The radio-controlled helicopter is not just a children's toy, but a real miracle of modern technology. Launching up this mechanism 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 products: on the shelves of stores presented a variety of models. How to choose such a toy? Recommendations are in our material.
What are they like?
Flying toy helicopters are available in very different. They can be classified according to the following main technical parameters:
- to size;
- type of engine;
- by management method;
- by the number of control channels;
- by type of screws, etc.
When to buy the first helicopter?
The helicopter on the remote control is a technically quite 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 a breakdown of such a gift, but also to the chagrin of the baby.
Manufacturers usually recommend this toy to 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 control the remote control.
Types of radio-controlled helicopters by engine type
In order to choose a toy helicopter, first of all, you should clearly determine its purpose. So, if the mechanism is purchased for the child for leisure purposes, then you should stop the choice on 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 its affordable price.
If such a toy is purchased in order to participate in specialized competitions, 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 children's toy - it is technically complex and, accordingly, an expensive device. In addition, these types of toys are divided into classes depending on the size of the fuel engine, starting from the thirties, forties, etc.
Control mechanism
There are two types of control mechanism:
- radio-controlled toy helicopter;
- frequency (controlled by infrared rays).
The latter is susceptible to sunlight, so most often this control is suitable for helicopters that launch indoors.
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 capabilities that a particular helicopter model is equipped with, and which can be controlled using the remote control. The fewer they are, the easier it is to control the device. But at the same time, two- and three-channel models do not differ in maneuverability.
Let’s take a closer look at the technical capabilities of helicopters with a different number of control channels:
- A two-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 of 8-10 years old will be able to manage such an apparatus. 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.
- Three-channel models differ from the previous ones only in an increase in the flight path: they can fly back and forth.
- With a four-channel helicopter control on the remote, a beginner may not be able to cope. This model has the ability to rotate left-right. This option is suitable if the child has already mastered the control of a three-channel helicopter.
- Six-channel models are purchased for sports competitions - these are helicopters for professionals. They have such additional features as a gyroscope (the ability to "hang" in the air), and adjustment of flight speed.
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, rather than piloting radio-controlled models. This device is capable of capturing photo and video material of a small volume, but it cannot be in flight for a long time.
Many children's helicopters shoot with water or plastic "rockets."
Since toy controlled helicopters are relatively expensive, and during training in managing them, accidents and breakdowns often occur, manufacturers have offered consumers a novelty such as virtual simulators. Most often, such virtual games are equipped with devices that have four or more control channels.
How to control a toy helicopter: instruction
The complexity of controlling the described device depends on the technical characteristics of a particular model (weight, size, type of engine and number of channels). Where to begin? Here is an example instruction manual for a radio-controlled helicopter:
- Open the compartment on the back of the control panel and insert the required number of batteries according to the poles or the battery (maximally charged). Then close the cover.
- Screw the antenna to the remote control.
- Turn on the remote control and the helicopter itself using a special button.
- Place the toy on a flat horizontal surface.
- Some models require the joystick to be activated by moving the lever once from the highest to the lowest position. Then the indicator lights up, which indicates the readiness of the device for action.
How to learn to manage? First of all, it is recommended to master the technique of takeoff and landing. Only after working out such skills, you can proceed to a straight flight, and then carry out other possible maneuvers.
Recommendations for beginners
In order to prevent accidents and breakdowns, professionals are advised to adhere to the following simple rules:
- Use the helicopter 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. Repair of toy helicopters is not cheap, and sometimes even hopeless.
- Before the game, you need to fully charge the battery (it will take from twenty minutes to an hour and a half). The battery must not be completely discharged - this significantly reduces its lifetime. It is also not recommended to charge the battery longer than the time specified in the instructions.
- Do not charge the battery immediately after the game. A gap of 10-15 minutes should be allowed to cool the battery.
- Avoid touching the rotating screws of the mechanism with your fingers, hair, clothing, or jewelry. It is especially important that adults watch the game with the helicopter. The ingress of foreign bodies into the blades of a toy helicopter is extremely traumatic for both the person who controls the device and others. Therefore, you can not run the toy in crowded places of people or animals.
- Manufacturers do not recommend the use of spare parts for the device that are not included in the original kit.
- Before starting a radio-controlled helicopter, make sure that no one is using the same frequency. When operating the same frequency channel, mechanisms may fail and not be controlled.
Browse Popular Models
There are many manufacturers of toy helicopters in radio control. Let's review the most common models that have different specifications:
- It is characterized by simplicity, but at the same time, multifunctionality model for children Angry Birds. Made a helicopter in the form of birds. The mechanism has a three-channel control method, that is, the device can fly up and down, back and forth, left and right. The diameter of the remote control is 15 meters. Such a toy helicopter has an affordable price - the price is about 600-800 rubles.
- For beginners, such simple helicopters as MJX T38, SYMA S32G, HappyCow are suitable for control. These devices have three to four control channels. Differ in stylish design, illumination. They have good technical specifications, cost about 1,500 rubles.
- Models with additional features can be recommended as follows: WL Toys V319 (shoots with water), a device of the same manufacturer V398 shoots with “rockets”, the MJX Heli Thunderbird T53C has a video camera. You can also offer Walkera brand helicopters - their difference is that they have a system of automatic stabilization of balance, therefore they fly quite well even in windy weather. The Air Hogs helicopter has additional protection against breakdowns during accidents - it is surrounded by a metal cage, which does not allow toy parts to be damaged in a collision.
- Professionals in piloting helicopters in radio control should opt for brands such as Art-Tech and E-sky.
Selection recommendations
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:
- The weight of the toy. The smaller it is, the more difficult it will be to fly such a helicopter on the street.
- The material of the case affects the durability of the device.
- The number of control channels. The functionality of the mechanism depends on this indicator.
- The speed of movement depends on engine power.
- Battery capacity determines the duration of the flight. Most often, a toy helicopter does not take off due to insufficient battery charging.
- The diameter of the coverage area of the remote control. The larger it is, the farther and higher a helicopter can fly.
Reviews
The opinions of users about radio-controlled helicopters are mixed. Often, negative opinions are formed when the wrong model is acquired. Such a toy is not cheap, and can break after the first fall. In addition, the baby can be seriously upset because of the failure of the treasured gift. Therefore, it is important to choose such a helicopter on the remote control that a child of a specific age can master. Here you should not buy a gift, as they say, for years.
With the right choice and compliance with all operating rules, such a toy can last a long period and delight its owner with an entertaining pastime. Often, when buying 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.