This thing looks like a solid beast! I mean built solid. Nowhere on it does it appear they used cheap, light, easily broken parts. Even comes with a dang range finder on bottom?! (The visual system) Only parts I don’t like is the carbon fiber skids and that free swing and loose antenna like he said. But you can 3D print or even maybe source skids from another place and can always change the antenna around or even out. Holy crap this is solid!
For 3D flight prefer to having a shaft than a dedicated motor for the tail. Also 600 or larger size heli just makes the 3D experience a lot more fun! But this is a cute heli. Be great for kids and beginners!
I think it's interesting to see an "optical flow" style sensor and GPS on such a small bird. Not sure why you'd want that though... Building the skill set required for 3d is the fun part. My first inverted hover was one of my proudest moments in the hobby. Thanks John, great review as always.
100% - The engagement, challenge & accomplishment during each step of learning to fly a collective pitch heli, regardless of flying style/type of flying (not just 3D) is what keeps most of us hooked - obsessively. As the saying goes _"nothing worthwhile is easy"_ 😄
To me it’s just cool from a tech perspective, and I would personally treat it as a better looking small drone rather than a true CP heli if I were to pick one up… M2 is a better choice as a CP heli and a little cheaper without the extra tech.
"Not sure why you'd want that though..." Not everyone is interested in flying 3D a few feet in front of them selves. Pretty much every heli on the market especially at entry level pricing though is aimed and one type of flying, 3D. Look at quads and how many different types and use cases there are and you will better understand why these helicopters are coming to market. The other beginner helis like the blade 230s or OMP m2 offer similar features in a lot of ways and this just takes it a step further in to a whole new type of RC heli flying that until now was something people had to sorta just make a helicopter work for on their own. In fixed wing rc planes there are loads of different planes for lots of variation of flying. In Rc heli there is a few options for pod+boom 3d in every size, some scale stuff you can put on a 3d helicopter and some speed fuselages. That's about it. In addition to this if you want anything other than a pod+boom you are buying a pod type then half a heli again in price to make it in to another type or your are getting a tiny indoor helicopter. Hope this perspective of someone pretty new to RC heli helps or is at least interesting.
@@Clickmaster5k I totally agree with this statement. Not everyone wants to fly 3D or even in Acro mode. For those that do, I have utmost respect, but its just not my cup of tea. I much prefer scale flying. So many 3D pilots (John not included), do not seem to understand this and will bash folks for flying in Safe mode or other auto level modes. I have respect for folks who enjoy 3D. At 66, I have fairly poor vision, and in acro at a distance, there is a real danger of my not being able to see that the model is leaning away from me until it causes a problem. One of the absolute favorites in my heli collection is my M2...it has to be one of the best, if not THE best small helicopters ever produced.
I love your longwinded review John. I came across your channel this week after having a day of snowkiting followed by rc helicopter flying in the evening after the wind died down so a win win for me which lead me here to your channel ,since our smart phones are always listening. Your knowledge of the rc helicopters is amazing well done! One thing ive noticed about utube is that its algorithm picks up on u tube creators that are nearby in location. After watching a few of your videos i think u might be close to me in location . It would be amazing to see one of your large helis fly in real life. Ive came across your website years ago when i first started flying rc fastforward to a few days ago when utube suggested u . Those large helicopters u build are off the chart . Im just getting into building some 3d planes 3d printing . Thanks for pass on your knowledge much appreciated John. If your in the kootenays let me know im in moyie would be good to meet u if your interested.
I am waiting on delivery of mine, and will bind with a new Radiomaster TX16S MK 2. My beginner heli (Eachine E130) taught me the basics, but is too underpowered to fly in any wind. This should give me 3 stepping stones to decide If I will upgrade in capability and $$$.
John, i agree, this heli is not a real heli with GPS. This will create bad habits if you want to really learn to fly heli's with collective pitch. I learned on Excel helicopters in the 80's. I have two OMP M2's and love them. Thanks for the great videos you produce.
@brianreece785 - I too leaned on a Miniature Aircraft X-Cell (the 40) back in 1989. 🙂 Guess we've both been flying these egg beaters for over 3 decades now. Still loving the hobby too 👍
Hello sir I'm super happy to see a new video of you on the helico really very pretty canopy on this helico thank you for your video have a good day to you ✨₣
Spirit makes a wonderful FBL system, but it won't fit a small 200 size heli with a fixed pitch direct drive tail like this one. As far as I know, the uSpirit supports variable pitch tail rotors only (ie servo driven such as the Oxy2) and needs a certain amount of spatial separation if you want to use the GeoLink with it. A combination Spirit & GeoLink most certainly can't be added to "any heli" but it would be nice to know the smallest size it will fit/work on and if it will work with motorized tails.
Defiantly not for me. The only thing that keeps me learning to fly is the challenge. All the same, a great video and we appreciate the review of up and coming equipment John!
look at this guy correcting spelling on the internet from a year ago. U R going to need to work a bit faster. I misspeil things all the time. @@HeRacesTheSun
If you get into the mindset that technology is here to make it so easy, I can accept it as being unconventional in performing aerobatic maneuvers. The biggest challenge is when you forget that it is a different machine you are flying and could be catastrophic. That is just me though coz I enjoy scale flying when I am just chilling. The best thing about that, is that it is switchable.
The GPS landing is impressive, I would say it lands heaps better than any cheap GPS drone that has a land button. And a soft landing is particularly important for a collective pitch heli as it tips over easily even with manual control of ccpm cyclic movement if you are not careful.
I love heli's and I'm so pleased that we are now starting to see them installed with technology similar to that in drones, because some people like me just cannot fly conventional RC Heli's, so why are some people so anti this technology in a RC Heli?
Good question - here's the long detailed answer... Because this technology on helicopters is dangerous - way more dangerous than on a quad copter. It removes all the traditional safety nets that this hobby has relied on for many decades; the two main ones being line of sight flight &, educated fliers. I know for a fact people are flying GPS autopilot RC helicopters on FPV hero missions and that should scare the hell out of everyone. I get at least one email a week asking what GPS helicopter system will work with TBS Crossfire or any other 900 MHz RC system. Those RF system for those that don't know have RF range of 10's of kms. Even a large 700-800 size helicopter gets too hard to see to control it past about 300m (about 800 feet). There is only one reason people would want to use a long range 900 MHz RF system on an RC helicopter with a GPS autopilot system; that should be a wakeup call for everyone. Our hobby of RC aviation has already been regulated to death because of a few irresponsible and entitled droners. I lost my lovely RC flying field because of an irresponsible droner two years ago. After a year of hard work by myself, our MAAC zone director, the land owner and the municipality, we finally got another one in place last fall. I'm understandably triggered over this topic and likely have a perspective that many have never even considered. Yes, these entitled droners are a small segment of the many responsible quad fliers out there, but it only takes one loose nut to completely break the machine. Now, let such nuts put GPS autopilot tech on a 500 or larger heli that is essentially a flying lawnmower (a 700 can output over 10 HP at the rotor shaft) and you don't need a slide rule to figure out what will eventually happen. Even this little FW200 has enough power to cut down to the bone. Helicopters are not only more dangerous than a quad copter, they are more mechanically complex so more things can go wrong with them, especially if not cared for or maintained properly. One of the first things I teach any student flier is "When do you know an RC heli might crash? Any time it's flying". That holds true regardless of stabilization type. When you say "just cannot fly conventional RC helis", as an instructor, I have to ask why because I have never met an able bodied person I could not instruct to fly a CP RC helicopter. Do you have a disability? Nerve damage in your hands? Poor eyesight? Did you have a stroke or heart attack? If any of those or similar health reasons apply, then that is the one exception I will give the enthusiastic nod to in terms of using a GPS autopilot system - they are great for that. Otherwise, perhaps you just need some proper instruction/guidance? 🙂 Have you setup your helicopter/s for learning on? Fit training gear? Learned the basics and followed a ground up lesson plan to build a solid hovering skill set (the foundation of helicopter training that all other skills are built upon)? No, it doesn't happen overnight, but that's part of this hobby. Learning to fly a collective pitch heli is one of most rewarding & empowering experiences in the world of RC. That is the other main reason I don't like these systems - they cheat people out of one of the best parts of this hobby. The thrill of accomplishment that starts with that first controlled tail in hover a few inches in the air and then keeps happening over and over every time you master another new flying skill. It's why we get addicted to flying these overpriced egg beaters in the first place. Anyway, you asked, and that's why I, other instructors, and most RC helicopter enthusiasts don't like GPS autopilot systems on collective pitch helicopters.
@@Rchelicopterfun With only 1 good 20/20 vision eye (I'm legally blind in my other eye), it can be difficult to determine orientation of my 60 sized heli at times... as such, even with almost a decade of carefully learning to fly my heli's I still often lose orientation for seconds at a time (an ETERNITY IMHO!). Technology such as this would be extremely helpful, just because I don't get as good of depth perception as people who see well out of BOTH eyes. Just saying. That said, I just picked up my 1st "flying camera" quad-copter and it's ok for holding a camera up in the air not a lot of fun to fly though... it does have a Return to takeoff and land button on the transmitter which is, interesting to say the least. When activated, the quad copter takes over it's piloting goes up way high (nearly out of my ability to see) then comes back to it's GPS take-off location and slowly descends... it gives me the eeebe-jeebee's to say the least standing there with the tx in hand watching this thing fly itself back to me! But each time I've used it it's successfully come back over my head and then slowly came down and landed within a foot or two where I had taken it off from. Creepy! :-\
try a 6G helicopter… Their self-leveling. There hated by John just like this helicopter but there still much better because of the feel of them. you definitely should be able to fly one you don't have to have complete GPS's automated everything… I have some GPS drones and they're not used anymore they're just so freaking boring. Really boring they fly by themselves for crying out loud you're just watching gets boring quick
Perfect for some ppl that dont have the coin to repair an RC heli. I would say this would be good beginner to pro. Better than dumping 600 on a similar quality setup that would cost hundreds to repair just by a small blade stike.
Hundreds to repair a 200 size direct drive heli after a "small blade strike" - lol. Talk about a hyperbolic statement. More like $20 for a new set of blades and maybe a feathering shaft or blade grip linkage. If you are really unlucky and cam out/crack a servo horn & strip a servo gear, perhaps $50 or $60 but certainly not hundreds. An OMP M2 EXP or Blade InFusion 180 only cost $300 for the entire helicopter. The notion a "small blade strike" would "cost hundreds to repair" is total nonsense. Regardless, very few of my students or those following a proven collective pitch RC heli lesson plan ever crash while learning to fly. If people would just take the time to learn correctly by following a ground up lesson plan while mastering their orientations with tame setups, few would crash while learning, and the beginner market wouldn't put much if any value in this artificial GPS crutch. Lastly, if anyone thinks a GPS stabilized heli won't crash - think again. Some of the worst crashes I've seen over the past 2 years have been by beginners flying systems such as these. They get too far away, too high up, and when things go south, which they will, more times than not there is way more damage (and cost) then if they just followed a proven lesson plan with a conventional heli. Building real flying skills while experiencing more engagement & fun in a safe and responsible manner - that is what this hobby is about. Not about technology cheating people out of one of the most rewarding aspects of this hobby (learning to fly) while at the same time giving them an unrealistic & imaginary sense of security.
I crashed mine in first flight. It flew good and stable in GPS mode, after i flipped the Acro mode, it auto climbed up to 90 meters, so I flipped to manual mode and descending it down manually, upon reaching 60 meters height, it main motor suddenly stopped and dropped to the turf. Broke a main blade, a servo arm, broke landing skid, bend the main shaft.
Always enjoy and learn from your videos. Straight talk, no BS. Your very detailed explanation about GPS and helicopter is awesome. I do have a question, will you bind this to a proper radio, give it the customary settings and fly without any aids so to speak? You touched on the quality and build. It *appears* the helicopter might perform well in pure "3D". I am curious!
Happen to know what the default head speed for the different modes...stable...smart acro...manual? Was using Flywings app to check the expert/beginner mode for the inverted flight and noticed that the head speed settings were changing. I think it was 60 for stable...70 for smart acro...66 for manual...didn't touch the head speed settings, but when I now go into the app, the head speed shows 50 for all three modes.
I bought two of these. One RTF, one BNC, was hoping to use that original OEM radio with the second one, but for the life of me can't find out how to pair it. So, I have one bird sitting on the ground in the meantime. As for that "sacrificial" bolt, you are correct. That was the first component to fail. (I also broke off that rear tail skid protector below the main motor.). New one on order, but if I have to, I'll strip parts from bird #2 until they arrive. (Any tips on the pairing would be great ... just got this to do something with my son.)
30:00 could the short flight time related to the overly low headspeed that you mentioned earlier in the video? Compared to OMP m2's 8 minutes flight time, this Fw200 is almost turning through fuel twice as fast. My concern is that this project is more staffed with computer tech backgrounds, less aerospace knowledge. I know the airfoil of goosky and oxy2 uses good data from NASA's naca series. I am concerned that FW200 staff don't know where to look up optimal cL/cD pitch angle for given Reynold's number/headspeed because they are computer science focused engineers.
Hello Mr.Salt. I have a kindly question to you, please. By this helicopter I am fighting with the information about modes possibilities on TX. I am flying left completely cyclic, and right throttle and rudder. How I see it is by this model, with original TX (RTF version) only possible to change the Mode between 1 and 2, so nothing good for me. Am I right please? Regards from CZ/Europe, Vlastimil
Very low flight time unfortunately, has anyone tried other battery installment option for longer flight?, if so can send link on which batteries could be used? Thanks
Quick question...my FW200 for some reason it wont go into expert mode when inverted. Every time I set expert in the app it doesnt respond like its in expert, but stays in beginner. Ive tried starting in acro and it still stays in beginner mode. I check the app and each time it says expert...Does anyone have amy suggestions? Btw its the RTF version and controller...
Another terrific Video, Thanks for sharing John! From a Price only perspective... What do you think is a better "bang for your buck?" The OMP M2 V2 or the FW200? Do you personally feel that having the GPS Module is necessary on a Micro Helo of this size? Thank you very much, my friend. Stay Safe and Stay Healthy! NHL... Flames or Oilers? lol.
Hi Larry, Thanks. OMP M2. I simply don't care for GPS systems on helicopters (of any size). I don't follow hockey, but since I'm an Edmonton native, guess I'll have to root for the blue & orange when it comes to the battle of Oilberta. 🙂
@@Rchelicopterfun ok le mieux c’est de l’acheter avec la radio en RTF Mais vue le prix on pourrais s’achèter un Alzrc ou un sab goblin 380 mais cela reste un choix personel merci de m’avoir répondu jhon merci pour tout vos vidéo qui sont extraordinaire sur les reparation dhelico et conseil bonne soirées
Great video, thanks John. If not this robot, then what would be your recommendation for a beginner CP heli? No doubt you have said it elsewhere. I'm guessing the OMP M1 would be up there?
Hi Rob - Yes, I cover beginner recommendations on my "Best RC Helicopter" Page on my website: www.rchelicopterfun.com/best-rc-helicopter.html As for the M1, it would be an okay choice only if you are limited on flying space. If you have a larger area to fly in, a bigger heli is almost always going to be better, provided your budget allows the cost increase. Any good collective pitch RC helicopter can be setup to be a great trainer for a beginner.
Hello John,I am a beginner enjoying my FW200,Question,when nose out in a eye level hover the Heli leans slightly to the right,is this normal ? if not what is the fix,? Thanks for the great video
Very normal on all helicopters (RC & Full size alike). I cover this in detail on my tail rotor page on my website: www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-helicopter-rudder.html All helicopters with tail rotors will lean slightly to counter tail rotor translating tendency. The smaller and lighter the heli, generally the greater the lean angle.
Without seeing exactly what it's doing in person to get a better idea of amplitude and frequency of the vibration/shakes, it could be any number of things: Blades too tight in the grips (preventing the blade from lead & lag). Blade grip bearings sticking or worn. Sticking ball link/s. Swashplate intermittently sticking (worn or lack of lubrication). Head axle bent or sticking in dampeners. Lack of head axle lubrication. Main shaft bent. Gain/s too high. Faulty servo/s. CG off. Faulty control system. Head speed too slow for the amount of head dampening used.
Been flying RC helicopters sence 1984, I just do not think modelers nowadays would have the first clue hiw to actually build and fly a true manual helicopter , today everything is handed to them with a silver spoon
Many also lack the attention span to learn or research anything of value; at least that has been my experience as an instructor. Would rather drain what little is left between the ears on their phones with easy & comforting plug in answers void of substance & nuance. We won't even get into their sense of entitlement (yep silver spoon syndrome), but that's another rant for another day 😄
Quads are generally more efficient in terms of the amount of lift produced given the power used for the simple reason they don't have a tail rotor to power to cancel torque. Of course there are other factors such as blade shape, power system, weight, etc.
@@Rchelicopterfun I always though dang ! copters would be a new FPV trend ! but your probably right on this as flight time is lower I guess . VTOL is the new up coming trend it looks like . ty !
I’ve flown RC airplanes for many years. I have an Align 450 collective heli .. this thing is nearly “unflyable” .. no inherent stability in flight .. hovering is like trying to balance a marble at the top of a dome .. when the wind blows, it balloons up. How anyone gets proficient with these is a mystery.
Yep, you just described exactly how a collective pitch heli behaves *"balancing on the top of a dome"* and the exact metaphor I use on my website page describing the basic hover: www.rchelicopterfun.com/are-rc-helicopters-hard-to-fly.html Yes, as MAAC heli instructor, I naturally love it when I get to see students experience that eureka moment. Something most will never forget as long as they live. "How anyone gets proficient?" The exact same way anyone learns any balancing skill such as riding a bike or skiing. Practice in small progressive, skill building steps, as the control and correction commands become second nature. Great thing with helicopters is you can learn with little risk staying very close to the ground, unlike a plane where you are committed to flight the moment you rotate. Setup plays a huge roll as well as training gear. You will never learn (easily anyway) if the heli is setup for sport or 3D, it has to be setup for learning on with tame pitch & throttle curves and cyclic/anti-torque rates. That is metaphorically the same as trying to learn to ski on a double black tree or mogul run vs learning on the bunny hill. The reward of learning how to properly fly a collective pitch RC helicopter of course speaks for itself. It's why so many of us are addicted to that accomplishment and never ending learning curve.
So are you saying compared to OMPHOBBY M2 this one is NOT as good? I’m contemplating the M2 vs this one. Having to get my own radio paired and set has scared me away from non-rtr set ups. Time to take the leap….I know! Appreciate any help.
Yes I know what you’d say;) Well I’ve been flying helicopters before drones came out, just not acrobatic. I call it controlled flying. Haha. But I don’t know why I’m even trying the gps mode. Thanks for the insight.
The idea of gps is pretty cool, however I'm on the same mindset as you. I personally think it gives beginner heli pilots I guess you could say a false sense of skill.
GPS is for drones not helis, no use for it. I feel self leveling is enough for a beginner. Bad habits that will be hard to break. Like learning to drive an automatic car vs stick shift.
False equivalence. Used vs new, standard stabilization vs autopilot. Let's instead look at the price of what that new T-rex 500 Super Combo back in the day cost ($800 USD), paired with both a Naza H GPS system ($450 USD) and if we could, we would also have to install a Captron Heli Command Rigid ($600 USD) to give the visual positioning ability. Totaling $1850 USD, and that is excluding the costs of getting a receiver, a 6S LiPo pack and the radio. Of course that comparison is as nonsensical as a your used 500 one is because the cost of this technology has dropped substantially and they are very different sized helicopters, but we would have a hands off flying new 500 both inside and outside. You don't have to like these autopilot systems (I don't either) but why introduce a logical fallacy? Why not make better apple to apple comparisons such a new OMP M2 ($400 USD) or a new Mikado Logo 200 ($600 USD) to draw a comparison? Neither of course have GPS or visual autopilot systems like the FW200 does (they instead have wonderful feeling and flying flybarless systems) and you still need to add the radio to the cost, but at least the overall comparison would be more accurate. All of a sudden, the FW200 is a bargain.
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- Fly Wing FW200 GPS Helicopter
www.banggood.com/custlink/mDDYMQZ2V1
- Fly Wing FW200 3S 1500 mAh Large Capacity Battery
www.banggood.com/custlink/Gv3hMQ9UtM
Good coverage. For me as a beginner this is a perfect copter, I don't want to learn all the stunts. Just want to enjoy a helicopter while having fun.
This thing looks like a solid beast! I mean built solid. Nowhere on it does it appear they used cheap, light, easily broken parts. Even comes with a dang range finder on bottom?! (The visual system) Only parts I don’t like is the carbon fiber skids and that free swing and loose antenna like he said. But you can 3D print or even maybe source skids from another place and can always change the antenna around or even out. Holy crap this is solid!
When I lived in a flat I flew my 30 size nitro shuttle in my lounge many years ago.
For 3D flight prefer to having a shaft than a dedicated motor for the tail. Also 600 or larger size heli just makes the 3D experience a lot more fun! But this is a cute heli. Be great for kids and beginners!
Love the R2-D2 in the background...😱😉👍😎🙏
🙂
I think it's interesting to see an "optical flow" style sensor and GPS on such a small bird. Not sure why you'd want that though... Building the skill set required for 3d is the fun part. My first inverted hover was one of my proudest moments in the hobby. Thanks John, great review as always.
100% - The engagement, challenge & accomplishment during each step of learning to fly a collective pitch heli, regardless of flying style/type of flying (not just 3D) is what keeps most of us hooked - obsessively. As the saying goes _"nothing worthwhile is easy"_ 😄
To me it’s just cool from a tech perspective, and I would personally treat it as a better looking small drone rather than a true CP heli if I were to pick one up… M2 is a better choice as a CP heli and a little cheaper without the extra tech.
"Not sure why you'd want that though..." Not everyone is interested in flying 3D a few feet in front of them selves. Pretty much every heli on the market especially at entry level pricing though is aimed and one type of flying, 3D. Look at quads and how many different types and use cases there are and you will better understand why these helicopters are coming to market. The other beginner helis like the blade 230s or OMP m2 offer similar features in a lot of ways and this just takes it a step further in to a whole new type of RC heli flying that until now was something people had to sorta just make a helicopter work for on their own. In fixed wing rc planes there are loads of different planes for lots of variation of flying. In Rc heli there is a few options for pod+boom 3d in every size, some scale stuff you can put on a 3d helicopter and some speed fuselages. That's about it. In addition to this if you want anything other than a pod+boom you are buying a pod type then half a heli again in price to make it in to another type or your are getting a tiny indoor helicopter. Hope this perspective of someone pretty new to RC heli helps or is at least interesting.
@@Rchelicopterfun . You are correct sir. "Any" was too broadstroke. I have used them on 300 size and up with great results.
@@Clickmaster5k I totally agree with this statement. Not everyone wants to fly 3D or even in Acro mode. For those that do, I have utmost respect, but its just not my cup of tea. I much prefer scale flying. So many 3D pilots (John not included), do not seem to understand this and will bash folks for flying in Safe mode or other auto level modes. I have respect for folks who enjoy 3D. At 66, I have fairly poor vision, and in acro at a distance, there is a real danger of my not being able to see that the model is leaning away from me until it causes a problem. One of the absolute favorites in my heli collection is my M2...it has to be one of the best, if not THE best small helicopters ever produced.
I love your longwinded review John. I came across your channel this week after having a day of snowkiting followed by rc helicopter flying in the evening after the wind died down so a win win for me which lead me here to your channel ,since our smart phones are always listening. Your knowledge of the rc helicopters is amazing well done! One thing ive noticed about utube is that its algorithm picks up on u tube creators that are nearby in location. After watching a few of your videos i think u might be close to me in location . It would be amazing to see one of your large helis fly in real life. Ive came across your website years ago when i first started flying rc fastforward to a few days ago when utube suggested u . Those large helicopters u build are off the chart . Im just getting into building some 3d planes 3d printing . Thanks for pass on your knowledge much appreciated John. If your in the kootenays let me know im in moyie would be good to meet u if your interested.
I am waiting on delivery of mine, and will bind with a new Radiomaster TX16S MK 2. My beginner heli (Eachine E130) taught me the basics, but is too underpowered to fly in any wind. This should give me 3 stepping stones to decide If I will upgrade in capability and $$$.
John, i agree, this heli is not a real heli with GPS. This will create bad habits if you want to really learn to fly heli's with collective pitch. I learned on Excel helicopters in the 80's. I have two OMP M2's and love them. Thanks for the great videos you produce.
@brianreece785 - I too leaned on a Miniature Aircraft X-Cell (the 40) back in 1989. 🙂 Guess we've both been flying these egg beaters for over 3 decades now. Still loving the hobby too 👍
It most certainly is 'a real helicopter' ! Don't sound so foolish.
Hello sir I'm super happy to see a new video of you on the helico really very pretty canopy on this helico thank you for your video have a good day to you ✨₣
🙂👍
Spirit with Geolink can be added to any heli. Superb engineering.
Spirit makes a wonderful FBL system, but it won't fit a small 200 size heli with a fixed pitch direct drive tail like this one. As far as I know, the uSpirit supports variable pitch tail rotors only (ie servo driven such as the Oxy2) and needs a certain amount of spatial separation if you want to use the GeoLink with it. A combination Spirit & GeoLink most certainly can't be added to "any heli" but it would be nice to know the smallest size it will fit/work on and if it will work with motorized tails.
@@Rchelicopterfun. No not on a 200 size direct drive.
Defiantly not for me. The only thing that keeps me learning to fly is the challenge. All the same, a great video and we appreciate the review of up and coming equipment John!
"Defiantly"? That' definitely a misspell.
look at this guy correcting spelling on the internet from a year ago. U R going to need to work a bit faster. I misspeil things all the time. @@HeRacesTheSun
Nice to have R2D2 as company
If you get into the mindset that technology is here to make it so easy, I can accept it as being unconventional in performing aerobatic maneuvers. The biggest challenge is when you forget that it is a different machine you are flying and could be catastrophic. That is just me though coz I enjoy scale flying when I am just chilling. The best thing about that, is that it is switchable.
The GPS landing is impressive, I would say it lands heaps better than any cheap GPS drone that has a land button. And a soft landing is particularly important for a collective pitch heli as it tips over easily even with manual control of ccpm cyclic movement if you are not careful.
Wow. Eye opener. Always looking into drones. This is something new to me
I love heli's and I'm so pleased that we are now starting to see them installed with technology similar to that in drones, because some people like me just cannot fly conventional RC Heli's, so why are some people so anti this technology in a RC Heli?
Good question - here's the long detailed answer... Because this technology on helicopters is dangerous - way more dangerous than on a quad copter. It removes all the traditional safety nets that this hobby has relied on for many decades; the two main ones being line of sight flight &, educated fliers.
I know for a fact people are flying GPS autopilot RC helicopters on FPV hero missions and that should scare the hell out of everyone. I get at least one email a week asking what GPS helicopter system will work with TBS Crossfire or any other 900 MHz RC system. Those RF system for those that don't know have RF range of 10's of kms. Even a large 700-800 size helicopter gets too hard to see to control it past about 300m (about 800 feet).
There is only one reason people would want to use a long range 900 MHz RF system on an RC helicopter with a GPS autopilot system; that should be a wakeup call for everyone.
Our hobby of RC aviation has already been regulated to death because of a few irresponsible and entitled droners. I lost my lovely RC flying field because of an irresponsible droner two years ago. After a year of hard work by myself, our MAAC zone director, the land owner and the municipality, we finally got another one in place last fall. I'm understandably triggered over this topic and likely have a perspective that many have never even considered.
Yes, these entitled droners are a small segment of the many responsible quad fliers out there, but it only takes one loose nut to completely break the machine. Now, let such nuts put GPS autopilot tech on a 500 or larger heli that is essentially a flying lawnmower (a 700 can output over 10 HP at the rotor shaft) and you don't need a slide rule to figure out what will eventually happen. Even this little FW200 has enough power to cut down to the bone. Helicopters are not only more dangerous than a quad copter, they are more mechanically complex so more things can go wrong with them, especially if not cared for or maintained properly. One of the first things I teach any student flier is "When do you know an RC heli might crash? Any time it's flying". That holds true regardless of stabilization type.
When you say "just cannot fly conventional RC helis", as an instructor, I have to ask why because I have never met an able bodied person I could not instruct to fly a CP RC helicopter. Do you have a disability? Nerve damage in your hands? Poor eyesight? Did you have a stroke or heart attack? If any of those or similar health reasons apply, then that is the one exception I will give the enthusiastic nod to in terms of using a GPS autopilot system - they are great for that.
Otherwise, perhaps you just need some proper instruction/guidance? 🙂 Have you setup your helicopter/s for learning on? Fit training gear? Learned the basics and followed a ground up lesson plan to build a solid hovering skill set (the foundation of helicopter training that all other skills are built upon)? No, it doesn't happen overnight, but that's part of this hobby. Learning to fly a collective pitch heli is one of most rewarding & empowering experiences in the world of RC. That is the other main reason I don't like these systems - they cheat people out of one of the best parts of this hobby. The thrill of accomplishment that starts with that first controlled tail in hover a few inches in the air and then keeps happening over and over every time you master another new flying skill. It's why we get addicted to flying these overpriced egg beaters in the first place.
Anyway, you asked, and that's why I, other instructors, and most RC helicopter enthusiasts don't like GPS autopilot systems on collective pitch helicopters.
@@Rchelicopterfun Amazing post from a truly rc passionate man! I agree and feel 100% as you. Thank You.
@@Rchelicopterfun With only 1 good 20/20 vision eye (I'm legally blind in my other eye), it can be difficult to determine orientation of my 60 sized heli at times... as such, even with almost a decade of carefully learning to fly my heli's I still often lose orientation for seconds at a time (an ETERNITY IMHO!). Technology such as this would be extremely helpful, just because I don't get as good of depth perception as people who see well out of BOTH eyes. Just saying.
That said, I just picked up my 1st "flying camera" quad-copter and it's ok for holding a camera up in the air not a lot of fun to fly though... it does have a Return to takeoff and land button on the transmitter which is, interesting to say the least. When activated, the quad copter takes over it's piloting goes up way high (nearly out of my ability to see) then comes back to it's GPS take-off location and slowly descends... it gives me the eeebe-jeebee's to say the least standing there with the tx in hand watching this thing fly itself back to me! But each time I've used it it's successfully come back over my head and then slowly came down and landed within a foot or two where I had taken it off from. Creepy! :-\
try a 6G helicopter… Their self-leveling. There hated by John just like this helicopter but there still much better because of the feel of them. you definitely should be able to fly one you don't have to have complete GPS's automated everything… I have some GPS drones and they're not used anymore they're just so freaking boring. Really boring they fly by themselves for crying out loud you're just watching gets boring quick
The AvE of RC Helicopter videos... seriously, you two related? Lol
both canadian
This will probably be my next heli, nice job John.
Welcome 🙂
Perfect for some ppl that dont have the coin to repair an RC heli. I would say this would be good beginner to pro. Better than dumping 600 on a similar quality setup that would cost hundreds to repair just by a small blade stike.
Hundreds to repair a 200 size direct drive heli after a "small blade strike" - lol. Talk about a hyperbolic statement. More like $20 for a new set of blades and maybe a feathering shaft or blade grip linkage. If you are really unlucky and cam out/crack a servo horn & strip a servo gear, perhaps $50 or $60 but certainly not hundreds. An OMP M2 EXP or Blade InFusion 180 only cost $300 for the entire helicopter. The notion a "small blade strike" would "cost hundreds to repair" is total nonsense.
Regardless, very few of my students or those following a proven collective pitch RC heli lesson plan ever crash while learning to fly. If people would just take the time to learn correctly by following a ground up lesson plan while mastering their orientations with tame setups, few would crash while learning, and the beginner market wouldn't put much if any value in this artificial GPS crutch.
Lastly, if anyone thinks a GPS stabilized heli won't crash - think again. Some of the worst crashes I've seen over the past 2 years have been by beginners flying systems such as these. They get too far away, too high up, and when things go south, which they will, more times than not there is way more damage (and cost) then if they just followed a proven lesson plan with a conventional heli. Building real flying skills while experiencing more engagement & fun in a safe and responsible manner - that is what this hobby is about. Not about technology cheating people out of one of the most rewarding aspects of this hobby (learning to fly) while at the same time giving them an unrealistic & imaginary sense of security.
I crashed mine in first flight. It flew good and stable in GPS mode, after i flipped the Acro mode, it auto climbed up to 90 meters, so I flipped to manual mode and descending it down manually, upon reaching 60 meters height, it main motor suddenly stopped and dropped to the turf. Broke a main blade, a servo arm, broke landing skid, bend the main shaft.
Wow that sucks. Any idea why the motor stopped?
I love that eachine E110... and I really hope I win one!
Great for newbs getting used to orientation. Wish i had that option @would have saved some me some money lol
Always enjoy and learn from your videos. Straight talk, no BS. Your very detailed explanation about GPS and helicopter is awesome. I do have a question, will you bind this to a proper radio, give it the customary settings and fly without any aids so to speak? You touched on the quality and build. It *appears* the helicopter might perform well in pure "3D". I am curious!
Not sure on that one. We'll see.
Fantastic Video! For an "expert beginner", considering the price difference and all, which one would you recommend this one or the e180?
If you already know how to fly collective pitch, the recommendation is an easy one - the E180 hands down.
Happen to know what the default head speed for the different modes...stable...smart acro...manual? Was using Flywings app to check the expert/beginner mode for the inverted flight and noticed that the head speed settings were changing. I think it was 60 for stable...70 for smart acro...66 for manual...didn't touch the head speed settings, but when I now go into the app, the head speed shows 50 for all three modes.
Thanks for all your hard work
No worries 👍
John, maybe a set up video with the App.. Thanks
Sorry, got rid of this heli shortly after making the video.
I bought two of these. One RTF, one BNC, was hoping to use that original OEM radio with the second one, but for the life of me can't find out how to pair it.
So, I have one bird sitting on the ground in the meantime.
As for that "sacrificial" bolt, you are correct. That was the first component to fail. (I also broke off that rear tail skid protector below the main motor.). New one on order, but if I have to, I'll strip parts from bird #2 until they arrive.
(Any tips on the pairing would be great ... just got this to do something with my son.)
30:00 could the short flight time related to the overly low headspeed that you mentioned earlier in the video? Compared to OMP m2's 8 minutes flight time, this Fw200 is almost turning through fuel twice as fast. My concern is that this project is more staffed with computer tech backgrounds, less aerospace knowledge. I know the airfoil of goosky and oxy2 uses good data from NASA's naca series. I am concerned that FW200 staff don't know where to look up optimal cL/cD pitch angle for given Reynold's number/headspeed because they are computer science focused engineers.
I Very aprecciate it!
Hello Mr.Salt. I have a kindly question to you, please. By this helicopter I am fighting with the information about modes possibilities on TX. I am flying left completely cyclic, and right throttle and rudder. How I see it is by this model, with original TX (RTF version) only possible to change the Mode between 1 and 2, so nothing good for me. Am I right please? Regards from CZ/Europe, Vlastimil
What's with the random chain-link fence to nowhere at the 20-or-so minute mark?
Very low flight time unfortunately, has anyone tried other battery installment option for longer flight?, if so can send link on which batteries could be used? Thanks
Muito bom amigo o meu está a caminho vou prescisar de muita ajuda obrigado
Will this need remote ID?
Quick question...my FW200 for some reason it wont go into expert mode when inverted. Every time I set expert in the app it doesnt respond like its in expert, but stays in beginner. Ive tried starting in acro and it still stays in beginner mode. I check the app and each time it says expert...Does anyone have amy suggestions? Btw its the RTF version and controller...
Love your graphic about teaching bad habits! Very true.
Another terrific Video, Thanks for sharing John! From a Price only perspective... What do you think is a better "bang for your buck?"
The OMP M2 V2 or the FW200?
Do you personally feel that having the GPS Module is necessary on a Micro Helo of this size? Thank you very much, my friend. Stay Safe and Stay Healthy! NHL... Flames or Oilers? lol.
Hi Larry, Thanks. OMP M2. I simply don't care for GPS systems on helicopters (of any size). I don't follow hockey, but since I'm an Edmonton native, guess I'll have to root for the blue & orange when it comes to the battle of Oilberta. 🙂
@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks very much John and stay well, my friend!
Hi John, can you do a review on flywing FW450 heli?
Sorry, not planning on it.
Cet helico est il compatible avec la radio x6 de Xk
C’est la radio du k110 d’origine en rtf ?? En s fhSS
Nope, needs an S-FHSS protocol radio with a *minimum of 8 channels* as I show @10:50 along with channel mapping order @ 11:01
@@Rchelicopterfun ok le mieux c’est de l’acheter avec la radio en RTF
Mais vue le prix on pourrais s’achèter un Alzrc ou un sab goblin 380 mais cela reste un choix personel merci de m’avoir répondu jhon merci pour tout vos vidéo qui sont extraordinaire sur les reparation dhelico et conseil
bonne soirées
It is interesting technology, but for just a few dollars more you could buy a M2 Explore and a Radiomaster TX16S.
Exactly 🙂
Great video, thanks John.
If not this robot, then what would be your recommendation for a beginner CP heli? No doubt you have said it elsewhere. I'm guessing the OMP M1 would be up there?
I see your response to this question is in great detail on your website. So, all good.
Hi Rob - Yes, I cover beginner recommendations on my "Best RC Helicopter" Page on my website: www.rchelicopterfun.com/best-rc-helicopter.html
As for the M1, it would be an okay choice only if you are limited on flying space. If you have a larger area to fly in, a bigger heli is almost always going to be better, provided your budget allows the cost increase. Any good collective pitch RC helicopter can be setup to be a great trainer for a beginner.
A little pricy I think but looks cool.
Essentially only get this if you have no actual intention of learning how to fly.
The compass needs to be calibrated for the first flight
It was - as I stated @18:41.
Buy one used and put an ikon mini in it?
Or one could just get a brand new OMP M2 Evo or GooSky S2 (both with very good FBL systems) for even less than a used FW200 and eliminate the hassle.
@@Rchelicopterfun i have the m2, i was just thinking about a way it might be usable
Hello John,I am a beginner enjoying my FW200,Question,when nose out in a eye level hover the Heli leans slightly to the right,is this normal ? if not what is the fix,? Thanks for the great video
Very normal on all helicopters (RC & Full size alike). I cover this in detail on my tail rotor page on my website: www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-helicopter-rudder.html
All helicopters with tail rotors will lean slightly to counter tail rotor translating tendency. The smaller and lighter the heli, generally the greater the lean angle.
@@Rchelicopterfun Thank you very much,appreciate your response and answer
can you bind it with a TS16S? nice vid, nice heli.
Yes, as I said in the video, it uses an S-FHSS protocol receiver.
can you change it to mode 1
From the linked sales page: "Transmitter can be changed to mode 1 /mode 2 freely. The factory default setting is mode 2."
John, is that a current link for the App?
Don't know. Would have to check on FW site.
My FW200 intermittently shakes, do you know what this could be?
Without seeing exactly what it's doing in person to get a better idea of amplitude and frequency of the vibration/shakes, it could be any number of things: Blades too tight in the grips (preventing the blade from lead & lag). Blade grip bearings sticking or worn. Sticking ball link/s. Swashplate intermittently sticking (worn or lack of lubrication). Head axle bent or sticking in dampeners. Lack of head axle lubrication. Main shaft bent. Gain/s too high. Faulty servo/s. CG off. Faulty control system. Head speed too slow for the amount of head dampening used.
Been flying RC helicopters sence 1984, I just do not think modelers nowadays would have the first clue hiw to actually build and fly a true manual helicopter , today everything is handed to them with a silver spoon
Many also lack the attention span to learn or research anything of value; at least that has been my experience as an instructor. Would rather drain what little is left between the ears on their phones with easy & comforting plug in answers void of substance & nuance. We won't even get into their sense of entitlement (yep silver spoon syndrome), but that's another rant for another day 😄
The price just went up $50.00 from two days ago.
50 more reasons to learn how to fly an RC helicopter properly without this GPS nonsense. 👍
Porque el titulo en español y el audio en ingles, que maaal !!!
Copter to quad what more efficient ..fly time per amp grams ..who can fly longer ?
Quads are generally more efficient in terms of the amount of lift produced given the power used for the simple reason they don't have a tail rotor to power to cancel torque. Of course there are other factors such as blade shape, power system, weight, etc.
@@Rchelicopterfun I always though dang ! copters would be a new FPV trend ! but your probably right on this as flight time is lower I guess . VTOL is the new up coming trend it looks like . ty !
*The last thing our hobby needs is FPV helicopters!* That will be the final nail in the coffin for our hobby.
R2D2 !!!
can i PLEASE. get one thing explained? WHY THE HEK. are RC 3D Helicopters MORE expensive than my FUTURE... geeez dude..
I’ve flown RC airplanes for many years. I have an Align 450 collective heli .. this thing is nearly “unflyable” .. no inherent stability in flight .. hovering is like trying to balance a marble at the top of a dome .. when the wind blows, it balloons up. How anyone gets proficient with these is a mystery.
Yep, you just described exactly how a collective pitch heli behaves *"balancing on the top of a dome"* and the exact metaphor I use on my website page describing the basic hover: www.rchelicopterfun.com/are-rc-helicopters-hard-to-fly.html
Yes, as MAAC heli instructor, I naturally love it when I get to see students experience that eureka moment. Something most will never forget as long as they live.
"How anyone gets proficient?" The exact same way anyone learns any balancing skill such as riding a bike or skiing. Practice in small progressive, skill building steps, as the control and correction commands become second nature. Great thing with helicopters is you can learn with little risk staying very close to the ground, unlike a plane where you are committed to flight the moment you rotate.
Setup plays a huge roll as well as training gear. You will never learn (easily anyway) if the heli is setup for sport or 3D, it has to be setup for learning on with tame pitch & throttle curves and cyclic/anti-torque rates. That is metaphorically the same as trying to learn to ski on a double black tree or mogul run vs learning on the bunny hill.
The reward of learning how to properly fly a collective pitch RC helicopter of course speaks for itself. It's why so many of us are addicted to that accomplishment and never ending learning curve.
So are you saying compared to OMPHOBBY M2 this one is NOT as good?
I’m contemplating the M2 vs this one. Having to get my own radio paired and set has scared me away from non-rtr set ups. Time to take the leap….I know! Appreciate any help.
Depends if want the artifical gps experience or a true collective pitch rc helicopter flying experience. As an instructor, you know my recommendation.
Yes I know what you’d say;) Well I’ve been flying helicopters before drones came out, just not acrobatic. I call it controlled flying. Haha. But I don’t know why I’m even trying the gps mode. Thanks for the insight.
The idea of gps is pretty cool, however I'm on the same mindset as you. I personally think it gives beginner heli pilots I guess you could say a false sense of skill.
Along with the introduction of hard to break habits if they then decide to progress in the hobby.
GPS is for drones not helis, no use for it. I feel self leveling is enough for a beginner. Bad habits that will be hard to break. Like learning to drive an automatic car vs stick shift.
Should be called the BH200 instead of FW200. BH meaning Bad Habits.
This is an expensive heli! I guess the GPS capabilities makes the cost higher.
Yep
400£ for a toy like this omg t-rex 500 cost 400 used :/
False equivalence. Used vs new, standard stabilization vs autopilot.
Let's instead look at the price of what that new T-rex 500 Super Combo back in the day cost ($800 USD), paired with both a Naza H GPS system ($450 USD) and if we could, we would also have to install a Captron Heli Command Rigid ($600 USD) to give the visual positioning ability. Totaling $1850 USD, and that is excluding the costs of getting a receiver, a 6S LiPo pack and the radio.
Of course that comparison is as nonsensical as a your used 500 one is because the cost of this technology has dropped substantially and they are very different sized helicopters, but we would have a hands off flying new 500 both inside and outside.
You don't have to like these autopilot systems (I don't either) but why introduce a logical fallacy? Why not make better apple to apple comparisons such a new OMP M2 ($400 USD) or a new Mikado Logo 200 ($600 USD) to draw a comparison? Neither of course have GPS or visual autopilot systems like the FW200 does (they instead have wonderful feeling and flying flybarless systems) and you still need to add the radio to the cost, but at least the overall comparison would be more accurate. All of a sudden, the FW200 is a bargain.