From: goza@carla.JSC.NASA.GOV (Mike Goza)
Subject: Re: Hobby Lobby Sport 500
Organization: IGOAL
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 14:41:19 GMT

I've flown a number of machines that I've owned and many that I have
set up for people.  They range from Schlueter (sp?), Xcell, concept, 
shuttle, enforcer, vertol twin rotor, etc.  The number one beginner
machines are concepts DX and SX, and shuttle Z and ZX.  My personnal
preference is the Shuttle ZX.  The parts are a little cheaper than
the concept and seem to be in better stock in the Houston area.
That last comment is the most important.  Look at what people are
flying in your area and what is stocked the best in the local 
shops!!!!!!!  THAT is the machine you should get because the knowledge
and interest to keep them flying is already there!!  PLEASE find 
someone in your area to help you.  It makes flying helis much more 
pleasurable and cheaper!!

As for airplane vs heli engines, I used to fly Enya 60's with 
Super Tigre carbs of the airplane variety all the time with no 
problems.  The heat sink head is nice on helis, but if the cooling
system works properly, then it is not really neccessary.  By the way,
the only reason I'm not running Enya 60's any more is that I went to
Rossi 60 5 ports and a Vtech pipe for the ultimate quest for POWER!! ;)

Also, an airplane radio will work fairly well in a chopper for a novice
if you are careful or better yet, have someone with experience to help
set it up.  For hovering around, the airplane radio will work fine.  But 
as you progress, you will quickly outgrow the radio.  At least by that
time you will be able to decide stick with it or not.  Here is basically
what you will have to do to get an airplane radio to work for a chopper...

Get a 5th servo and a Y harness.  Connect the throttle and collective 
controls to the same channel.  Set the throttle to lead the collective by
putting differential throw on the throttle servo arm.  I'll give better 
details if you email me.  You basically will have to mechanically mix
the collective to the throttle to achieve a constant rotor speed.  It takes
time but it can be done.

Get a gyro.  Set the gain so that the tail doesn't wag in a hover.  Set this
and the rudder only after you get the above mixing correct.  If you don't 
get the rotor to hold a fairly constant speed, you will have a hard time 
getting the tail set.  One of the drawbacks of airplane radios shows up
here.  The tail rotor mixing is not present on airplane radios and is a 
very nice feature.  It keeps the tail straight when climbing and descending.
When learning, you will just have to deal with the tail, but you should be 
able to set it for the hover area.  If your airplane radio has a programmable
mix, then you can make your own tail mix.

Well thats my 2 cents worth!!  If anyone wants to talk helis or ask questions,
just email or email for my phone number.  I'll be happy to help.

Hope everyone flies helis.  They are the BEST!!!!!

Mike Goza
goza@cheers.jsc.nasa.gov


PS  If anyone is interested, I have made an interesting heli combination that
looks good and is a pocket rocket!!  It is an Xcell 40 (modified) with an 
Enya 50 and ST carb, 60 peacemaker pipe, and a Zephyr fuse.  The muffler does
NOT stick out the fuse.  I'll post what I thought of the Zephyr and the 
combination if people are interested.  All I can say is don't blink ;)
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