Are you new to the world of remote control helicopters and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the lingo and jargon? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll define the top 10 most common terms and jargon used in the RC heli community. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, this guide will help you navigate through the RC heli world with ease. So, let’s get started and become fluent in all things RC heli!
1. Battery
When it comes to RC helicopters, the battery is a crucial component that powers your aircraft. In order to understand how batteries work in RC helis, you need to familiarize yourself with a few key terms: voltage, capacity, and C rating.
1.1 Voltage
Voltage refers to the electrical potential difference between the positive and negative terminals of a battery. In simpler terms, voltage determines the power output of your battery. For RC helicopters, most batteries have a voltage rating of either 3.7V or 7.4V per cell. It’s important to choose a battery with the correct voltage to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with your helicopter.
1.2 Capacity
Capacity refers to the amount of energy a battery can store and is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). The higher the capacity, the longer your RC helicopter can fly before needing a recharge. It’s important to consider the capacity of your battery when selecting one for your helicopter, as it directly affects the flight time and performance.
1.3 C Rating
The C rating of a battery indicates its ability to deliver a constant current safely. A higher C rating means the battery can handle a higher current draw without overheating or damage. The C rating is particularly important for high-performance RC helis that require more power. It’s crucial to choose a battery with an appropriate C rating to ensure safe and efficient operation of your helicopter.
2. ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
The Electronic Speed Controller, or ESC, is responsible for controlling the motor speed of your RC helicopter. It receives signals from the radio transmitter and adjusts the power supplied to the motor accordingly. Understanding a few key terms related to ESCs can help you optimize your helicopter’s performance.
2.1 BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit)
The Battery Eliminator Circuit, or BEC, is a feature found in many ESCs that eliminates the need for a separate battery to power the receiver and servos. The BEC taps into the main battery power and provides regulated voltage to power these components. It’s essential to ensure that your ESC has a sufficient BEC rating to power all the electronics in your helicopter.
2.2 Throttle Calibration
Throttle calibration is the process of synchronizing the ESC with your radio transmitter to ensure accurate throttle control. This calibration ensures that the motor responds precisely to your input from the transmitter, allowing for smooth and precise flight.
2.3 Governor Mode
Governor mode is a feature in some ESCs that automatically adjusts the motor speed to maintain a constant RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) regardless of load. This feature is particularly useful for 3D flying and can help improve flight performance and consistency.
3. Gyro
The gyro, also known as the gyroscope, plays a critical role in RC helicopter flight stability and control. It senses any changes in the helicopter’s orientation and sends signals to the tail rotor servo to counteract unwanted yaw movements. Understanding the various gyro modes can help you optimize your helicopter’s stability and maneuverability.
3.1 Heading Hold
Heading hold mode, also known as HH mode, is a gyro mode that ensures the RC helicopter maintains a constant heading regardless of external influences such as wind. This mode is particularly useful for precision flying and allows for more accurate control over the helicopter’s yaw movements.
3.2 Rate Mode
Rate mode, also known as Normal mode or Non-heading hold mode, is a gyro mode that allows the helicopter to freely rotate in response to yaw inputs from the pilot. Unlike heading hold mode, the helicopter’s yaw movement is not automatically corrected by the gyro, providing more natural and responsive control.
3.3 Tail Lock
Tail lock mode, also known as Heading lock mode or 3D mode, is a gyro mode specifically designed for aggressive aerobatic maneuvers. In this mode, the gyro actively works to counter any yaw movements induced by 3D maneuvers, providing enhanced stability and control during advanced flying maneuvers.
4. Pitch
Pitch is a fundamental concept in RC helicopter flight control and refers to the angle at which the rotor blades are positioned relative to the helicopter’s body. Understanding the various pitch terms can help you understand and adjust your helicopter’s flight characteristics.
4.1 Collective Pitch
Collective pitch refers to the ability to change the pitch angle of all rotor blades simultaneously. By adjusting the collective pitch, you can control the amount of lift generated by the rotor blades, allowing you to ascend, descend, or hover at different altitudes.
4.2 Positive Pitch
Positive pitch refers to increasing the pitch angle beyond the neutral position. This creates a greater angle of attack for the rotor blades, generating more lift and allowing the helicopter to climb or perform vertical maneuvers.
4.3 Negative Pitch
Negative pitch refers to decreasing the pitch angle below the neutral position. This creates a smaller angle of attack for the rotor blades, reducing lift, and allowing the helicopter to descend or perform inverted flight maneuvers.
5. Swashplate
The swashplate is a mechanism that translates the control inputs from the pilot into cyclic and collective pitch changes, ultimately controlling the helicopter’s movement. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of swashplates can help you understand how your helicopter responds to control inputs.
5.1 Flybarless
Flybarless helicopters are equipped with electronic stabilization systems that replace the traditional flybar. These systems use gyroscopes and control algorithms to stabilize the helicopter, providing more responsive and precise flight characteristics.
5.2 Flybar
Flybar helicopters utilize a mechanical flybar that serves as a stabilizer. As the helicopter tilts in response to control inputs, the flybar generates counteracting forces, helping stabilize the helicopter and maintain level flight.
6. Main Rotor
The main rotor is the primary source of lift for an RC helicopter and consists of multiple rotor blades that spin in unison. Understanding a few key terms related to the main rotor can help you maintain optimal performance and safety.
6.1 Blade Tracking
Blade tracking refers to the process of ensuring that all rotor blades on the main rotor are at the same height during rotation. Proper blade tracking is essential for smooth and stable flight, as any imbalances can cause vibration and negatively affect the helicopter’s performance.
6.2 Main Gear
The main gear is a large gear that meshes with the motor pinion gear, transferring rotational power to the main rotor. It’s crucial to regularly inspect and maintain the main gear to ensure smooth operation and prevent gear damage.
6.3 Main Shaft
The main shaft is a central component of the main rotor assembly that connects the main gear to the rotor head. It provides stability and support to the main rotor blades. Regular inspection and maintenance of the main shaft are important to ensure safe and reliable flight.
7. Tail Rotor
The tail rotor is responsible for counteracting the torque generated by the main rotor and controlling the helicopter’s yaw movement. Understanding the key components of the tail rotor can help you optimize the helicopter’s stability and maneuverability.
7.1 Tail Boom
The tail boom is a long, slender tube that houses the tail rotor drive system and supports the tail rotor assembly. It provides structural rigidity and stability to the tail section of the helicopter. Regular inspection and maintenance of the tail boom are essential to ensure safe flight.
7.2 Tail Blades
Tail blades are small rotor blades located on the tail rotor assembly. They generate thrust to counteract the main rotor’s torque and control the helicopter’s yaw movement. Proper balancing and maintenance of the tail blades are crucial for stable and precise flight.
7.3 Tail Servo
The tail servo is responsible for controlling the pitch of the tail rotor blades, which determines the amount of thrust generated. A properly calibrated and maintained tail servo is essential for precise and responsive yaw control.
8. Radio Transmitter
The radio transmitter is the primary control device that allows the pilot to send commands to the RC helicopter. Understanding a few terms related to the radio transmitter can help you fine-tune your helicopter’s response to control inputs.
8.1 Dual Rates
Dual rates are a feature found in many advanced radio transmitters that allow the pilot to adjust the control sensitivity. By adjusting the dual rates, you can customize the helicopter’s response to control inputs, making it more agile or more stable according to your flying style and needs.
8.2 Expo
Expo, short for exponential, is another feature available in advanced radio transmitters. Expo allows you to adjust the response curve of the control sticks. Increasing expo can make the helicopter’s controls feel less sensitive around the center, providing smoother and more precise control inputs.
8.3 Trim
Trim refers to small adjustments made to the control inputs to compensate for aircraft deviations from desired flight attitudes. Radio transmitters often have trim buttons or dials that allow you to fine-tune the helicopter’s control surfaces, ensuring it flies straight and level with minimum input from the pilot.
9. 3D Flying
3D flying refers to advanced aerobatic maneuvers performed by RC helicopters, pushing their flight capabilities to the limits. Understanding a few key terms related to 3D flying can help you tackle these exciting and challenging maneuvers.
9.1 Inverted Flight
Inverted flight is a maneuver where the helicopter flies upside down, with the rotor blades facing downward. This requires precise control inputs and piloting skills, as the controls are reversed, and the helicopter responds differently to control inputs compared to upright flight.
9.2 Tic Tocs
Tic tocs are a popular 3D flying maneuver characterized by a series of rapid pitch and cyclic inputs that create a distinctive tic-toc sound. The helicopter alternates between extreme positive and negative pitches while performing fast forward flight, creating an impressive and dynamic flying display.
9.3 Piro Flip
A piro flip is a maneuver that combines yaw rotation and a flip in one continuous motion. The helicopter performs a 180-degree pirouette yaw rotation while simultaneously executing a flip, resulting in a visually stunning and technically challenging maneuver.
10. Simulator
Using a simulator is an invaluable tool for RC helicopter pilots of all skill levels. Simulators allow you to practice flying maneuvers, experiment with different settings, and improve your piloting skills without the risk of crashing your helicopter. Understanding the different aspects of simulators can help you make the most of this training tool.
10.1 Flying Simulators
Flying simulators are software programs that replicate the flight characteristics of RC helicopters in a virtual environment. They usually require a compatible controller or radio transmitter to connect to your computer, providing a realistic flight experience for practice and training.
10.2 Training Modes
Many flying simulators offer various training modes designed to help pilots improve their skills. These modes often include flight lessons, challenges, and tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on mastering specific maneuvers and handling emergency situations.
10.3 Setup Calculators
Setup calculators are tools available in some simulators that help pilots optimize their helicopter’s performance by calculating and suggesting ideal settings for various parameters. These calculators take into account factors such as rotor blade length, pitch range, and center of gravity, providing valuable insights for setting up your helicopter for optimal flight characteristics.
In conclusion, understanding the various terms and jargon associated with RC helicopters is essential for any pilot, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced flyer. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you can enhance your understanding of your helicopter’s components and flight characteristics, ultimately improving your piloting skills and enjoyment of this thrilling hobby. So, get out there, fly high, and explore the exciting world of RC helis!
