questions → remote control helicopters: infrared or radio?

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Remote control helicopters: infrared or radio?

Jun 20, 2012 1:43 PM

I'm thinking about getting one of those little remote control helicopters to tool around with at home (and work?!) and wanted to gather some thoughts on infrared- vs. radio-controlled. It seems all the cheaper choppers are infrared. I don't want to spend very much, but I also don't want the copter to crash when the infrared loses a line of sight. What kinds have you purchased and what are your thoughts on them?

jwildman16 jwildman16

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RF is the way to go. IR has problems in very bright sunlight, has range problems, and cannot go behind objects.

cengland0 cengland0
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Okay, so RF - What price range am I looking at for one that's not tiny?

jwildman16 jwildman16
vote-for3vote-against

@jwildman16: you're looking at anywhere from around $50 on up. here's one for around $50:

http://www.amazon.com/Newest-Volitation-Channel-Outdoor-Helicopter/dp/B004PBJPN8

carl669 carl669
vote-for2vote-against

@carl669: Thanks! That one looks pretty sweet. Looking at the reviews, it seems that with a few minor adjustments, you can fly it a lot more reliably.

Anyone have other RF models you've had success with?

jwildman16 jwildman16
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No question that RF is the way to go.. infrared is just more cost effective.. just doesn't work as well.

druke druke
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@jwildman16: best bet is to go to your local hobby store and give them your price range and experience level. they should be able to match you up with a good model.

carl669 carl669
vote-for2vote-against

Be careful with the infrared ones. The remote turns on my TV all the time. ><

chadmoran chadmoran
vote-for1vote-against

RF FTW.

jsimsace jsimsace

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