnets. In a coreless motor, there is a metal mesh that rotates around the permanent magnets. Coreless motors respond more quickly than conventional motors, because they don’t have to overcome the momentum associated with heavy metal cores.
• Brushless – RC helicopter Servos can be powered by brushless motors, giving them longer life, faster response time, and more torque.
• 3 Pole and 5 Pole – DC Electric motors have permanent magnets, called poles, that electromagnets are attracted to. Servo motors can have either 3 or 5 poles, with more poles providing better torque. If you’re new to RC or have a regular sport model, you probably won’t notice the difference between 3 pole and 5 pole servos.

RC Helicopters Fishing

I wouldn’t recommend trying this – you could easily lose your RC helicopter in the drink. Nevertheless, this is an amazing video. It looks like the pilot’s added floats to his heli, just in case he catches a really big fish!

Ultimate 3D Flying – Insane Tricks With RC Helicopters

Here’s a really cool one, that shows what’s possible with a 3D RC helicopter and really great flying skills.

RC Helicopter Crashes Volume 2 – Who Doesn’t Love A Little Destruction?

Every once in a while, it’s cool to see some spectacular crashes. This type of thing happens to everyone – here’s a compilation of some of the worst crashes ever seen! When RC helicopters crash, destruction is usually very quick.

RC Helicopter Direct Drive Turbines

RC Helicopter jet engines spin their axels at far to great a speed to directly hook up to the rotors, so the most obvious way to slow them down is a gear box. In the direct drive design, the turbine shaft is directly connected to a gear box, which slows down it’s rotation speed and powers the main rotors. This is the most obvious and simple design, but it has a few problems that have caused another, more sophisticated one to gain popularity. For example:

1. All the thrust produced by the jet engine is wasted. Because the only work done by the engine comes from it’s main turbine shaft, all the thrust from the engine is left unused. The thrust from the engine is usually channelled outside the RC helicopter.
2. The wasted thrust can lead to unwanted motion. RC jet engines produce a lot of thrust, and forcing it outside the RC helicopter creates unwanted forces that have to be cancelled out.
3. Direct drive jet RC helicopters are very inefficient. Only 20% of the total power produced by the rotor blades actually goes into turning the rotor blades.

With all the problems present in direct drive turbines, most jet RC helicopter enthusiasts are turning to another design:  two stage turbines.

RC Helicopter Two Stage Turbines

Two stage turbines use the thrust produced by the engine, instead of simply venting it as exhaust. Recall that a jet engine has a main turbine shaft, which is used to compress air and keep the engine running. A two stage turbine leaves the first shaft free to spin, and then adds an additional turbine to the end of the engine, where the exhaust is emitted and thrust is produced. The second turbine spins another shaft, which then drives the gearbox that powers the main rotors. What’s the benefit of using two turbines instead of just one? There are actually quite a few:

1. A two stage jet engine is about 80% more efficient than the direct drive design.
2. Less thrust is wasted, so there are fewer unwanted forces caused by venting it.
3. The engine has to carry less load. Overall, it’s better if the jet engine doesn’t have to directly power anything. Harnessing the thrust produced by the engine reduces vibrations and wear.

The only problems with the two stage design are that two stage turbines tend to be heavier than their direct drive counterparts, and they’re also a little more expensive.

1. Remove The Flybar – The first step is to remove the flybar. Snap off the linkage that connects the flybar to the upper rotors, and pull the flybar out of the plastic linkage that holds it.
2. Remove the Old Weights – Using a pair of wire cutters or needle-nose pliers, remove the cylindrical weights found on the ends of the flybar. Make the cut right near the end of the flybar.
3. Add Lighter Weights – Some small beads, like those found in craft stores can be used to make new weights for the flybar. find small beads that weigh about 0.2 grams. Thread two beads onto each end of the flybar, and secure them with CA glue and heat shrink tubing. This picture shows the new flybar weights.
4. Re-Install the Modified Flybar – Put the flybar back on the helicopter.

And that’s all that there is to it! The lighter weights on the flybar reduce the RC helicopters stability slightly, but also make it more responsive to control inputs. You can also try adding a bit of weight to the nose to make the helicopter go faster.

Credit for this idea goes to the author of this rcgroups thread.

Vertical Magazine is the helicopter industries “insider” publication, featuring commentary by some of the industries leading voices. Although they usually feature full scale, piloted helicopter applications, our 1 kg UAV’s features were unique enough to write an article about.

The OPP became the first police service to use RC helicopters for forensic purposes inside city limits. You can learn more about Draganflyer X6 RC helicopters at www.draganfly.com

One of the PD-100’s coolest features is a transmitter with an integrated LCD display. The display shows images gathered from the camera and flight data. The transmitter also logs flight data and can interface with a computer. We expect to hear more about the PD-100’s features by it’s release date in 2010.

The PD-100 isn’t being manufactured yet, but Prox Dynamics expects to start shipping to customers by 2011. No price has been released yet. You can watch the video below to get an idea of how it flies.

How RC Helicopter Jet Engines Work

So how to jet engines work? They’re not actually that complicated, its the precision machining and temperature tolerances that make them expensive. On the most basic level, RC helicopter jet engines work the same way that full size jet engines do. Air enters the jet through an intake, is compressed and mixed with fuel, and then ignited, producing thrust and spinning a turbine. The turbine is connected to the compressor via a shaft, starting the process over again. Air is compressed in the engine because it increases the thrust obtained by burning the fuel air mixture. The end result of this whole process is a lot of hot air travelling out the back of the jet engine at a great speed, which results in thrust.

How does this process get started? After all, if the fuel / air mixture is burnt in the engine, shouldn’t the resulting air flow be able to go out the front and the back? The answer is simple: the jet engine compressor has to be spinning at a speed high enough to create enough pressure at the front of the engine to force the airflow out the back. In order to do this, the engine has to be spun up before starting. This is done by either blowing hot air into the front of the engine with a leaf blower, or spinning it up with a high speed electric starter. In some cases, jet engines have these electric starters built in. There’s only one more problem: in order to combust, the fuel must be in a gaseous state. Kerosene, the most commonly used jet fuel, is liquid at room temperature. To solve this, propane is used as fuel when starting the engine. Propane is a gas at room temperature, so it can enter the engine and combust right away. Once the engine is hot enough, the propane is turned off and the kerosene introduced.

Once started, we need some way to control the jet engines thrust. This requires precision control of the amount of fuel entering the engine, handled by a device called the ECU – engine control unit. The ECU is just a small computer that controls and monitors various engine functions, including:

• the turbine speed, usually measured in RPM (rotations per minute)
• the throttle command from the transmitter
• the fuel pump’s battery voltage
• the exhaust gas temperature (EGT)
• the total engine run time

Jet ECUs usually have a number of advanced features and fail safes built in for safety.

In  the next article, we’ll look at how RC jet engines are used to power RC helicopters.

• Comes in three different colors, green/purple, yellow/orange, and blue/orange
• Uses A 50mAh 3.7V Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery
• Battery Charge Time: 15-20 minutes
• Flight time: 5-9 minutes
• The battery charger is built into the transmitter.
• Compatible with standard mini helicopter parts

All the standard mini helicopter modifications can be done with the Havoc Stinger. Add weights to the nose or tail to make it go forwards or backwards more quickly. The Havoc Stinger is not a knock-off, and was made by the same company that makes the successful PicooZ RC helicopter.

Included with the Blade MCX

The Blade MCX includes everything you need to fly, right out of the box. Here’s what’s included:

• The Blade MCX RTF Micro RC Helicopter
• A 2.4 Ghz, DSM-2, Spread Spectrum Transmitter (Including 4 AA Batteries)
• A Portable Lipo Battery Charger (Including 4 AA Batteries)
• 1 cell, 3.7 volt, 110 mAh lipo battery (removable)
• A Small Screwdriver
• Some Extra Canopy Securing Rings

The Blade MCX is great for beginner pilots, because you don’t have to purchase any additional parts. The
Blade MCX is also well suited to pilots with previous RC helicopter experience, for flying indoors and during the winter months.

Main Helicopter Features

One of the coolest features of the Blade MCX is it’s proportional, four channel radio. Four channel control means that pilots can fly the helicopter with four dimensions of freedom. The Blade MCX can fly up/down, rotate left/right, pitch forwards/backwards, and bank left/right. Having a four channel radio system lets you precisely control the Blade MCX’s movement through all three dimensions. With a rotor diameter of 7.5 inches, and a length of 7.9 inches, it can easily fit into the palm of your hand. It is very uncommon to find RC helicopters of this size and price range with four channel control.

The Blade MCX features a coaxial rotor design. This coaxial design gives the helicopter great flight stability, and removes the need for a separate tail rotor to control yaw (rotation about the main rotor
axis). The main rotors spin in opposite directions, cancelling out any torque caused by their rotation. Coaxial RC helicopters are great for flying indoors, because they are very stable and so can be controlled with great precision.

The Blade MCX uses a tiny 1 cell lithium polymer battery for power. Unlike most micro RC helicopters, the battery is removable and interchangeable. Each cell provides 3.7 volts of power with a capacity
of 110 mAh (Milli ampere hours). You charge the battery using the included base station, which runs off four “AA” alkaline batteries. A typical charge takes about 30 minutes and provides an average flight time of 6 to 8 minutes. Because the battery is interchangeable, we recommend that you purchase an extra so that you can use one while the other is charging.

The Blade MCX uses a genuine Spektrum DS-2 type radio system. The helicopter radio is fully compatible with many other DS-2 transmitters, including the:

• Spektrum DX5e
• Spektrum DX6i
• Spektrum DX7
• JR X9303
• JR 12X

Modular radios which have Spectrum modules will also work with the Blade MCX. Please note that the Spektrum DX6 is not compatible.

Spread Spectrum radios greatly reduce the chance of any radio interference from other aircraft of sources. It also uses a short transmitter antenna, allowing the transmitter to fit in a small and sleek container.

The Blade MCX Transmitters are all mode 2, meaning that throttle and rudder are controlled with the left stick and pitch and roll with the right. The transmitter throttle stick is not spring loaded, so it remains at the position that it was last set to. Most RC helicopter pilots prefer this, as it allows you to remove pressure on the throttle stick while hovering. The radio has a dual rate feature, which allows you to choose how fast the helicopter responds to your commands. Beginners should start with mode 1, which can be set by pressing down on the right control stick and holding until the red light starts blinking. Setting the transmitter to mode 2 is done the same way.

Weighing only 1 ounce, the blade MCX is virtually crash proof. A sudden drop from a few feet above the ground won’t damage it, and in most cases minor collisions with walls are not a problem. Although it is not indestructible, the Blade MCX’s durability makes it an ideal present for anyone over 12 years of age.

If you want to get into the exciting world of RC helicopters, the Blade MXC makes a great starting place. It will show you all the basics of RC helicopter flight, and can be used as a starting place to more advanced models. If you’re already an experienced RC helicopter pilot, you’ll like the Blade MCX’s control and stability. Watch our site for tutorials on the Blade MCX, including a how to for installing replacement parts.

Setting up A Workbench for Building RC Helicopters

The very first, and most important thing you can do when you start building RC helicopters is to set up a proper work area. Having a good place to build your RC helicopters makes the process more enjoyable, and can improve the final result. Here’s a checklist that you can go through when setting up a new work area.

1. Get A Good Work Bench – A good work bench has a large, flat top which is free of cracks and holes where small parts and dust can collect. Pre made work benches are available at most hardware stores, but you can make one relatively inexpensivly by setting a large piece of particle board on a pair of saw-horses. The saw horses can be made from 2X4 beams of wood. You don’t have to screw the top onto the saw horses, it’s weight should hold it on sufficiently. This way you can dismantle the table for cleaning or storage when you’re not using it.
2. Add Proper Lighting – Add a good, bright light to your workbench. Working in the dark is hard on one’s eyes, and a good light will help you see small screws and parts.
3. Get Some Shelves for Storage – Keep your tools organized by putting them in plastic or wood shelves, available from almost any
   hardware store.
4. Add a Sturdy Chair – You’ll probably be sitting at your workbench for seceral hours at a time. Use a comfortable chair, which sits at about table height.

Building RC helicopters requires some special tools, and the instructions should list the ones that you need. Here’s a short list of the most common tools that should be kept handy when building RC helicopters.

• A set of Metric Allen Wrenches and Drivers – Most of the screws and bolts found on RC helicopters are metric, so having a good set of screwdrivers is a must.
• Ball Link Pliers – Ball links are used to join the servos to the control surfaces in RC helicotpers. Their installation and removal requires a set of ball link pliers, which you can get from any local hobby store. This is one of the most inexpensive, and useful tools you can get for building RC helicopters, a typical pair costs only around $10.
• Thread Lock Compound – It’s a good idea to secure bolts with a small touch of thread lock compound while building. This prevents any of them from vibrating loose when you’re flying your RC helicopters. Note that not all bolts require thread lock, especially those that go through plastic and other composite materials.
• Hobby Knives – You’ll need a good hobby knife to cut things with when building RC helicopters.

Now that you’ve got a good place to work and the tools you need, here are some tips to help you through the building process:

• Read the Manual – This one seems like a no-brainer, but the vast majority of problems that first time builder encounter are caused by not reading the manual carefully. Read the section you’re working on, then read it again. Only proceed with building a part when you’re sure you understand the instructions.
• Start the Canopy First – Some builders prefer to work on the RC helicopters canopy before anything else, because it’s one of the
  most labor instensive parts and can take a long time to build. Canopies usually require cutting, sanding, painting, applying decals, and finishing. When you’re applying decals, first spray the canopy with window cleaner. This will let you slide the decal into place, and the decal will only start to stick when pressed down. Once it’s in place, lightly squeeze the cleaner out from under the decal and wipe it away.
• Building the Main Frame – Follow the instructions carefully, and build the main frame. Movable parts should be lightly lubricated
  and moving freely.
• Rotor Head – Sometimes, rotor heads come pre assembled. Remove a bolt to see if the manufacturer used thread lock compound when they built the rotor head. If they didn’t, thread lock should be applied to every screw and bolt in the rotor head. Adjust the mesh (the interface between two gears) between the motor and main rotors to minimize friction.
• Stop the Muffler from Vibrating Off – Losing a muffler in flight is somthing you definately want to avoid. Besides checking that it’s tightly bolted to the engine before each flight, you can use small lock washers on the long bolts that attach the engine to the muffler. High temperature thread lock compound can also be used.
• Adjust the Belt Drive – Tail rotors are commonly powered by belt drives on RC helicopters. Adjust the tension in the belt drive so
  that it moves as freely as possible.
• Lubricate Ball Links – Ball links need to rotate freely, and can be lubricated with petroleum jelly.

Follow these tips and your RC helicopters instructions carefully, and you’ll end up with a result you can be proud of. Have fun building and flying your RC helicopters!

Now that you’ve got a good place to work and the tools you need, here are some tips to help you through the building process:

One of the leading magazines in the RC helicopter industry, Rotory Modeler, has done a 20 page, user review of the Draganflyer X6 UAV. The review discusses all aspects of this unmanned aerial vehicle, including applications, construction quality, flying properties, and the included flight accessories. The X6  got a rave review, with the authors citing it’s simplicity, functionality, and versatility.

The reviewers were impressed with our optional FLIR infrared video camera, being able to see in the dark and see  people and other objects from a great distance. Here’s what the reviewers had to say:

Thermal Infrared cameras used to be large, cooled units that required a large amount of electricity to operate.  Camera technology has advanced to the point where a FLIR camera can be economically installed on a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) such as the Draganflyer X6.

The reviewers also liked the build quality and design simplicity of the X6, commenting:

“When you remove the X-6 from the case you can immediately appreciate the simplicity of the design, making this a very robust and easy to maintain aircraft.”

The reviewers were very impressed with the bright OLED display screen built in to the transmitter. You can see the screen clearly, even in direct sunlight, ensuring that you don’t miss critical flight information due to glare.

All in all, the Draganflyer X6 got a fantastic review. You can read the review by picking up a copy of the May/June 2009 issue of Rotory Magazine, available from Rotary Magazine’s Web Site and most hobby stores.

Identification Constable Marc Sharpe of the Kenora Identification Services Unit, Ontario Provincial Police with Draganflyer X6.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (PRWEB) March 26, 2009 — From the pages of Popular Science Magazine’s “Top 100 Innovations of the Year“, Draganfly Innovations’ Draganflyer X6 UAV RC Helicopter has made the significant leap to commercial utilization.

The six-rotor, one kilogram, electric, VTOL, UAV helicopter designed for aerial photography and videography was used by the Forensic Identification Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on February 21, 2009 to collect evidence in a homicide investigation in a remote area outside of Kenora, Ontario, Canada. This represented the first operational mission of a federally approved, commercially produced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle by an emergency service in North America.

Then, in March, 2009, the Saskatoon Police Service announced that it will follow suit, becoming the first urban police service in North America to utilize the Draganflyer X6 Police UAV for aerial forensic purposes within city limits.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles such as Draganfly’s Draganflyer X6 helicopter are subject to Transport Canada aviation regulations. Prior to the Saskatoon Police Service being able to test the Draganflyer X6, Transport Canada officials were in Saskatoon for a flight demonstration, to undertake their standard risk assessment testing, and discuss technical issues with Draganfly Innovations.

Under the Special Flight Operations Certificate granted by Transport Canada, Draganfly Innovations personnel will operate the Draganflyer X6 Police UAV Helicopter while Saskatoon Police Service personnel will operate the cameras used for forensic support.

The use of UAVs goes back to the 1950’s with the military, but only recently has it evolved into police applications. One of the innovators was Identification Constable Marc Sharpe of the Kenora Identification Services unit of the Ontario Provincial Police.

The Ontario Provincial Police's Draganflyer X6 UAV helicopter captures high resolution aerial photographs of major case scenes. The Draganflyer X6's onboard camera has remote controlled zoom, tilt and shutter. Typically, one police officer controls the UAV and another operates the camera controls.

“Having used a fixed wing UAV since 2007, I could see the potential for great benefits to our forensic support operations. It gave us the ability to collect aerial evidence quickly and at minimum cost,” states Sharpe. “However, it also became apparent that in order to improve and expand operational effectiveness, an optimal UAV would need certain attributes. It would need to be small and light, have Vertical Take Off and Landing VTOL capabilities, have a GPS hold system while hovering, be constructed of exceptionally strong materials and be completely transportable.”

The Draganflyer X6 met all Sharpe’s requirements for a Police VTOL UAV. Sharpe continued, “The Draganflyer X6 enables us to economically obtain high quality aerial photos of major case scenes in a timely fashion.”

About Draganfly Innovations Inc.:
Draganfly Innovations Inc. has been manufacturing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles including radio controlled helicopters, airplanes, and airships for the past eleven years. From toys to industrial tools for police and military, Draganfly Innovations Inc. strives for optimum performance and ease of use. Draganfly’s innovative products have been featured on CNN Headline News, MSNBC, Discovery Channel, and in magazines and newspapers such as Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Gizmodo.com, WIRED, GQ, Stuff, Maxim, The New York Times, and The London Times. All Draganflyer helicopters, including the new Draganflyer X6 are exclusively available from Draganfly Innovations Inc.

Draganfly president Zenon Dragan flies a mini-helicopter with a camera mounted on it for police to do aerial photography of crime scenes and accident scenes. Photograph by: Gord Waldner, Star Phoenix, Saskatchewan News Network; Canwest News Service

The Draganflyer X6 Helicopter is the first North American, federally approved, commercially manufactured UAV legal for use by emergency services in North America. The Saskatoon Police and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will begin using the Draganflyer X6 in police investigations.

The Draganflyer X6 is a small remote-control helicopter, which uses six horizontal blades, and a built-in camera for aerial photography and HD video. Up until now, police have had to rely on beam trucks to take aerial photographs and capture images of an entire collision scene.

“Say we have a major artery blocked in excess of eight hours… with this we hope that we can do all our measurements and free that freeway up within half the period of time.”

Read the entire story published by the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, the Regina Leader-Post, and the Calgary Herald newspapers on March 10th, 2009.

Thursday, Dec 4, 2008
noon – 8:00pm

Friday, Dec 5, 2008
noon – 8:00pm

Saturday, Dec 6, 2008
11:00am – 8:00pm

Sunday, Dec 7, 2008
11:00am – 4:00pm

Gizmodo Gallery
Reed Annex
151 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002, USA

Attend via Webcam
See what’s going on from the comfort of your chair by logging into the Gizmodo Gallery Live Streaming Webcam.

What else is at Gizmodo Gallery?
A ton of cool stuff! See the complete list of Gizmodo gallery items.

PRWeb:

Draganflyer X6 Helicopter Wins Popular Science’s Best of What’s New 2008 – Aviation & Space

Draganflyer X6 helicopter wins the Popular Science Best of What’s New 2008 award in the Aviation & Space category. The Draganflyer X6 helicopter is a remotely controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to carry a wireless video camera.

For 20 years, Popular Science’s Best of What’s New awards honor the innovations that make a positive impact on life today and change our views of the future PopSci’s editors evaluate thousands of products each year to develop this thoughtful list, there’s no higher accolade Popular Science can give

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (PRWEB) November 11, 2008 — The Draganflyer X6 six-rotor helicopter has just been announced as a winner of the Best of What’s New 2008 award in the Aviation & Space category. This award acknowledges the Draganflyer X6 as a breakthrough product representing a significant leap forward in technology in its class. Each year thousands of new and innovative products are considered for this award. Winners are selected based on the potential to improve our way of life or to change the way we think about the future.

Draganflyer X6 Helicopter, Best of What’s New Winner, Aviation & Space

The Draganflyer X6 is a six-rotor electric helicopter designed to carry a high-resolution wireless video camera for uses such as industrial inspection, military reconnaissance, and aerial photography. Measuring 36 inches (99cm) across, the Draganflyer X6 helicopter weighs 2.2lb (1kg). What makes the Draganflyer X6 helicopter special is the advanced technology that controls its flight and allows it to be piloted with minimal training. Unlike conventional remotely operated helicopters, the Draganflyer X6 will hover stably even with the pilot’s hands removed from the controls. A conventional remote control helicopter would crash under the same conditions, requiring constant user input for stability (flying a conventional RC helicopter has been described as being similar to balancing a basketball on the end of a broomstick). The advanced technology used in the Draganflyer X6 helicopter consists of eleven sensors monitored by an onboard processor running over 10,000 lines of code. The sensors include three accelerometers, three gyroscopes, three magnetometers, one barometric (air pressure) sensor, and a GPS receiver. The Draganflyer X6 determines its orientation and position, easily moving where the operator directs it, handling all of the complex attitude and altitude adjustments on its own.

Best of What’s New awards are presented each year to the top 100 products in 11 categories. “For 20 years, Popular Science’s Best of What’s New awards honor the innovations that make a positive impact on life today and change our views of the future,” says Mark Jannot, Editor-in-Chief of Popular Science. “PopSci’s editors evaluate thousands of products each year to develop this thoughtful list, there’s no higher accolade Popular Science can give”. Other Best of What’s New 2008 award winners in the category of Aviation & Space include the NASA Mars Lander and the Boeing Advanced Tactical Laser.

The Draganflyer X6 helicopter features an optional GPS hold function that allows it to maintain its position in the air, freeing the pilot to focus on other tasks such as aerial photography. The Draganflyer X6 helicopter uses interchangeable cameras: A 1080p high-definition video camera, a low light video camera, a thermal infrared camera, and a high-resolution digital still camera. A viewfinder signal is transmitted wirelessly from the helicopter, received by an embedded video receiver in the handheld controller and displayed on video glasses, allowing the user to see what the helicopter sees. The camera mount can be tilted by remote control.

All of the Best of What’s New 2008 winners can be viewed in the December issue of Popular Science available now.

About Draganfly Innovations Inc.:
Draganfly Innovations Inc. has been manufacturing radio controlled helicopters, airplanes, and airships for the past ten years. From toys to industrial tools for police and military, Draganfly Innovations Inc. strives for optimum performance and ease of use. Draganfly’s innovative products have been featured on CNN Headline News, MSNBC, Discovery Channel, and in magazines and newspapers such as Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, GQ, Stuff, Maxim, The New York Times, and The London Times. All Draganflyer helicopters, including the new Draganflyer X6 are exclusively available from Draganfly Innovations Inc. www.draganfly.com

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Industrial 6-Rotor Unmanned Helicopter Provides High Definition Wireless Video and High Resolution Photographs

Draganfly Innovations releases the Draganflyer X6 helicopter. This remotely operated, unmanned, miniature helicopter is designed to carry wireless video cameras and still cameras.

The ease with which this helicopter can be piloted is the most revolutionary feature of the Draganflyer X6

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (PRWEB) August 27, 2008, Draganfly Innovations announced the launch of the Draganflyer X6 helicopter, a miniature aircraft for commercial/industrial aerial video and photography. The Draganflyer X6 helicopter is easy to fly, capable of operating autonomously, and has an appearance that is nothing like a conventional helicopter. The unique design utilizes six main horizontal rotor blades and allows the Draganflyer X6 helicopter to hover efficiently and maneuver rapidly using differential thrust.

Draganflyer X6 Helicopter

Remotely controlled aircraft are available for many purposes, and most fall into a class somewhere between toys and the high quality models piloted by hobbyists. Beyond this class is a large gap approaching the point where full size aircraft must be used to achieve tasks such as commercial photography and industrial inspection. In the past this gap was filled by model aircraft with additional equipment grafted on, which required skilled and trained pilots to operate. Draganfly Innovations has created a better alternative; a purpose built self-stabilizing multiple rotor helicopter specifically designed for filming high definition video and photographing high-resolution aerial pictures.

The Draganflyer X6 is a fully functional miniature unmanned electric powered helicopter. Aimed at industrial and commercial use, it provides reconnaissance and inspection information using on-board wireless video and still cameras. The Draganflyer X6 helicopter is able to fly autonomously or can be flown manually by remote control. The Draganflyer X6 helicopter achieves its stability by using an on-board processor running more than ten thousand lines of code and receiving data from eleven on-board sensors (three gyros, three accelerometers, three magnetometers, one barometric pressure sensor, and one GPS receiver). It can be piloted by users with minimal or zero training. The Draganflyer X6 helicopter determines its own orientation and motion and moves where the operator instructs it, automatically handling the complex attitude and altitude adjustments that would ordinarily require a practiced pilot. “The ease with which this helicopter can be piloted is the most revolutionary feature of the Draganflyer X6″ says company president, Zenon Dragan.

The Draganflyer X6 helicopter can be put into GPS hold mode where it will maintain its position without any user input. This means that after activating GPS hold, the pilot can set the handheld controller on the ground while the Draganflyer X6 helicopter flies itself. This mode will allow the user to focus on other tasks such as aerial photography from the Draganflyer X6 helicopter.

The Draganflyer X6 helicopter uses interchangeable cameras, covering different areas of use. A high definition video camera provides 1080p resolution. For dawn and dusk use, there is a low light (0.0001lux) video camera. For night use or search and rescue, the thermal FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red) camera provides heat vision. High-resolution photographs can be captured with the 10.1 mega-pixel digital still camera. When using any of the camera modules, a viewfinder video signal is streamed wirelessly back to the operator for real-time viewing on video glasses. The camera mount tilts by remote control, and the helicopter can pan side to side or in a circle.

The Draganflyer X6 helicopter uses six custom designed high efficiency carbon fiber rotors and direct drive brushless motors which result in a quiet and maintenance free helicopter. The Draganflyer X6 helicopter weighs 1kg and has a payload capacity of 500 grams.

Durability and safety have been incorporated into the design of the Draganflyer X6 helicopter. With dual motors on each of the three arms, even if an in-flight collision causes one of the motors or rotors to stop working, the Draganflyer X6 helicopter will still be able to keep flying using the remaining five motors. This ability to fly with a missing motor or rotor is not found in any other comparable helicopter. Other safety features include bright LED navigation lights for safe flying at a distance or in darkness, and automatic self-landing if the radio link controlling the helicopter is lost. An on-board flight recorder (black box) stores telemetry and flight data in a removable memory card, and can be used for post flight analysis.

The Draganflyer X6 helicopter is flown using a custom designed handheld controller with a 2.8″ color OLED touchscreen that displays telemetry and flight data. The handheld controller also receives streaming video sent by the Draganflyer X6 helicopter and passes this to the video goggles, enabling the operator to view what the helicopter is seeing while also keeping an eye on the helicopter itself.

Additional information, pictures, and videos are available from the Draganfly Innovations web site: www.draganfly.com

At about $20 for a set of two, these micro RC helicopters are a great deal. Each micro heli has an infrared controller and integrated charger. Like most inexpensive RC helicopters, the Micro Bullets lack any gyroscopic stabilization. Instead, they use a weighted flybar to stabilize the main rotors and control flight path.

Apparently, the Micro Bullets can reach an altitude of 50 feet. This seems unlikely, as the infrared controls that they use have a range of only about 10 feet. The Micro Bullets also feature a channel selector, allowing up to three micro helis to fly at the same time.

Not much sets the Micro Bullets apart from other products, but the extremely low price is definitely a selling point.

• Canopy – The canopy off your rc helicopter and check it for cracks and other defects. If your canopy was glued together from two halves, make sure that it’s not splitting at the seam. If the canopy mounting holes are enlarged from vibration then they won’t hold screws well. Fix this by placing large washers between the screws and the canopy.
• Servo Tray – Make sure that the servo tray isn’t cracked, and that it’s fastened securely to the fuselage.
• Frame – Ensure that all bolts and screws are tight. If you find any that have vibrated loose, tighten them with a screwdriver and secure them using a thread locking compound.
• Bearings – Bearings are moving parts, so they wear out over time. Make sure that they move freely and lubricate / replace them as needed.
• Landing Gear - Check the landing gear for any signs of stress or damage. If bolts are loose, be sure to tighten them and hold them in place with thread lock.
• Tail Boom – Depending on the type of RC helicopter you have, check the belt or the shaft for signs of wear. If you’re storing the RC helicopter for a long period of time release the belt drive tension.
• Fuel Tank - Be sure to drain all the fuel in the tank, then dissasemble it and make sure that the fuel lines are secure and that the clunk can swing freely.
• Gear Box – Disassemble the tail rotor gear box and lubricate each part. tighten any loose screws.
• Batteries – There are many different opinions about storing and caring for rechargeable batteries. In general: don’t over discharge your cells, store at a 50 percent charge, and cycle regularly to gauge performance. Batteries should be replaced after their performance begins to decrease. If you want to store your batteries over the winter, keep them inside where it’s warm. No battery reacts well to freezing.
• Rubber Grommets – The rubber grommets that servos are mounted to can dry out over time. Prevent this by lightly coating them with petroleum jelly.
• Servo Arms – Check all the servo arms and make sure that none are cracked.
• Clevises – Make sure that the clevises are securely fastened to the servo horns. You can secure the clevises by slipping a small piece of fuel tubing over the closed clevises.

We hope that these tips help you keep your RC helicopters performing well.

This is an impressive set of features for an RC helicopter in it’s price range. This list illustrates why the AD Caliber is different from the many toy RC helicopters being sold today:

• 2.4 Ghz Radio System – Unlike the infra red control systems used by cheap micro helis, a 2.4 Ghz radio system is immune to interference and also has an increased range.
• Lithium Polymer Battery – The AD Caliber uses a lithium polymer battery, allowing fast charge times and long flight times.
• Cyclic Control – Unlike many mini RC helicopters, the AD Caliber’s rotor blades can change pitch. This allows the RC helicopter to be extremely maneuverable and fly with great precision.
• Small Size – The AD Caliber is about the same size as a conventional mini heli, letting you fly it almost anywhere.

All of these features make the AD Caliber a great bargain for it’s projected $240 price tag.

Mode 1 RC Helicopter Radio Transmitter

On a mode 1 RC helicopter radio transmitter, the left stick controls fore and aft cyclic and left / right yaw, and the right stick controls the throttle and left / right cyclic.

Mode 2 RC Helicopter Radio Transmitter

On a mode 2 RC helicopter radio transmitter, the left stick controls the throttle and left / right yaw, and the right stick controls the fore / aft cyclic and left / right cyclic.

Mode 3 RC Helicopter Radio Transmitter

On a mode 3 RC helicopter radio transmitter, the left stick controls fore/aft cyclic and left/right cyclic, and the right stick operates the throttle and left / right yaw.

Mode 4 RC Helicopter Radio Transmitter

On a mode 4 RC helicopter transmitter, the left stick controls the throttle and left/right cyclic, and the right stick controls the fore/aft cyclic and left/right yaw.

Unlike conventional PPM (pulse position modulation) and PCM (pulse code modulation) radio systems which operate on distinct channels, spread spectrum radios broadcast over a large range of channels simultaniously. These channels are all members of the 2.4 Ghz band, which removes them from the frequencies often used by other radio devices. Because of this, spread spectrum radio systems are not affected by the interference caused by non RC radio systems.

Spread Spectrum technology also eliminates the need for frequency control. Spread spectrum radio systems broadcast over a multitude of radio frequencies, and the user is never aware of what they are. This works because:

1. The transmitter is assigned a unique identification code when it is built.
2. The radio receiver is programmed to seek and lock to this same code.
3. After the transmitter is turned on, it encodes the signals it sends with its identification code.
4. The receiver searches for this code, and locks to the frequencies that the transmitter is operating on.

Each identification code is unique, which means that no other radio system in the world uses it. Because of this, the individual frequencies that the radio is operating on are irrelevant, so many spread spectrum radios can operate simultaneously.

The most noticeable consequence of this technology is that spread spectrum radios are immune to radio interference. Spread spectrum radios also allow an extremely fast servo response time, because the entire encoding, decoding, and execution of radio commands happens in milliseconds.

Spread spectrum technology is becoming more prevelant in RC radio systems, and will shortly replace conventional FM radio systems entirely.

Using a Commercial Balancer

Using a commercial RC helicopter blade balancer (available at most hobby stores) is the easiest and most accurate way to balance your rotor blades. If you don’t mind paying at least 40 to 60 dollars, then we recommend this method over the “hombrew” method listed below.

Checking Dynamic Rotor Blade Balance

Before you check the static balance of the rotor blades, you will have to check the dynamic balance. You will need the following supplies:

1. Pocket Knife
2. Sharp Pencil
3. Tape

Follow this procedure to check the dynamic balance of your rotor blades:

1. Set the knife on a flat surface.
2. Remove the rotor blades from the RC helicopter, and balance one of them on the knife blade.
3. Using the pencil, mark the balance point on the blade, being careful not to move it and upset the balance.
4. Repeat for the other rotor blade.
5. Place the blades on top of each other, and check the relative positions of your balance marks.

If the balance marks are more than 1 millimeter away from each other, then the dynamic balance of the rotor blades will have to be adjusted. Do this by the following procedure:

1. Place the blades on top of each other.
2. Transfer the mark closest to the root of the blades to the other rotor blade.
3. Balance the blade with two marks on the knife, and add tape to it’s root as needed to get it to balance on the new mark.

Your rotor blades should now be balanced dynamically. The next section will show you how to statically balance them.

Statically Balancing Rotor Blades

Follow this procedure to statically balance your RC helicopter rotor blades:

1. Obtain two right angle metal brackets from your local hardware store.
2. Remove your RC helicopters rotor blade holder from the rotor head.
3. Straighten the rotor blades, like they would be in flight.
4. Set the rotor blade holder on the pair of right angle brackets, resting on the balls.
5. Observer the rotor blade assembly. If it tips over then add tape to the lighter rotor blades center of gravity.

After completing the above procedures, your RC helicopter rotor blades should be properly balanced.

• Secure Radio Components With Velcro – Rubber bands are frequently used to secure RC helicopter radio components. Rubber bands stretch and loosen under stress. You can help secure your radio components by adding Velcro strips, which keep the rubber bands from being stressed too much.
• Easy Switch Marking – RC helicopter radio transmitters have many switches, and remembering which switch does what can be difficult. Fix this problem by slipping different colored fuel tubing over each switch so that you can tell between them at a glance.
• Keep Your Clevises Closed – Almost every RC helicopter uses plastic or nylon clevises to connect servos to their respective control surfaces. You can ensure that they never come undone in flight by slipping small pieces of fuel tubing over the closed clevises.
• Avoid Plastic Swelling – Many plastics swell and distort when introduced to light oil lubricants. If you need to lubricate plastic parts use petroleum jelly to lubricate them.
• Tail Boom Guide Adjustment – RC helicopters use guides to support the tail rotor pushrod. If these guides aren’t aligned properly there will be excessive friction between the pushrod and tail boom. Prevent this problem by carefully adjusting the tail boom guides so that they’re perfectly straight.
• Avoid Double Sided Tape Residue – Many RC helicopter servos are secured with highly adhesive double sided tape. Double sided tape secures servos to the fuselage well, but it can leave a sticky residue when removed. Prevent this by applying scotch tape to the servo case before applying the double sided tape.
• Extend the Needle Valve – If you fly a fuel powered RC heli, then you will need to adjust the mixture using a needle valve. Unfortunately, engines are mounted inside the RC helicopter and can be hard to reach – especially while running. Make your needle valve more accessible by attaching a piece of wire, and routing it outside the fuselage. Make a 90 degree bend at the end of the wire. This let’s you adjust the needle valve by turning the wire, and keeps your hands away from the rotor blades.
• Extend the Power Switch – Reaching the power switch can be hard if it’s mounted inside the helicopter fuselage. Fix this the same way that you extended the needle valve: simply attach a wire, bend one end at 90 degrees, and then route it outside the fuselage.
• Extent the Vertical Fin – RC helicopters use vertical fins to prevent the tail rotor from hitting the ground. If you fly from a grass field, the vertical fin can sink into the runway and damage the tail rotors. Prevent this by adding a piece of wire to the bottom of the bottom of the vertical fin, so that the helicopter rests on it when landed.
• Keep Metal Parts Lubricated – Metal parts wear out after excessive usage. Maximize their lifespan by lubricating them with a light oil.
• Reroute the Charging Cable – You can make it easier to charge your RC helicopters batteries by routing the charging cable outside the fuselage, and attaching it to one landing skid with cable ties.

We hope that these tips make flying your RC helicopter even more enjoyable.

RC helicopter blades are balanced along their vertical axis before flight, but they can still travel through the air in a less than optimal path. If the rotor blades have slightly different shapes, then each blade will try to follow a different path while spinning. You can check to see if your RC helicopter’s rotor blades are tracking properly by following this procedure:

1. Get a friend that is willing to help you balance your model.
2. Mark one rotor tip with bright adhesive tape.
3. Have your friend hold the transmitter, while you hold the model so that the rotor blades are at eye level.
4. Be careful not to hold the blades too close to your face, and have your friend increase throttle to full.
5. Watch the rotor blades edge on. If you only see one profile, then they are tracking correctly. If you see two then they will have to be corrected.

Fortunately, there is a simple and cost effective way to fix badly tracking rotor blades. If you have a collective pitch helicopter, then you should be able to adjust the pitch of each rotor blade. A fixed pitch RC helicopter can be balanced by adding tape between the top surface of the rotor blade and the root holder. You can also try gently flexing one rotor blade to increase the camber of its airfoil.

The Hirobo XRB shuttle measures 36 cm in length, 160 cm in height, and has a main rotor diameter of 160 cm. This small form factor let’s it fly indoors easily. The Hirobo mini shuttle weighs only 165 grams, and includes a lipo balance charger.

The Megatech Micro Flyer includes a charger that is built right into the transmitter. This lets you charge the RC helicopter on the field, maximizing flying time.

A simple to use transmitter operates on the radio band, not the line of sight infra red frequency that is often used with micro helicopters. The transmitter also uses buttons instead of sticks, requiring less skill to operate precisely.

The Megatech Micro Flyer uses a coaxial design, giving it good flight stability. A separate tail rotor is used to control yaw.

The Megatech Micro Flyer is a great, easy to fly electric RC helicopter for beginners. You can read more about it on it’s website

Prevent Building Errors

When building the RC helicopter, it is imperative that you follow all of the manufacturers instructions. Not only will this give you a more enjoyable building experience, but it will also increase the chance of a successful first flight.

• Use a thread locking compound on each bolt that does not have a lock washer. This prevents bolts from vibrating loose during flight.
• Make all bolts and screws tight, but not tight enough to strip screws or round off screwdrivers. Over tightening screws and bolts can cause structural damage to the RC helicopter.
• Keep the different radio wires of your RC helicopter away from moving parts.
• Lubricate all moving parts.
• Route the antenna wire through the RC helicopter in such a way that it does not get tangled or caught in any parts of the RC helicopter. Losing a part of the antenna in flight can cause a crash.
• The power switch should be oriented so that it cannot accidentally be turned off. If the switch is mounted horizontally, make sure that the on position is towards the back. If the switch is mounted vertically, the up position should turn the RC helicopter on.

While At the Flying Field

When you are at the flying field, follow these tips to ensure your and others safety.

• If you are flying at a club, then there should be a frequency board with clips attached. Before you ever turn on your radio system, make sure that your pin is on the board, next to your radio frequency. This prevents conflicts between different RC helicopters, ensuring everyones safety.
• Keep a first aid kit in the car, or leave one where everyone can find it.
• Remove the main rotor blades before you start the engine for the first time. This will prevent them from spinning and causing injury if the engine starts at a high throttle setting.
• Perform a full range check of your radio equipment before each flight, according to your radio systems instructions.

Starting the Engine

Starting the engine and carrying the RC helicopter out to the runway is one of the most dangerous parts of any flight. Following these tips will help keep you safe.

• Make sure that both the transmitter and receiver are on before starting the engine.
• Hold on to the rotor head to prevent it from moving, if the engine starts to move the rotors.
• Make sure that the throttle hold and idle up setting on the transmitter are off.
• Keep the transmitter neck strap away from the throttle lever.

While Flying

• Keep the RC helicopter away from other aircraft and people.
• Use sunglasses on a bright day, so that you don’t lose the helicopter in the Sun.
• Stand 15 to 20 feet away from the RC helicopter when flying.
• Fly with a friend, so that he/she can help you if there is an accident.

After flying, clean the RC helicopter throughly and pack all of your tools neatly. This will help make sure that you don’t lose anything, and will keep your RC helicopter in good condition and ready for the next flight.

• Graphite chassis
• Metal rotor head
• Adjustable motor head mixing
• Graphite main rotor grips
• Molded canopy

There are many different 450 size RC helicopters on the market, but Miniature Aircraft sets itself apart by providing outstanding quality in its products. The bandit is no different, and is remarkably easy to assemble.

When you want to take your electric RC helicopter flying to the next level, the Miniature Aircraft X-Cell Bandit 450 is an excellent choice.

• A Spectrum 2.4 Ghz radio system
• A heading hold gyroscope
• A three cell 11.1 volt, 800 Mah lithium polymer battery
• Three digital, sub micro servos coupled to a swashplate (120 degree control)

The Blade CP Pro 2 provides full cyclic collective pitch control – driven by three digital servos linked to an included mixer. Because of this the Blade CP Pro 2 is a sophisticated RC helicopter – best flown
by experienced pilots.

A powerful 370 sized brushed electric motor provides more than enough power for the RC helicopter, and the N60 tail rotor provides rapid control response.

The Blade CP Pro 2 is a great RC helicopter, packed full of features that any experienced RC helicopter pilot will appreciate.

forwards/backwards.) It does this by angling the tail rotor blades so that they face outwards from each other. When one tail rotor is spun, it will turn the RC helicopter, but when both are spun, they create an upwards or downwards flow of air. This allows the RC helicopter to climb and descend on the pilots command.

The Micro Nano’s design is based on the popular Black Ghost RC helicopter, so all of the black ghost parts will work with the Micro Nano. If you need replacement parts for your Micro Nano, you can get them at www.rctoys.com