Estes mini helecopters: compatible with each other?

[Marc_G]

Hi folks,

I'm thinking to get two of the mini Estes helicopters that are on sale for <$20 right now. I would get two different models, probably:

https://www.estesrockets.com/aircraft/specials/004602-r73-ops-attack-cobra-helicopter

and

https://www.estesrockets.com/aircraft/specials/004600-a816e-micro-helicopter

But, it doesn't say on the website anything about frequency and compatibility. I'd like my boys to be able to play with them at the same time... does anyone know if multiple of these things can be used at once? They have some RC cars and similar toys, only some of which are compatible with others. Signal crosstalk is a problem, and I was hoping to check the frequency and rule it out.

It says something about "infrared remote" so they aren't really "radio controlled" perhaps.

Anyone have experience with this?

 

[FastCargo]

They are infrared remotes (though pretty wide angle on both transmitter and sensor), but if they are like other helos of this type, you can flip a switch on the remote and the helo to deconflict with others.

FC

 

[krusty]

Those little choppers are a lot of fun - I've flown some very similar ones - mostly around my lounge room and up and down the hall... My cat doesn't know if she should chase and attack them or run away... Very funny

The controllers are infrared - and designed for flying in-doors. If you take them outside, the sun will over-saturate the IR sensor and they won't work.

The controllers have an A/B/C switch on them - that indicates that there's three channels (as is typical with the IR choppers) but the chopper is preset to a channel, so there's going to be a chance of getting two the same.

Either way, for $20 they look like a good inexpensive bit of fun !!

Krusty

 

[FastCargo]

They are a hoot...the coaxial ones are easier to fly than the more conventional single main/single tail rotor versions. But they are pretty hard to really break while flying.

FC

 

[be69ar]

...lucky for you guys, you know someone that has worked with these heli's very closely (I did the initial testing and wrote the instructions)...4600, 4601 and 4602 are all IR and as FastCargo posted, each has a selection switch for either A or B band. However, when purchasing the heli, the heli comes on a fixed band (either A or B), so you while you "could" change the Tx band, you cannot do so on the heli's...and unfortunately, there isn't an option on the website to order opposite bands so that you can mix flying them.
Mike

 

[Marc_G]

Thanks Mike for the insight. I will keep my fingers crossed. I ordered two helix, so I have a 50% chance they are on different bands. Also bought the cool red plane with two red wings!

 

[be69ar]

Also bought the cool red plane with two red wings![/QUOTE]

...OK...since I developed the airplanes as well, let me give you some insight on the Viper! First, the battery has sat for a while, so charge it, run the motors till the shut off (built in), then charge it again before test flying.
Second tip, do not fly in anything above 5-6 mph! While the airplane can handle it, they are soooo light that little gusts of wind can upset them and put you in an uncomfortable position.

When launching, make sure its into the wind and that you toss it about the same speed/effort as you would a dart. Make sure the wings are level and after throwing it, let it climb out for 3-6 seconds to gain some height and flying speed.

Finally, do not press and hold the directional (right) control stick over in either direction. When you want to make a turn, pulse the control still repeatedly to initiate a turn. If you hold it over to long in a right or left turn, you could get the airplane into a tight spiral turn that you won't have enough altitude to get out of.

The airplanes are a hoot...but require a "light" touch to fly.
Mike

 

[Marc_G]

Great tips. Thanks Mike!

PS: what's behind the huge sale? Are these going away or just making extra room by clearing stock?

 

[be69ar]

...we have new heli's and RC airplanes on the way (mid summerish), so we need to move the some of the existing inventory to make room for the new birds.
M

 

[Marc_G]

All the better for us! This is a great sale!