Syma S107/S107G R/C Helicopter with Gyro- Red
CUSTOMER REVIEW
My first impressions
The packaging is simple but the wire holding the helicopter to the packaging can be a little annoying. Nonetheless the helicopter comes assembled so all you need to do is add batteries (6x AA) to the remote controller and in my case I turned the helicopter to the (On) position and it started right up.
This is a 3 Channel Remote Controlled device meaning that you control 3 functions of the helicopter. This is sufficient because it allows you to control lift (up/down), yaw (left/right) and pitch (forward/backward).
I got to observe how the helicopter functions. While knowing already the properties of real helicopters I was curious why RC Helicopters were designed in such a way. The blades collapse freely which helps with protecting them from damage in the event they come in contact with something and the momentum of the motor keeps them extended when operating. The reason for two tier bladed design is to allow the Helicopter to yaw (rotate left/right) by speeding up one set of blades or the other. The knob on the controller also helps trim this function so that the helicopter won't rotate undesirably when flying. The tail rotor which in a typical helicopter helps overcome the rotational force of the main rotor, but in the RC Helicopter it allows the pitch (forward/backward movement). The weighted bar on the very top of the blades balances the helicopter so that it stays level and right-side up.
The construction of this is rather sturdy and for the price I paid ($13 Amazon Warehouse deal) I have no complaints what so ever. This is a fun toy and interesting to play around with. Learning how it flies will result in several crashes but even after some hard hits all I needed to do was adjust the skid (landing gear) because it was a little bent. Replacement parts seem to be widely available and the helicopter does come with 1 spare rear rotor blade. Battery replacements will require some soldering.
I was able to get about 2 minutes of flight time (and crashes) on the pre-charged battery which was a nice little treat. Charging time indicates 45-50 minutes and despite all the colorful lights the helicopter makes when plugged in and having the helicopter (On), it will NOT charge unless the helicopter is turned to the (Off) position. The USB light indicator will turn (on) when the helicopter is fully charged. For the price this is an easy buy for anyone who is into RC stuff and helicopters and you don't have to feel guilty about the price being so low because it's pretty well made.
Flight tips:
Pre-flight checks: Before taking off allow the blades to spin enough to where the helicopter won't lift but you can see whether or not it is rotating left or right. Make your adjustments to the trim knob accordingly until the helicopter remains stable and doesn't rotate. Proceed to fly but you may need to adjust the trim knob during flight as the power levels go down on the battery.
Small adjustments: The adjustments are very sensitive so naturally you will want to over correct when you feel you cannot control it properly. With time and practice you will notice how easily maneuverable and responsive that this RC Helicopter is.
Rotor wash: This is something to be aware of when in close proximity to the ground or an object. The rotors create a downward thrust which gives it lift but when close to an object or the floor this thrust is reflected back up into the blades which can give it unstable characteristics. If trying to challenge yourself and perform landings on various precise locations it's important make very small adjustments and descend gradually.
More than a dozen flights under my belt this helicopter will remain in the air for roughly 4-7 minutes. I haven't had any luck trying to cargo-lift objects so it doesn't have enough thrust I imagine. The Syma S107C Spycam 3.5 Channel RC Helicopter with Gyro (Colors May Vary) I suspect has a more powerful motor which enables it to carry the camera it comes with. Charging time is right around 50 minutes and I use one of those AC USB wall plugs that smart phones typically come with now days as opposed to a computer with no adverse effects. Smacking into the corners of walls, bouncing off cabinets, tumbling to the ground from a 4-5ft drop has done little to scar this helicopter. The landing gear might need a little adjusting from time to time and the blades show very minimal wear considering the abuse. A very well made birthday or christmas gift in my opinion and at this price point you cannot go wrong.
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