4 and 6 channel RC helicopters

4 and 6 channel RC helicopters

by Joe Bisping
(Las Vegas, NV)

In non-3D mode what is the difference between a 4 and 6 channel rc helicopter as far as difficulty?
I am a beginner with a 6 channel rc helicopter ( don't ask, I have two brand new ones - what a waste!). Too hard to fly... Should I start with a 4 channel, and why?

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4 and 6 channel RC helicopters

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Jan 21, 2009

4 or 6 channel rc helicopter
by: Pete

A 4 channel Fixed Pitch rc helicopter is an easier introduction to flying a model helicopter; you get all the right controls and can fly the heli around normally, hover etc.
6 channel helicopters are more complicated but will give you smoother and better flying characteristics. Quite often the 5th and 6th channels found on more complex helicopters are used for throttle settings and in-air gyro adjusting, for example.
6 ch helicopters have Collective Pitch which gives you smoother altitude control than a 4 ch Fixed Pitch model, which only relies on main motor speed to control altitude.
6 channel helicopters are serious business and aren't a good choice for beginners, unless you intend to be instructed on how to fly by an experienced pilot, or use an rc flight simulator to train on. Even 4 channel FP helis are hard enough to begin with!
The easiest option is a 3 channel co-axial rc helicopter, such as E-flite's Blade CX2. These are very stable and can be flown out the box, but are a bit limited in their abilities.

Feb 28, 2010

4ch
by: Anonymous

I agree. But as far as a 3 channel goes all you're really going to learn how to do is to hover. You can't do very much forward flight with them and try to bank it and it's over. You can't correct out of a bank with a 3ch coaxial. I would say work on the trainer and start with a fixed pitch 4 channel.

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